Genesis 15:9
Genesis 15:9 in Multiple Translations
And the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.”
And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
And he said unto him, Take me a heifer three years old, and a she-goat three years old, and a ram three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.
And he said, Take a young cow of three years old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a sheep of three years old, and a dove and a young pigeon.
The Lord told him, “Bring me a cow, a goat, and a ram, all of them three years old, together with a dove and a young pigeon.”
Then he said vnto him, Take me an heifer of three yeeres olde, and a shee goate of three yeeres olde, and a ramme of three yeeres olde, a turtle doue also and a pigeon.
And He saith unto him, 'Take for Me a heifer of three years, and a she-goat of three years, and a ram of three years, and a turtle-dove, and a young bird;'
He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
And he said to him, Take me a heifer of three years old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.
And the Lord answered, and said: Take me a cow of three years old, and a she goat of three years, and a ram of three years, a turtle also, and a pigeon.
God said to him, “Bring a three-year-old heifer and a three-year-old goat to me, and a dove and a pigeon.”
So God said to Abram, “Bring me a cow that hasn’t had a baby, and a female goat, and a male sheep. All those animals have to be 3 years old. And I want you to bring me 2 different sorts of pigeons too.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 15:9
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 15:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֵלָ֗י/ו
קְחָ֥/ה
לִ/י֙
עֶגְלָ֣ה
מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת
וְ/עֵ֥ז
מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת
וְ/אַ֣יִל
מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ
וְ/תֹ֖ר
וְ/גוֹזָֽל
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
קְחָ֥/ה
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
עֶגְלָ֣ה
ʻeglâh
H5697
heifer
N-fs
מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת
shâlash
H8027
to do three
V-Pual-Inf-c
וְ/עֵ֥ז
ʻêz
H5795
goat
Conj | N-fs
מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת
shâlash
H8027
to do three
V-Pual-Inf-c
וְ/אַ֣יִל
ʼayil
H352
ram
Conj | N-ms
מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ
shâlash
H8027
to do three
V-Pual-Inf-c
וְ/תֹ֖ר
tôwr
H8449
turtledove
Conj | N-cs
וְ/גוֹזָֽל
gôwzâl
H1469
young bird
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 15:9
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.
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
קְחָ֥/ה
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
עֶגְלָ֣ה
ʻeglâh
H5697
"heifer"
N-fs
This word refers to a young female calf, nearly grown into a heifer. It is also the name of a place near Zoar and south of Moab. The word is often translated as 'calf', 'cow', or 'heifer'.
Definition: heifer
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: calf, cow, heifer. See also: Genesis 15:9; Isaiah 7:21; Isaiah 15:5.
מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת
shâlash
H8027
"to do three"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew verb means to do something three times or to divide something into three parts. It is used in the Bible to describe repeating an action or dividing things into thirds.
Definition: 1) to do a third time, do three times, divide in three parts 1a) (Piel) to do a third time, divide into three parts 1b) (Pual) to be three years of age, be threefold
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, -fold, parts, years old). See also: Genesis 15:9; 1 Kings 18:34; Ezekiel 42:6.
וְ/עֵ֥ז
ʻêz
H5795
"goat"
Conj | N-fs
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Definition: female goat, she-goat, goat, kid Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (she) goat, kid. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 7:58; Proverbs 27:27.
מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת
shâlash
H8027
"to do three"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew verb means to do something three times or to divide something into three parts. It is used in the Bible to describe repeating an action or dividing things into thirds.
Definition: 1) to do a third time, do three times, divide in three parts 1a) (Piel) to do a third time, divide into three parts 1b) (Pual) to be three years of age, be threefold
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, -fold, parts, years old). See also: Genesis 15:9; 1 Kings 18:34; Ezekiel 42:6.
וְ/אַ֣יִל
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
Conj | N-ms
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ
shâlash
H8027
"to do three"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew verb means to do something three times or to divide something into three parts. It is used in the Bible to describe repeating an action or dividing things into thirds.
Definition: 1) to do a third time, do three times, divide in three parts 1a) (Piel) to do a third time, divide into three parts 1b) (Pual) to be three years of age, be threefold
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: do the third time, (divide into, stay) three (days, -fold, parts, years old). See also: Genesis 15:9; 1 Kings 18:34; Ezekiel 42:6.
וְ/תֹ֖ר
tôwr
H8449
"turtledove"
Conj | N-cs
The Hebrew word for turtledove, a symbol of love and peace, often used as a term of endearment in the Bible.
