Genesis 17:3
Genesis 17:3 in Multiple Translations
Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him,
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
And Abram went down on his face on the earth, and the Lord God went on talking with him, and said,
Abram bowed down with his face to the ground, and God told him,
Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying,
And Abram falleth upon his face, and God speaketh with him, saying,
Abram fell on his face. God talked with him, saying,
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
Abram fell flat on his face.
Abram prostrated himself with his face on the ground. Then God said to him,
Abram got down on his knees and put his face near the ground, to show respect to God, and God said to him,
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:3
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 17:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּפֹּ֥ל
אַבְרָ֖ם
עַל
פָּנָ֑י/ו
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
אִתּ֛/וֹ
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יִּפֹּ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָ֖ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פָּנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִתּ֛/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 17:3
וַ/יִּפֹּ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
אַבְרָ֖ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פָּנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אִתּ֛/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 17:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 17:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:3
- Sermons on Genesis 17:3
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. 5No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 13:20 | When the flame went up from the altar to the sky, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell facedown to the ground. |
| 2 | Genesis 17:17 | Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?” |
| 3 | Numbers 16:45 | “Get away from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.” And Moses and Aaron fell facedown. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 18:39 | When all the people saw this, they fell facedown and said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!” |
| 5 | Joshua 5:14 | “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” |
| 6 | Matthew 17:6 | When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror. |
| 7 | Revelation 1:17 | When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, |
| 8 | Exodus 3:6 | Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. |
| 9 | Daniel 8:17–18 | As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.” While he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me, helped me to my feet, |
| 10 | Numbers 16:22 | But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?” |
Genesis 17:3 Summary
In Genesis 17:3, Abram falls facedown as a sign of respect and humility before God. This action shows that Abram recognizes God's power and authority, and he is willing to submit to Him. Just like Abram, we can demonstrate our reverence for God by humbling ourselves before Him (as seen in 1 Peter 5:6) and acknowledging His majesty. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience His presence in our lives, just as Abram did in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abram fall facedown in Genesis 17:3?
Abram fell facedown as a sign of reverence and humility before God, recognizing His power and majesty, similar to the actions of the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:28 and the apostle John in Revelation 1:17.
What can we learn from Abram's physical posture in this verse?
Abram's physical posture teaches us the importance of humility and reverence in our approach to God, as seen in Psalm 95:6, where we are encouraged to worship God with reverence and awe.
How does this verse relate to the covenant God is making with Abram?
This verse marks a pivotal moment in the establishment of God's covenant with Abram, as God is about to reveal more details about the covenant, including the promise to make Abram the father of many nations, as stated in Genesis 17:4.
What does Abram's action reveal about his character?
Abram's action reveals his willingness to submit to God and acknowledge His sovereignty, demonstrating a character trait that is essential for a deep and meaningful relationship with God, as emphasized in Micah 6:8 and Romans 12:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and reverence in my daily life, just like Abram did in this verse?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and respect for God's power and majesty, as seen in Abram's actions?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to submit to God's sovereignty, just like Abram did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of humility and reverence in my relationships with others, as a reflection of my relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:3
And Abram fell on his face,.... At the sight of so glorious a Person that appeared to him, and in reverence of his majesty, and as sensible of his unworthiness of such a visit, and of having such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:3
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, Abram fell on his face - the attitude of profoundest reverence assumed by eastern people.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:3
Abram fell on his face, partly in self-abasement, and a humble sense of his own undeservedness of such favours; and partly in reverence and worship to God, and a thankful acknowledgment of his marvellous kindness. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:3
Genesis 17:3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,Ver. 3. And Abram fell on his face.] It was fit he should, now that God talked with him. Such a posture of body befits us at the hearing of the word, as may best express our reverence, and further our attention. Balak is bid to rise up to hear Balaam’ s parable. Eglon, though a fat unwieldy man, riseth up from his seat to hear God’ s message from Ehud. The people in Nehemiah "stood up" to hear the law read and expounded. Constantine the Great would not be entreated to sit down or be covered at a sermon: no more would our Edward VI, whose custom was also to take notes of what he heard, which (together with his own applications of the word to himself) he wrote in Greek characters, that his servants might not read them. The Thessalonians are commended for this, that they heard Paul’ s preaching "as the word of God, and not of man". Had Samuel thought it had been God that called to him (and not Eli), he would not have slept, but fallen on his face before the Lord, as Abram here, who was no novice, but knew well that though God loves to be acquainted with men in the walks of their obedience yet he takes state upon him in his ordinances, and will be trembled at in his word and judgments. Eusebius.
Act. and Mon.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 17:3
Verse 3. And Abram fell on his face] The eastern method of prostration was thus: the person first went down on his knees, and then lowered his head to his knees, and touched the earth with his forehead. A very painful posture, but significative of great humiliation and reverence.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:3
3. Abram fell on his face — Overwhelmed by the fulness and majesty of the revelation.
Sermons on Genesis 17:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
True Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent earthquake in Houston and connects it to the idea of the whole creation groaning, expressing dissatisfaction and a limit to materia |
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(Genesis) 32 - the Sign of the Abrahamic Covenant by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the marks of a true believer and the evidence of God's work in their heart and daily life. The sermon begins by discussing the structure of |
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Face Down, Listening by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of humility and reverence in our relationship with God, using the example of Abram who fell on his face to listen to God's covenant. This postu |
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Wondering Worship by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer explores the concept of 'wonder' as the third stage of true worship, emphasizing that it transcends understanding and leads to a delightful astonishment in the presence |
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Self Dies Hard by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, Dr. Ellen Redpath discusses the story of Abraham and Sarah and their journey of faith. She highlights how Abraham's decision to take Hagar as his wife represented a |
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Abraham - Only God Matters by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He expresses the need for prayers and acknowledges the challenges and effort tha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17:15-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans 4 and the story of Abraham. He highlights how Abraham believed in God's promise to make him the father of many nations, even though h |