Devine Scripture

Genesis 17:1

What does Genesis 17:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 17:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 17:1 means

After a thirteen-year silence since the birth of Ishmael, God once again appeared to Abram, who was now ninety-nine years old. God introduced Himself as "God Almighty" (El Shaddai), emphasizing His power and sufficiency to fulfill His promises. He commanded Abram to live a life of integrity and faithfulness before Him. This appearance marked a new, elevated stage in their covenant relationship, requiring a renewed commitment from Abram to walk blamelessly in God's presence, trusting in the Almighty's ability to bring about all He had sworn.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord came to him, and said, I am God, Ruler of all; go in my ways and be upright in all things,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abram is a son of ninety and nine years, and Jehovah appeareth unto Abram, and saith unto him, `I <FI>am<Fi> God Almighty, walk habitually before Me, and be thou perfect;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after he began to be ninety and nine years old, the Lord appeared to him: and said unto him: I am the Almighty God: walk before me, and be perfect.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abram was ninety-nine years old, when Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said to him, I [am] the AlmightyGod: walk before my face, and be perfect.

Context

This verse opens a new chapter in Abram's life and the ongoing covenant narrative. It comes after a significant gap of thirteen years since the events of Genesis 16, where Abram and Sarai had, by human means, attempted to fulfill the divine promise of an heir. This re-engagement from God signals a major development, with God initiating the conversation and setting the stage for the expansion of His covenant promises to Abram.

v.1This passage

v.2And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 23:1

    And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day.

  • Psalms 115:3

    But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever he pleased.

  • Acts 24:16

    Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.

  • Genesis 35:11

    And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

  • Numbers 11:23

    And Jehovah said unto Moses, Is Jehovah’s hand waxed short? now shalt thou see whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

  • 1 Kings 2:4

    that Jehovah may establish his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 17

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 17.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 17:1.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary