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Genesis 15:16

Genesis 15:16 in Multiple Translations

In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.

And in the fourth generation they will come back here; for at present the sin of the Amorite is not full.

Four generations later your descendants will come back here to live, because right now the sins of the Amorites have not reached their full extent.”

And in the fourth generation they shall come hither againe: for the wickednes of the Amorites is not yet full.

and the fourth generation doth turn back hither, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.'

In the fourth generation they will come here again, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.”

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

But in the fourth generation they shall return hither: for as yet the iniquities of the Amorrhites are not at the full until this present time.

After your descendants have been slaves for 400 years, they will return here, and take control of this land and defeat the Amor people-group. Those people will, because those people have not yet sinned enough to deserve to be punished now.”

And I will bring your family back here to this country. You see, the Amor tribe that are here in this country now, they do really bad things, and they are getting worse and worse. But I will not punish them yet. I will punish them later, after your grand-kids grow up and have grand-kids. Then I will do payback to the mob in this country for the bad things that they do. I will take their country from them, and I will give it to your family.” That’s what God told Abram.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 15:16

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 15:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/ד֥וֹר רְבִיעִ֖י יָשׁ֣וּבוּ הֵ֑נָּה כִּ֧י לֹא שָׁלֵ֛ם עֲוֺ֥ן הָ/אֱמֹרִ֖י עַד הֵֽנָּה
וְ/ד֥וֹר dôwr H1755 generation Conj | N-ms
רְבִיעִ֖י rᵉbîyʻîy H7243 fourth Adj
יָשׁ֣וּבוּ shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
הֵ֑נָּה hênnâh H2008 here/thus Adv
כִּ֧י kîy H3588 for Conj
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
שָׁלֵ֛ם shâlêm H8003 complete Adj
עֲוֺ֥ן ʻâvôn H5771 iniquity N-cs
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֖י ʼĔmôrîy H567 Amorite Art | Ngmsa
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
הֵֽנָּה hênnâh H2008 here/thus Adv
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 15:16

וְ/ד֥וֹר dôwr H1755 "generation" Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
רְבִיעִ֖י rᵉbîyʻîy H7243 "fourth" Adj
This Hebrew word means fourth, and is used to describe something that is four-sided or divided into four parts, like a square or a quarter.
Definition: 1) fourth 1a) fourth 1b) four square 1c) fourth part Aramaic equivalent: re.vi.ay (רְבִיעִי "fourth" H7244)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: foursquare, fourth (part). See also: Genesis 1:19; 1 Chronicles 8:2; Jeremiah 25:1.
יָשׁ֣וּבוּ shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
הֵ֑נָּה hênnâh H2008 "here/thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Definition: here, there, now, hither
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.
כִּ֧י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁלֵ֛ם shâlêm H8003 "complete" Adj
Complete means being whole, safe, and at peace, like the covenant relationship between God and his people. It's used to describe something or someone that is perfect and unharmed. The Bible uses this word to talk about keeping promises and being faithful.
Definition: 1) complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full, at peace 1a) complete 1a1) full, perfect 1a2) finished 1b) safe, unharmed 1c) peace (of covenant of peace, mind) 1c1) perfect, complete (of keeping covenant relation)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect(-ed), quiet, Shalem (by mistake for a name), whole. See also: Genesis 15:16; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Proverbs 11:1.
עֲוֺ֥ן ʻâvôn H5771 "iniquity" N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֖י ʼĔmôrîy H567 "Amorite" Art | Ngmsa
An Amorite is a member of a Canaanite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 10:16, descended from Canaan. The Israelites displaced them as they entered the Promised Land.
Definition: Someone descended from Amor(?), first mentioned at Gen.10.16; descended from Canaan (H3667); along with Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § Amorite = "a sayer" one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: Amorite. See also: Genesis 10:16; Joshua 9:1; Psalms 135:11.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הֵֽנָּה hênnâh H2008 "here/thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Definition: here, there, now, hither
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.

