Devine Scripture

Genesis 17:9

What does Genesis 17:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 17:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 17:9 means

Having detailed His solemn commitments, God now turned to Abraham's role, stating, "As for thee, thou shalt keep my covenant, thou, and thy seed after thee throughout their generations." This establishes the reciprocal nature of the covenant: while God makes unbreakable promises, humanity is called to a faithful response. Abraham and his descendants were not passive recipients but were held accountable to actively participate in maintaining their side of the covenant. This foreshadows humanity's continued need to respond to God's grace with obedience, a pattern found throughout Scripture and culminating in faith and obedience to Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And God said unto Abraham, And as for thee, thou shalt keep my covenant, thou, and thy seed after thee throughout their generations.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And God said unto Abraham, And as for thee, thou shalt keep my covenant, thou, and thy seed after thee throughout their generations.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And God said to Abraham, On your side, you are to keep the agreement, you and your seed after you through all generations.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And God saith unto Abraham, `And thou dost keep My covenant, thou and thy seed after thee, to their generations;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Again God said to Abraham: And thou therefore shalt keep my covenant, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

AndGod said to Abraham, And [as for] thee, thou shalt keep my covenant, thou and thy seed after thee in their generations.

Context

After God extensively detailed His promises to Abraham and his descendants, including the everlasting covenant and the land (verses 4-8), this verse shifts to Abraham's responsibility. It marks the transition from God's declarations to Abraham's required response. This sets the stage for the concrete sign of the covenant—circumcision—which will be introduced in the following verses as the specific act of obedience Abraham and his seed must perform, clearly defining their role in keeping the covenant.

v.8And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

v.9This passage

v.10This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee: every male among you shall be circumcised.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 56:4

    For thus saith Jehovah of the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant:

  • Psalms 103:18

    To such as keep his covenant, And to those that remember his precepts to do them.

  • Psalms 25:10

    All the paths of Jehovah are lovingkindness and truth Unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

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