Definition: dove, turtledove
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: (turtle) dove. See also: Genesis 15:9; Leviticus 14:30; Psalms 74:19.
וְ/גוֹזָֽל
gôwzâl
H1469
"young bird"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a young bird, specifically a nestling that has few feathers. It appears in the Bible to describe a young pigeon. The term emphasizes vulnerability and dependence.
Definition: a nestling, young (of birds)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: young (pigeon). See also: Genesis 15:9; Deuteronomy 32:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 15:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 15:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 15:9
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:9
- Sermons on Genesis 15:9
Context — God Confirms His Promise
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.”
8But Abram replied, “Lord GOD, how can I know that I will possess it?”
9And the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.”
10So Abram brought all these to Him, split each of them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. The birds, however, he did not cut in half. 11And the birds of prey descended on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 2:24 | and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” |
| 2 | Leviticus 14:30 | Then he must sacrifice the turtledoves or young pigeons, whichever he can afford, |
| 3 | Leviticus 14:22 | and two turtledoves or two young pigeons, whichever he can afford, one to be a sin offering and the other a burnt offering. |
| 4 | Leviticus 1:14 | If, instead, one’s offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon. |
| 5 | Leviticus 9:2 | He said to Aaron, “Take for yourself a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, both without blemish, and present them before the LORD. |
| 6 | Leviticus 3:1 | “If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD. |
| 7 | Leviticus 3:6 | If, however, one’s peace offering to the LORD is from the flock, he must present a male or female without blemish. |
| 8 | Psalms 50:5 | “Gather to Me My saints, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 15:5 | My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith; they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim. |
| 10 | Leviticus 12:8 | But if she cannot afford a lamb, she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’” |
Genesis 15:9 Summary
In Genesis 15:9, God asks Abram to bring specific animals to Him as a sign of their covenant. This request requires Abram to trust and obey God, even when the purpose is not fully understood. By following God's instructions, Abram demonstrates his faith and commitment to their covenant, just as we are called to trust and follow God in our own lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11. This verse reminds us that our trust and obedience are essential to our relationship with God, and that He is always faithful to His promises, as seen in Hebrews 11:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God ask Abram to bring specific animals to Him?
God asked Abram to bring these animals as a sign of the covenant He was making with him, as seen in Genesis 15:9, and it symbolized the sacrifice and commitment required for this covenant, similar to the covenant in Exodus 24:8.
What is the significance of the animals being three years old?
The age of the animals may signify the completeness or perfection of the sacrifice, as three is a number often associated with completeness in the Bible, such as in Genesis 15:9 and Leviticus 7:23.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse shows that God is asking Abram to trust Him by following His instructions, even when the purpose is not fully understood, demonstrating faith and obedience, as seen in Hebrews 11:8-10 and Romans 4:20-22.
What can we learn from Abram's response to God's request?
Abram's obedience to God's request, as seen in Genesis 15:10, demonstrates his willingness to trust and follow God, even when faced with uncertainty, providing an example for believers to follow, as encouraged in James 2:22-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where God is asking me to trust Him, even when I don't fully understand His plan?
- How can I demonstrate my faith and obedience to God, just as Abram did in this verse?
