Devine Scripture

Genesis 15:8

What does Genesis 15:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 15:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 15:8 means

Even after God's powerful affirmation in verse 7, Abram, not out of doubt in God's power, but seemingly seeking a tangible confirmation or sign consistent with ancient covenant practices, asks, "whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?" This question indicates a desire for assurance and a concrete guarantee for the fulfillment of the land promise. It shows Abram's human need for a visible confirmation, despite his earlier belief concerning his seed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said, O Lord Jehovah, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said, Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said, O Lord Jehovah, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, O Lord God, how may I be certain that it will be mine?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he saith, `Lord Jehovah, whereby do I know that I possess it?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he said: Lord God, whereby may I know that I shall possess it?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said, Lord Jehovah, how shall I know that I shall possess it?

Context

This verse marks a shift, as Abram, having responded with faith regarding his seed, now seeks confirmation for the promise of the land, which God just reaffirmed in verse 7. His question is not one of unbelief, but a request for a sign to solidify the promise. This inquiry directly leads to God instituting the solemn covenant cutting ceremony detailed in the subsequent verses, providing the tangible assurance Abram sought.

v.7And he said unto him, I am Jehovah that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.

v.8This passage

v.9And he said unto him, Take me a heifer three years old, and a she-goat three years old, and a ram three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.

Cross references

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

  • Judges 6:36

    And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast spoken,

  • 1 Samuel 14:9

    If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.

  • Luke 1:34

    And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

  • Isaiah 7:11

    Ask thee a sign of Jehovah thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

  • Judges 6:17

    And he said unto him, If now I have found favor in thy sight, then show me a sign that it is thou that talkest with me.

  • Luke 1:18

    And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

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