Devine Scripture

Genesis 15:2

What does Genesis 15:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 15:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 15:2 means

Abram, despite God's reassuring words, voices his deep concern about his childlessness. He points out his lack of an heir from his own body, noting that Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in his household, is currently the one designated to inherit his possessions. This reveals the immense cultural importance of having an heir to carry on the family line and legacy, and Abram's personal anguish over this unfulfilled promise. His question, "what wilt thou give me?" implies that even great material blessings would lack true significance without a descendant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Abram said, O Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Abram said, O Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Abram said, What will you give me? for I have no child and this Eliezer of Damascus will have all my wealth after me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abram saith, `Lord Jehovah, what dost Thou give to me, and I am going childless? and an acquired son in my house is Demmesek Eliezer.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Abram said: Lord God, what wilt thou give me? I shall go without children: and the son of the steward of my house is this Damascus Eliezer.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abram said, Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me? seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus.

Context

This verse directly follows God's initial promise of being Abram's shield and great reward. Abram's response immediately shifts the focus to his central anxiety: the lack of an heir. This sets up the unfolding dialogue where God directly addresses this concern, leading to the pivotal promise of a biological son and numerous descendants. Abram's vulnerability here makes God's subsequent promise all the more impactful.

v.1After these things the word of Jehovah came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

v.2This passage

v.3And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 56:5

    Unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

  • Genesis 25:21

    And Isaac entreated Jehovah for his wife, because she was barren: and Jehovah was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

  • Acts 7:5

    and he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: and he promised that he would give it to him in possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

  • 1 Samuel 1:11

    And she vowed a vow, and said, O Jehovah of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thy handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thy handmaid, but wilt give unto thy handmaid a man-child, then I will give him unto Jehovah all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

  • Genesis 12:1

    Now Jehovah said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto the land that I will show thee:

  • Proverbs 17:2

    A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.

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