Devine Scripture

Genesis 15:16

What does Genesis 15:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 15:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 15:16 means

God reveals that Abram's descendants will return to the promised land in the "fourth generation." The delay is explained by the crucial statement that "the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full." This signifies God's divine justice and patience, waiting for the wickedness of the inhabitants of Canaan to reach its full measure before dispossessing them. It underscores that God’s timing is perfect, governed by His righteousness, and implies that the land will be given at a time of His choosing.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in the fourth generation they will come back here; for at present the sin of the Amorite is not full.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the fourth generation doth turn back hither, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But in the fourth generation they shall return hither: for as yet the iniquities of the Amorrhites are not at the full until this present time.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And [in the] fourth generation they shall come hither again; for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

Context

Following the promises of judgment on the oppressor and Abram's personal peace, this verse provides the timeline for his descendants returning to the land. The reason for the delay, tied to the "iniquity of the Amorite," is critically important. This explanation justifies God's timing and prepares the reader for the subsequent reaffirmation of the land boundaries, showing God's sovereign plan unfolding incrementally and justly.

v.15But thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

v.16This passage

v.17And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace, and a flaming torch that passed between these pieces.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 23:32

    Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:16

    forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always: but the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

  • 1 Kings 21:26

    And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites did, whom Jehovah cast out before the children of Israel.)

  • Zechariah 5:5

    Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.

  • Daniel 8:23

    And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

  • 2 Peter 3:8

    But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

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