Devine Scripture

Genesis 15:9

What does Genesis 15:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 15:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 15:9 means

In response to Abram's request for a sign, God instructs him to prepare a series of animals: a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon. The age of the animals suggests prime sacrificial condition. These specific animals are to be used in a covenant-making ritual. This instruction initiates the solemn, ancient Near Eastern custom of "cutting a covenant," which visually and ritually demonstrates the seriousness of the divine promise to Abram concerning the land.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, Take a young cow of three years old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a sheep of three years old, and a dove and a young pigeon.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And He saith unto him, `Take for Me a heifer of three years, and a she-goat of three years, and a ram of three years, and a turtle-dove, and a young bird;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Lord answered, and said: Take me a cow of three years old, and a she-goat of three years. and a ram of three years, a turtle also, and a pigeon.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse directly follows Abram's request for a sign to assure him of the land inheritance. God's immediate response is to initiate a specific ritual involving animals. This command sets the stage for the dramatic covenant ceremony that will unfold, providing Abram with the tangible assurance he sought and highlighting the gravity and permanency of God's commitment to His promises.

v.8And he said, O Lord Jehovah, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?

v.9This passage

v.10And he took him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each half over against the other: but the birds divided he not.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 22:13

    And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son.

  • Leviticus 9:4

    and an ox and a ram for peace-offerings, to sacrifice before Jehovah; and a meal-offering mingled with oil: for to-day Jehovah appeareth unto you.

  • Leviticus 1:14

    And if his oblation to Jehovah be a burnt-offering of birds, then he shall offer his oblation of turtle-doves, or of young pigeons.

  • Luke 2:24

    and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

  • Leviticus 1:3

    If his oblation be a burnt-offering of the herd, he shall offer it a male without blemish: he shall offer it at the door of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before Jehovah.

  • Leviticus 14:30

    And he shall offer one of the turtle-doves, or of the young pigeons, such as he is able to get,

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