- What are some 'sacrifices' I can make to show my commitment to God and His covenant with me?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trust and obedience in my daily life, just as Abram did in Genesis 15:9-11?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:9
And he said unto him, take me an heifer of three years old,.... This, with what follows, is the sign by which Abram might know that he, that is, his seed, should inherit the land of Canaan; for the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:9
And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:9
Take and offer at my command, and for my service, an heifer of three years old, at which time it is perfect in stature and strength, and therefore fittest for God’ s service. This and the other creatures here following, and sacrifices, are the same which afterwards were prescribed in the Levitical law.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:9
Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.Ver. 9. Take me a heifer, &c.] Here God commands him a busy sacrifice, and then casts him into a terrible sleep; the better to prepare him to receive the ensuing oracle, and to teach him that he may not rashly rush upon divine mysteries. Heathens could say, Non loquendum de Deo absque lumine ; that is, without premeditation and advised consideration. Pythagoras
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:9
(9, 10) Take me an heifer . . . —This form of making a covenant was probably that usual in Babylonia, and thus Abram received the assurance of his inheritance by means of a ceremonial with which he was familiar. But in most ancient languages men are said to cut or strike a covenant, because the most solemn formula involved either the cutting of victims in two, or striking them dead, as was the Roman manner. The severing of the bodies was not, as some suppose, to represent the two parties; but, as explained in Jeremiah 34:18-20, it set forth the penalty of perjury, and was usually accompanied by the imprecation upon the covenant-breaker of a destruction as complete as that which had befallen the slaughtered animals. There is no mention in this place of a sacrifice, although the animals are those subsequently set apart for sacrifice by the Levitical law. The heifer, she-goat, and ram at three years old would each have attained its full maturity; but there may be a further symbolic meaning in there being three animals each three years old. Laid each piece . . . —More exactly, and laid each half over against the other. The birds were not divided; but as there were two, Abram probably placed one on one side and one on the other.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 15:9
Verse 9. Take me a heifer] עגלה eglah, a she-calf; a she-goat, עז ez, a goat, male or female, but distinguished here by the feminine adjective; משלשת meshullesheth, a three-yearling; a ram, איל ayil; a turtle-dove, תר tor, from which come turtur and turtle; young pigeon, gozal, a word signifying the young of pigeons and eagles. See Deuteronomy 32:11. It is worthy of remark, that every animal allowed or commanded to be sacrificed under the Mosaic law is to be found in this list. And is it not a proof that God was now giving to Abram an epitome of that law and its sacrifices which he intended more fully to reveal to Moses; the essence of which consisted in its sacrifices, which typified the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world? On the several animals which God ordered Abram to take, Jarchi remarks: "The idolatrous nations are compared in the Scriptures to bulls, rams, and goats; for it is written, Psalms 22:12: Many bulls have compassed me about. Daniel 8:20: The ram which thou hast seen is the king of Persia. The rough goat is the king of Greece. Daniel 8:21. But the Israelites are compared to doves, c.
So 2:14: O my dove, that art in the cleft of the rock. The division of the above carcasses denotes the division and extermination of the idolatrous nations; but the birds not being divided, shows that the Israelites are to abide for ever." See Jarchi on the place.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:9
9. Take me an heifer, &c.] The sign to Abram is the sign of the covenant, of which the ceremonial is here described. This ceremonial is evidently of great antiquity. The writer, perhaps, intends to refer the origin of the institution to the time of Abram and to this occasion. The ceremony is as follows: (1) Animals permitted for sacrifice are selected. (2) They are killed, and their carcases divided. (3) The divided portions are placed in two rows over against each other. (4) The contracting parties pass between the rows, invoking, as they do so, an imprecation upon any violator of the covenant, that he should in like manner be cut asunder. It is this ceremonial which causes the making of a covenant to be expressed by words meaning “to cut,” e.g. Heb. karath b’rξth, Lat. foedus icere, Gr. ὅρκιατέμνειν.
The details of the ceremony probably differed slightly from age to age. The origin of some old customs is lost in obscurity. Why, for instance, are the animals mentioned to be three years old? is it because they are to be full grown? (Cf. 1 Samuel 1:24, R.V. marg.) Why are the birds not to be divided like the beasts? These are questions of a technical ritual character to which at present we can give no answer. The most interesting Scriptural illustration of covenant ceremonial is afforded by Jeremiah 34:18, “the covenant which they made before me, when they cut the calf in twain and passed between the parts thereof.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:9
9. Take me — Select for me. Not any of the animals taken at random is a suitable victim for sacrifice, or for symbolic revelations.
Sermons on Genesis 15:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Week of Meetings 07 7 Facets of Love by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the deep love of Jesus and how it is the driving force behind everything. The love of Jesus is described as powerful and unchanging, always |
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Driving Away the Vultures by Brian Guerin | Brian Guerin emphasizes the necessity of driving away the 'vultures' in our lives that threaten to take away the promises of God, using the story of Abram as a foundation. He expla |
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Birds of Prey by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the necessity of complete surrender to God for entire sanctification, illustrating this through Abraham's offering and the persistent 'birds of prey |
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Chasing Away the Vultures by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, illustrating how, when Abraham made sacrifices, vultures descended upon them, symbolizing |
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The Sign in the Depth and in the Height by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament, particularly focusing on the arrival of Jesus Christ as the promised Seed of the woman, Abra |
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The Christ of Patmos by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript describes the power and victory of Christ in converting multitudes of souls. The speaker encourages believers to worship and trust in Christ, who is both a ki |
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Acceptable Sacrifice - Part 1 by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the offering of evil is not just about having our sins forgiven, but about being accepted by the Holy God. The preacher refers to Genes |