Study Notes — Genesis 15:16

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 21:26 He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.)
2 Daniel 8:23 In the latter part of their reign, when the rebellion has reached its full measure, an insolent king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne.
3 Exodus 12:40 Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years.
4 1 Thessalonians 2:16 hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.
5 Matthew 23:32–35 Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers. You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell? Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute in town after town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.
6 2 Peter 3:8–9 Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
7 Zechariah 5:5–11 Then the angel who was speaking with me came forward and told me, “Now lift up your eyes and see what is approaching.” “What is it?” I asked. And he replied, “A measuring basket is going forth.” Then he continued, “This is their iniquity in all the land.” And behold, the cover of lead was raised, and there was a woman sitting inside the basket. “This is Wickedness,” he said. And he shoved her down into the basket, pushing down the lead cover over its opening. Then I lifted up my eyes and saw two women approaching, with the wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth. “Where are they taking the basket?” I asked the angel who was speaking with me. “To build a house for it in the land of Shinar, ” he told me. “And when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its pedestal.”

Genesis 15:16 Summary

This verse tells us that God had a plan to bring Abraham's descendants back to the land, but He was waiting for the right moment. The Amorites, who were living in the land, had not yet reached the full measure of their sin, and God was patient, waiting for that moment to judge them (as seen in Genesis 15:16 and supported by Romans 2:4). This verse helps us understand that God's timing is perfect, and He is always working to fulfill His promises, just like He did with Abraham (Genesis 15:18). It encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing in our own lives, just as Abraham did.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete?

This means that the Amorites had not yet reached the full measure of their sin, and God was waiting for that moment to judge them, as seen in Genesis 15:16 and supported by the concept of God's patience in Romans 2:4.

Why did God wait for the fourth generation to return to the land?

God's timing is perfect, and He was waiting for the right moment to fulfill His promise to Abraham, taking into account the sin of the Amorites and the growth of Abraham's descendants, as mentioned in Genesis 15:16 and Exodus 32:34.

What is the significance of the fourth generation in this context?

The fourth generation is likely a reference to the time it would take for Abraham's descendants to grow and multiply, and for the Amorites to reach the full measure of their sin, after which God would bring judgment and give the land to Abraham's descendants, as seen in Genesis 15:16 and supported by the concept of generations in Psalm 90:1.

How does this verse relate to God's covenant with Abraham?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, in which God promises to give him and his descendants the land, as seen in Genesis 15:18, and this verse provides a crucial detail about the timing and circumstances of that promise.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's patience and timing in fulfilling His promises?
  2. How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and judgment in the Bible, and what does it say about God's character?
  3. What can we learn from Abraham's faith and trust in God's promises, despite the uncertainty of the timing?
  4. How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing in our own lives?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:16

And in the fourth generation they shall come hither again,.... The seed of Abram were in the land of Canaan before their descent into Egypt; and it is here predicted and promised, that they should

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:16

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:16

In the fourth generation; in the end of the four hundred years mentioned , a generation being at that time reckoned at one hundred years, or thereabouts. Or, in the fourth generation numbered from their going into Egypt, or from their leaving Canaan; which may possibly be implied by these words, they shall come hither. So Caleb was the fourth from Judah, and Moses the fourth from Levi, and so doubtless many others. The iniquity of the Amorites, i.e. of the people inhabiting Canaan. And the Amorites, one of those people, , are here put for all the rest, as , either because they were the greatest and stoutest of all, , or because Abram dwelt among that people, 14:13. All men’ s sins are kept by God as in a book of remembrance, not one of them is lost; and as God exactly observes the number and measure of men’ s sins, so he determines within himself how far and how long he will bear with sinful men or nations, and what shall be the period of his patience; and when that comes, their measure is full, and their destruction infallibly comes. See .

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:16

Genesis 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.Ver. 16. The iniquity of the Amorites, &c.] A metaphor from a large vessel filled by drops; as elsewhere, from a harvest ready for the sickle, and from the vine ripe for the winepress. Pererius the Jesuit, writing upon this text, saith, If any marvel why England continueth to flourish, notwithstanding the cruel persecution of Catholics there (just execution of Catholics he should have said); I answer, Because their sin is not yet full. God grant it! Sed veniet tandem iniquitatis complementum , saith he. A true prophet, I fear me. That terrible text rings in mine ears, "An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold it is come, it is come."

