Devine Scripture

Genesis 22:18

What does Genesis 22:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 22:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 22:18 means

The pinnacle of God's promise is revealed: through Abraham's "seed," all the nations of the earth will be blessed. This points directly to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the singular "Seed" (Galatians 3:16) through whom salvation and blessing extend to all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike. This universal blessing is explicitly tied to Abraham's profound obedience to God's voice, highlighting the eternal significance of his faith and actions for the entire world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And your seed will be a blessing to all the nations of the earth, because you have done what I gave you orders to do.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and blessed themselves in thy seed have all nations of the earth, because that thou hast hearkened to My voice.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves, because thou hast hearkened to my voice.

Context

This verse presents the supreme blessing of the covenant, building directly on the promise of numerous descendants. It expands the scope of the blessing beyond Abraham's immediate progeny to encompass all humanity, underscoring the redemptive purpose of his lineage. This prophetic declaration leads directly into the conclusion of the Abrahamic narrative within this chapter, showing the completion of God's interaction with him on Moriah.

v.17that 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;

v.18This passage

v.19So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba.

Cross references

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

  • Jeremiah 7:23

    but this thing I commanded them, saying, Hearken unto my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people; and walk ye in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.

  • Genesis 22:3

    And Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he clave the wood for the burnt-offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

  • 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.

  • 1 Samuel 2:30

    Therefore Jehovah, the God of Israel, saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now Jehovah saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

  • Genesis 22:10

    And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

  • Galatians 3:18

    For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise: but God hath granted it to Abraham by promise.

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