Genesis 15:5
Genesis 15:5 in Multiple Translations
And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.”
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and number the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
And he took him out into the open air, and said to him, Let your eyes be lifted to heaven, and see if the stars may be numbered; even so will your seed be.
The Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up at the sky. See if you can count the stars! That's how many descendants you will have!”
Moreouer he brought him forth and said, Looke vp nowe vnto heauen, and tell ye starres, if thou be able to number them: and he said vnto him, So shall thy seede be.
and He bringeth him out without, and saith, 'Look attentively, I pray thee, towards the heavens, and count the stars, if thou art able to count them;' and He saith to him, 'Thus is thy seed.'
The LORD brought him outside, and said, “Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He said to Abram, “So your offspring will be.”
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now towards heaven, and tell the stars, if thou art able to number them: and he said to him, So shall thy seed be.
And he brought him forth abroad, and said to him: Look up to heaven and number the stars, if thou canst. And he said to him: So shall thy seed be.
Then Yahweh took Abram outside of his tent and said, “Look up at the sky! Can you count the stars? No, you cannot count them because there are so many of them, and your descendants will be as numerous as the stars.”
Then God took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and try to count all those stars. There are a lot of stars. You can’t count them all. Well, you will have a son, and later on lots of people will be born into his family, and later on they will be a real big family. And just like nobody can count the stars, nobody will be able to count all your family.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 15:5
BAB
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 15:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יּוֹצֵ֨א
אֹת֜/וֹ
הַ/ח֗וּצָ/ה
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
הַבֶּט
נָ֣א
הַ/שָּׁמַ֗יְמָ/ה
וּ/סְפֹר֙
הַ/כּ֣וֹכָבִ֔ים
אִם
תּוּכַ֖ל
לִ/סְפֹּ֣ר
אֹתָ֑/ם
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ל֔/וֹ
כֹּ֥ה
יִהְיֶ֖ה
זַרְעֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יּוֹצֵ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹת֜/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
הַ/ח֗וּצָ/ה
chûwts
H2351
outside
Art | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַבֶּט
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
הַ/שָּׁמַ֗יְמָ/ה
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp | Suff
וּ/סְפֹר֙
çâphar
H5608
to recount
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הַ/כּ֣וֹכָבִ֔ים
kôwkâb
H3556
star
Art | N-mp
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תּוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לִ/סְפֹּ֣ר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֹתָ֑/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
זַרְעֶֽ/ךָ
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 15:5
וַ/יּוֹצֵ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֹת֜/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/ח֗וּצָ/ה
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Art | N-ms | Suff
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַבֶּט
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
נָ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֗יְמָ/ה
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וּ/סְפֹר֙
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
הַ/כּ֣וֹכָבִ֔ים
kôwkâb
H3556
"star"
Art | N-mp
A star is a round or shining celestial body, and can also symbolize a prince or leader. It is used figuratively in the Bible to describe the Messiah or God's omniscience.
Definition: 1) star 1a) of Messiah, brothers, youth, numerous progeny, personification, God's omniscience (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: star(-gazer). See also: Genesis 1:16; Job 25:5; Psalms 8:4.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תּוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לִ/סְפֹּ֣ר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
אֹתָ֑/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
זַרְעֶֽ/ךָ
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
Study Notes — Genesis 15:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 15:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 15:5
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:5
- Sermons on Genesis 15:5
Context — God’s Covenant with Abram
3Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
4Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.”
5And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.”
6Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness. 7The LORD also told him, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 11:12 | And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. |
| 2 | Romans 4:18 | Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 1:10 | The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. |
| 4 | Exodus 32:13 | Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’” |
| 5 | Genesis 22:17 | I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 10:22 | Your fathers went down to Egypt, seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky. |
| 7 | Psalms 147:4 | He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 33:22 | As the hosts of heaven cannot be counted and as the sand on the seashore cannot be measured, so too will I multiply the descendants of My servant David and the Levites who minister before Me.” |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 27:23 | David did not count the men aged twenty or under, because the LORD had said that He would make Israel as numerous as the stars of the sky. |
| 10 | Romans 9:7–8 | Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. |
Genesis 15:5 Summary
[Genesis 15:5 is a beautiful picture of God's promise to Abram, where He takes him outside to look at the stars and tells him that his offspring will be just as numerous, illustrating God's faithfulness and power. This verse reminds us that God's promises are big and trustworthy, just like the countless stars in the sky, as also seen in Jeremiah 33:22. By looking to the heavens and trusting in God's vastness, we can have faith in His promises, just like Abram did, and receive the blessings and assurances that come with it, as stated in Hebrews 11:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of God taking Abram outside to look at the stars in Genesis 15:5?
This act symbolizes the vastness of God's promise to Abram, illustrating the multitude of his offspring, as stated in the verse, and emphasizing God's power and faithfulness, as seen in Genesis 1:1 where God creates the heavens and the earth.
How can we trust God's promises like Abram did in Genesis 15:5?
We can trust God's promises by having faith, just like Abram, as stated in Romans 4:3, where it says Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness, demonstrating that faith is essential to receiving God's promises.
What does the phrase 'if you are able' mean in Genesis 15:5?
