Devine Scripture

Genesis 17:2

What does Genesis 17:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 17:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 17:2 means

God then explicitly reiterated His intention to establish His covenant with Abram and to greatly increase his descendants. This promise echoes earlier declarations of an abundant offspring, yet now it is framed within the context of God's renewed covenant. The phrase "multiply thee exceedingly" underscores the vastness of God's plan for Abram's lineage, assuring him that despite his advanced age, God's promise of numerous descendants would indeed come to pass. This was a direct answer to Abram's unspoken anxieties about an heir through whom God's promises would flow.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I will make an agreement between you and me, and your offspring will be greatly increased.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I give My covenant between Me and thee, and multiply thee very exceedingly.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I will make my covenant between me and thee: and I will multiply thee exceedingly.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I will set my covenant between me and thee, and will very greatly multiply thee.

Context

Following God's self-revelation as "God Almighty" and the command for Abram to walk perfectly before Him (v. 1), this verse immediately transitions into the core message of the divine appearance: the reaffirmation and expansion of the covenant. It introduces the theme of multiplication, which will be further elaborated in the subsequent verses with new details and a significant sign. This sets the expectation for specific covenant terms that God is about to reveal.

v.1And 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.

v.2This passage

v.3And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 105:8

    He hath remembered his covenant for ever, The word which he commanded to a thousand generations,

  • Genesis 22:17

    that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the sea-shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

  • Genesis 9:9

    And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;

  • Genesis 17:4

    As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations.

  • Genesis 13:16

    And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then may thy seed also be numbered.

  • Genesis 12:2

    and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing:

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 17:2.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary