Devine Scripture

Genesis 17:21

What does Genesis 17:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 17:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 17:21 means

God unequivocally reaffirmed that His "covenant will I establish with Isaac," specifically identifying him as the son whom "Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year." This statement leaves no room for doubt or alternative interpretations regarding the covenant heir. The meticulous detail of "this set time in the next year" provides a precise timeline, making the fulfillment of the promise measurable and undeniable. This certainty underscores God's faithfulness and His sovereign control over the unfolding of His divine plan, highlighting Isaac's unique place as the vessel of the divine covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But my agreement will be with Isaac, to whom Sarah will give birth a year from this time.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and My covenant I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah doth bear to thee at this appointed time in the next year;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sara shall bring forth to thee at this time in the next year.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to thee at this appointed time in the next year.

Context

This verse serves as a definitive re-statement, leaving absolutely no ambiguity about the covenant's path. After blessing Ishmael (v. 20), God brings the focus back to Isaac, stating clearly that the covenant will be established *with him* and, crucially, provides a precise timeframe for his birth. This solidifies Isaac's unique role and the miraculous nature of his coming. The clarity provided here transitions the narrative from divine pronouncements to Abraham's immediate and obedient response, which will follow in the subsequent verses.

v.20And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

v.21This passage

v.22And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 9:5

    whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

  • Galatians 3:29

    And if ye are Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.

  • Hebrews 11:9

    By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

  • Luke 1:55

    (As he spake unto our fathers) Toward Abraham and his seed for ever.

  • Acts 1:7

    And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within his own authority.

  • Romans 9:9

    For this is a word of promise, According to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.

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