Devine Scripture

Genesis 17:3

What does Genesis 17:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 17:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 17:3 means

In response to God's powerful declaration and command, Abram humbly prostrated himself before the Lord. This act of falling on his face visually demonstrates Abram's reverence, submission, and awe in the presence of the Almighty God. It signifies his complete acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and authority over his life and the covenant. This posture of worship and humility prepares Abram to receive the momentous details that God is about to reveal concerning the future of his family and the covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Abram went down on his face on the earth, and the Lord God went on talking with him, and said,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abram falleth upon his face, and God speaketh with him, saying,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Abram fell flat on his face.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abram fell on his face; andGod talked with him, saying,

Context

Abram's humble response in this verse follows God's powerful self-identification and initial covenant promises in verses 1 and 2. His prostration is a mark of profound reverence, acknowledging the weight and majesty of God's words. It signifies his readiness to listen and sets a solemn tone for the detailed covenant pronouncements that God is about to deliver to him in the verses that follow, highlighting the sacred nature of the conversation.

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

v.3This passage

v.4As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Kings 18:39

    And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, Jehovah, he is God; Jehovah, he is God.

  • Exodus 3:6

    Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

  • Daniel 8:17

    So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was affrighted, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man; for the vision belongeth to the time of the end.

  • Numbers 14:5

    Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

  • Joshua 5:14

    And he said, Nay; but as prince of the host of Jehovah am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

  • Daniel 10:9

    Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.

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