Devine Scripture

Genesis 17:4

What does Genesis 17:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 17:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 17:4 means

God continued, emphasizing the definitive nature of the covenant by stating, "As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee." This covenant, now explicitly stated, promises Abram that he will become the "father of a multitude of nations." This expands upon previous promises of numerous descendants, now specifying that his offspring will be so vast as to form multiple nations. This promise transcends a simple biological lineage, pointing to a spiritual paternity that would encompass many peoples, laying groundwork for the future inclusion of Gentiles through Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

As for me, my agreement is made with you, and you will be the father of nations without end.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`I--lo, My covenant <FI>is<Fi> with thee, and thou hast become father of a multitude of nations;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And God said to him: I am, and my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

It is I: behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of a multitude of nations.

Context

This verse directly builds upon the covenant re-establishment presented in verses 2 and 3. After Abram's act of humility, God proceeds to outline a central aspect of the covenant: the promise of a vast number of descendants forming many nations. This declaration sets the stage for the significant name change in the following verse, showing how Abram's new identity will align with this expansive divine promise. It underscores the scope of God's plan for him.

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

v.4This passage

v.5Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 3:28

    There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.

  • Genesis 16:10

    And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

  • 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 25:1

    And Abraham took another wife, and her name was Keturah.

  • Romans 4:11

    and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them;

  • Numbers 1:1

    And Jehovah spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

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