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:16

(16) The fourth generation.—Heb., dôr. (See Note on Genesis 6:9.) As the four generations are identical with the four centuries of Gen 15:13, we have here an undesigned testimony to the long duration of human life. So Abram was 100 years old when Isaac was born, and Isaac was 60 at the birth of his children, and Jacob 64 years of age at his marriage. But the word dôr had probably come down from a remote antiquity, and, like the Latin word seculum, signified a century. The iniquity of the Amorites.—As the chief and leading tribe, they are used here for all the Canaanite nations. We learn from this declaration that the Canaanites were not extirpated by any wilful decree to make room for Israel, but as an act of justice, like that which, because of their moral depravity, overwhelmed the Sethites with a flood. So, subsequently, Israel and Judah had each to bear a punishment in accordance with their sinfulness; and so, throughout the history of the world, whenever nations settle down in vice and corruption, the decay of their institutions follows upon that of their morals, and they either waste away or give place to some more manly race of conquerors. The conquest of Canaan by Israel was parallel to that of the enervated Roman empire of the West by the Germans; only we see the preparation for it. and God’s purpose explained; and we also see that if the Amorites had not made the scale of justice weigh down heavily, they would not have been deprived of their country.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 15:16

Verse 16. In the fourth generation] In former times most people counted by generations, to each of which was assigned a term of years amounting to 20, 25, 30, 33, 100, 108, or 110; for the generation was of various lengths among various people, at different times. It is probable that the fourth generation here means the same as the four hundred years in the preceding verse. Some think it refers to the time when Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the son of Amram, the son of Kohath, came out of Egypt, and divided the land of Canaan to Israel, Joshua 14:1. Others think the fourth generation of the Amorites is intended, because it is immediately added, The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full; but in the fourth generation they should be expelled, and the descendants of Abram established in their place. From these words we learn that there is a certain pitch of iniquity to which nations may arrive before they are destroyed, and beyond which Divine justice does not permit them to pass.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:16

16. in the fourth generation] This agrees with the genealogy in Exodus 6:16-20, where the generations are: (1) Levi, (2) Kohath, (3) Amram, (4) Moses. If the fourth generation is to be harmonized with the 400 years in Genesis 15:13, a generation must have been computed as 100 years. Isaac was born in Abram’s 100th year. But it may be doubted, whether the mention of “the fourth generation” comes from the same hand as “the 400 years” in Genesis 15:13. for the iniquity of the Amorite] The idea is that the wickedness of the people of Canaan must reach a certain degree, before the Divine penalty can be inflicted. The postponement of the penalty, which indicates Divine forbearance, means also a terrible, but gradual, accumulation of guilt. For the iniquity of the Amorites, cf. Genesis 13:13, Leviticus 18:24-30, Deuteronomy 9:5. On the Amorite, see Genesis 10:16.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:16

16. In the fourth generation — Evidently reckoning one hundred years as an average generation among these patriarchs. For the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full — Another sentence of profound significance.

Sermons on Genesis 15:16

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 15:11-21 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and God's covenant with him. The preacher highlights the unusual nature of this covenant, where God promises something w
Jonathan Edwards When the Wicked Shall Have Filled Up the Measure of Their Sin, Wrath Will Come Upon Them to the Uttermost by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches about the consequences of continuing in sin and filling up the measure of one's sins, leading to the ultimate wrath of God coming upon them to the uttermo
Jack Hyles Russian Roulette by Jack Hyles Jack Hyles preaches about the spiritual Russian Roulette many play, more dangerous than any man-made game, highlighting the certainty of facing three set dates in life: the coming
George Kulp The Optimism of Faith by George Kulp George Kulp preaches about the importance of having open eyes and a vision from God, using examples from history and the Bible to illustrate how those who trust in God's promises a
Edward Payson Why the Wicked Are Spared for a Season. by Edward Payson Edward Payson preaches about God's patience in waiting for sinners to fill up the measure of their iniquity before executing judgment, emphasizing that every impenitent sinner is c
Robert Wurtz II The Outpouring of the Holy Ghost (Part 3) by Robert Wurtz II Robert Wurtz II preaches on the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, focusing on the Holy Spirit's role in convincing the world of judgment to come. He delves into the concept of judgment
Willie Mullan (Men God Made) Daniel by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of fasting and its importance in the Christian faith. The speaker emphasizes that fasting is not just about abstaining from food,

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