The phrase 'if you are able' is a rhetorical expression, emphasizing the impossibility of counting the stars, thereby highlighting the magnitude of God's promise to Abram, similar to the way God describes the sand on the seashore as countless in Genesis 22:17.
How does Genesis 15:5 relate to the overall story of Abram's life?
Genesis 15:5 is a pivotal moment in Abram's life, as it reassures him of God's promise to make him the father of a multitude, despite his current childlessness, and sets the stage for the rest of his journey, including the birth of Isaac, as promised in Genesis 17:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's promises, just like Abram did in Genesis 15:5?
- How can I, like Abram, move from doubt to faith, and what role does God's Word play in this process, as seen in Genesis 15:5 and Romans 10:17?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of looking to the heavens and trusting in God's vastness, as depicted in Genesis 15:5, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some promises from God's Word that I can hold onto, just like Abram held onto the promise of his offspring, and how can I apply them to my life, as encouraged in 2 Peter 1:4?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:5
And he brought him forth abroad,.... Out of his tent into the open air, which was done through his call, and at his direction; or by an impulse upon his mind; or this might not be real and local,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:5
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he brought him forth abroad.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:5
Quest. Seeing the sun was not yet going down, , how could he see the stars? Answ. 1. He might see them by representation in a vision, or by a Divine power strengthening his eyes to behold them. 2. It was not necessary he should then actually see them. He bids him make trial when he pleased, if he could number the stars which were now present to his mind, and would shortly be present and visible to his bodily eye. This he was not able to do; for though astronomers have presumed to give us the number of those stars which are distinctly visible to the eye, wherein yet they vary one from another, yet there are other stars innumerable, appear confusedly to the eye, and evidently by the help of glasses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:5
Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.Ver. 5. And he brought him forth abroad.] Abram having prayed a good part of the day within, is now drawn forth at night to receive the promise. Pray that ye may joy, saith Christ: and, if ye will "rejoice evermore," "Pray without ceasing," saith the apostle. If thou be able to number them.] Then mayest thou number thy posterity; and they, their privileges. It is God only that "telleth the number of the stars, and calleth them all by their names". No man can number them. And yet Aratus and Eudoxus vainly vaunted, saith St Augustine, that they had cast up the stars, and could call them all by their names. Aug. De Civ. Dei., lib. xvi.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:5
(5) He brought him forth.—There is no reason for regarding this as a poetical description of a merely mental emotion. With his senses dormant, but alive to every spiritual impression, Abram feels himself led forth from the tent into the open space around, and is there commanded to count the stars. As a matter of fact, the stars visible to the naked eye are not very numerous, but they have ever been a received metaphor for an infinite multitude, probably because, as men gaze, they perpetually see the faint radiance of more and more distant constellations. Thus they cannot be counted, and Abram’s seed was to be countless, because of the vastness of its number.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 15:5
Verse 5. Look now toward heaven] It appears that this whole transaction took place in the evening; See Clarke on Genesis 13:14. Abram had either two visions, that recorded in Genesis 15:1, and that in Genesis 15:12, c. or what is mentioned in the beginning of this chapter is a part of the occurrences which took place after the sacrifice mentioned Genesis 15:9, c.: but it is more likely that there was a vision of that kind already described, and afterwards a second, in which he received the revelation mentioned Genesis 15:13-16. After the first vision he is brought forth abroad to see if he can number the stars and as he finds this impossible, he is assured that as they are to him innumerable, so shall his posterity be; and that all should spring from one who should proceed from his own bowels - one who should be his own legitimate child.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:5
5. tell the stars] i.e. count. A proverbial expression for the infinite and innumerable, as in Genesis 22:17, Genesis 26:4. The word “tell” is Old English for “count,” as in Psalms 22:17, “I may tell all my bones”; Psalms 48:12, “tell the towers thereof”; Jeremiah 33:13, “And in the cities of Judah shall the flocks again pass under the hands of him that telleth them.” Cf. “And every shepherd tells his tale Under the hawthorn in the dale” (Milton, L’Allegro, 67, 68).
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:5
5. Brought him forth abroad — Whether in vision, or on the night following the day of the vision of Gen 15:1, has been disputed.
Sermons on Genesis 15:5
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Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of faith and its application in the work of the Lord. He refers to various passages from the Bible, including Genesis, Romans, an |
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(Exodus) Exodus 32:11-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praying honestly and openly to God. He uses the example of Moses praying to God on behalf of the Israelites. Moses reminds |
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(Fury of Fire) 10 - Being a Doer of the Law Through the Covenant of Scriptures by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing the Word of God over traditions and wrong teachings. He refers to the story of Abraham and how God promised him de |
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(Genesis) Genesis 13:14-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on God's appearance to Abram and the promise of land and offspring. God instructs Abram to look in all directions and confirms that he will giv |
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Through the Bible - Genesis - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God. He emphasizes that God watches every transaction and attitu |
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The Israel of God - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith in Christianity. He states that faith is the foundation, continuation, and confirmation of the Christian life. It is |
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I Know What Your Calling Is by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the condition of a nation just before the judgment of God comes upon it. He highlights the presence of a conspiracy among the prophets, who ha |