Genesis 17:2
Genesis 17:2 in Multiple Translations
I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.”
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
And I will make an agreement between you and me, and your offspring will be greatly increased.
I will make my agreement between me and you, and I will give you many, many descendants.”
And I will make my couenant betweene me and thee, and I will multiplie thee exceedingly.
and I give My covenant between Me and thee, and multiply thee very exceedingly.'
I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.”
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
And I will make my covenant between me and thee: and I will multiply thee exceedingly.
If you do that, I will make an agreement with you in which I will promise to enable you to have very many descendants.” [MTY]
If you do that, I will make an agreement with you, and I will give you a really big family. You see, you will have a son, and later on lots of people will be born into his family, and they will be a real big family.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:2
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 17:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֥ה
בְרִיתִ֖/י
בֵּינִ֣/י
וּ/בֵינֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/אַרְבֶּ֥ה
אוֹתְ/ךָ֖
בִּ/מְאֹ֥ד
מְאֹֽד
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֥ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
בְרִיתִ֖/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs | Suff
בֵּינִ֣/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵינֶ֑/ךָ
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep | Suff
וְ/אַרְבֶּ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אוֹתְ/ךָ֖
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בִּ/מְאֹ֥ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Prep | Adv
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
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 17:2
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֥ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בְרִיתִ֖/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs | Suff
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
בֵּינִ֣/י
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵינֶ֑/ךָ
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וְ/אַרְבֶּ֥ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
אוֹתְ/ךָ֖
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.
בִּ/מְאֹ֥ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Prep | Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 17:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 17:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 17:2
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:2
- Sermons on Genesis 17:2
Context — Abraham to Father Many Nations
1When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless.
2I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.”
3Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4“As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 17:4–6 | “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you. |
| 2 | Genesis 12:2 | I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. |
| 3 | Psalms 105:8–11 | He remembers His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations— the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: “I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.” |
| 4 | Genesis 13:16 | I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. |
| 5 | Genesis 15:18 | On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Galatians 3:17–18 | What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to nullify the promise. For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise. |
| 8 | Genesis 9:9 | “Behold, I now establish My covenant with you and your descendants after you, |
Genesis 17:2 Summary
[God makes a promise to Abram in Genesis 17:2, saying He will establish a covenant and multiply him exceedingly, which means God will make Abram's family very large and bless him greatly (as also seen in Genesis 12:2-3). This promise is special because Abram is very old, but God is all-powerful and can do anything, as seen in Romans 4:19-22 where Abram's faith is commended. God's promise to Abram is not just about Abram's physical family, but also about the spiritual family of believers that would come through Jesus Christ, as hinted in Genesis 12:3 and fully revealed in Galatians 3:8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of God establishing a covenant with Abram in Genesis 17:2?
The covenant represents a sacred promise between God and Abram, marking the beginning of a special relationship and a new era of blessing, as seen in Genesis 17:2 and further explained in Genesis 15:18.
How does God's promise to multiply Abram exceedingly relate to his age and current situation?
Despite Abram being ninety-nine years old, God's promise highlights His power to fulfill His plans regardless of human limitations, as also seen in Romans 4:19-22 where Abram's faith is commended.
What does it mean for God to multiply Abram exceedingly, and how does this affect our understanding of God's plan?
The multiplication of Abram refers to the numerous descendants he will have, both physically and spiritually, ultimately pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ, as hinted in Genesis 12:3 and fully revealed in Galatians 3:8.
How should believers today apply the principle of God's covenant with Abram to their own lives?
Believers can trust in God's faithfulness and promises, just as Abram did, knowing that God's plans are always bigger than our current circumstances, as encouraged in Hebrews 11:11 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's promises and faithfulness, just like Abram did?
- How can I apply the principle of God's covenant to my own relationships and community, reflecting His love and faithfulness?
- In what ways can I, like Abram, be a blessing to those around me, and how can I trust God to multiply my efforts for His glory?
- What are some spiritual descendants that I can disciple or mentor, passing on the faith and promises of God to the next generation?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:2
And I will make my covenant between me and thee,.... The covenant of circumcision, so called from the token of it, which God is said to make or give (e), being his own constitution, and depended on
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:2
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And I will make my covenant , [Hebrew, wª'etªnaah (H5414)] - I will give, execute, or put in operation my covenant.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:2
I am come to renew, establish, and enlarge that covenant which I formerly made with thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:2
Genesis 17:2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.Ver. 2. And I will make my covenant.] This is now the fifth confirmation of the Covenant; which shows that it is the alpha and omega, the first, second, and third of our salvation; and it is fit we should be well studied in it, and assured of our interest. For as the mercy seat was no larger than the ark, so neither is the grace of God than the covenant. And as the ark and mercy seat were never separated; so neither is his mercy from his people.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 17:2
(2) I will make my covenant.—In Genesis 15:18 the Heb. word for “make” is cut, and refers to the severing of the victims; here it is “give,” “place,” and implies that it was an act of grace on God’s part (comp. Note on Genesis 9:9). Abram had now waited twenty-five years after leaving Ur-Chasdim, and fourteen or fifteen years since the ratification of the solemn covenant between him and Jehovah (Genesis 15:17); but the time had at length arrived for the fulfilment of the promise, and in token thereof Abram and Sarai were to change their names, and all the males be brought near to God by a solemn sacrament.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:2
2. And I will make my covenant] See note on Genesis 15:9; Genesis 15:18. The words of this verse imply no knowledge of the covenant described in chap. 15. The covenant has yet to be made. P’s account of the covenant is different from that of J; and, the two traditions being distinct, there is no allusion here to the previous narrative. fell on his face] The prostration of humility and reverence, as in Genesis 17:17. Cf. Numbers 14:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:2
2. I will make my covenant — The formal and symbolical cutting of the covenant was described in chap. xv; here Jehovah gives Abram the sign and seal of the covenant. Accordingly we note that in chap.
Sermons on Genesis 17:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Blood Covenant - Part 5 by Bob Phillips | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of covenant and its importance in the relationship between God and humanity. They emphasize the seriousness of entering into a cov |
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The Sign of the Covenant by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound relationship between God and Abraham, highlighting Abraham's status as 'the friend of God' and the significance of the covenant established throu |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:1-4 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis 17, which is considered a significant chapter in the book of Genesis. God appears to Abraham for the fifth time to make a covenant w |
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Vision #1 by Stephen Kaung | Stephen Kaung emphasizes the significance of having a divine vision, drawing from Proverbs 29:18, which states that without vision, people become unrestrained. He illustrates this |
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Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Genesis by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the foundational themes of Genesis, emphasizing its unique character as the beginning of the Bible and the introduction of key principles regarding God's |
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Of the Exhibitions of the Covenant of Grace in the Patriarchal State. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the exhibitions of the covenant of grace during the patriarchal state, illustrating how it was revealed from Adam to Abraham. He emphasizes the significance o |
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Outline of the Book of Genesis by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby outlines the Book of Genesis, emphasizing the themes of creation, man's responsibility, and the unfolding of God's promises through key figures like Abraham and J |