Genesis 17:6
Genesis 17:6 in Multiple Translations
I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you.
And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
I will make you very fertile, so that nations will come from you and kings will be your offspring.
I will make sure you have a large number of descendants. They will become many nations, and some of their kings will also come from your line.
Also I will make thee exceeding fruitfull, and will make nations of thee: yea, Kings shall proceede of thee.
and I have made thee exceeding fruitful, and made thee become nations, and kings go out from thee.
I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you. Kings will come out of you.
And I will make thee exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of thee; and kings shall proceed from thee.
And I will make thee increase, exceedingly, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
I will enable you to have very many descendants, and I will cause them to become great nations/people-groups, and some of your descendants will become kings.
I will give you a real big family later on, and they will split up into lots of nations. And some of your people will be the big bosses of those nations.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:6
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 17:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִפְרֵתִ֤י
אֹֽתְ/ךָ֙
בִּ/מְאֹ֣ד
מְאֹ֔ד
וּ/נְתַתִּ֖י/ךָ
לְ/גוֹיִ֑ם
וּ/מְלָכִ֖ים
מִמְּ/ךָ֥
יֵצֵֽאוּ
וְ/הִפְרֵתִ֤י
pârâh
H6509
be fruitful
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֹֽתְ/ךָ֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בִּ/מְאֹ֣ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Prep | Adv
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וּ/נְתַתִּ֖י/ךָ
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
לְ/גוֹיִ֑ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
וּ/מְלָכִ֖ים
melek
H4428
King's
Conj | N-mp
מִמְּ/ךָ֥
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
יֵצֵֽאוּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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 17:6
וְ/הִפְרֵתִ֤י
pârâh
H6509
"be fruitful"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be fruitful or produce something, like a tree bearing fruit. It is used in a literal sense, but also figuratively, like in Genesis where God tells humans to be fruitful and multiply. It emphasizes growth and increase.
Definition: 1) to bear fruit, be fruitful, branch off 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit, be fruitful 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bear fruit 1b2) to make fruitful 1b3) to show fruitfulness, bear fruit Also means: pa.ra (פָּרָא "be fruitful" H6500)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase. See also: Genesis 1:22; Exodus 1:7; Psalms 105:24.
אֹֽתְ/ךָ֙
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/מְאֹ֣ד
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.
מְאֹ֔ד
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.
וּ/נְתַתִּ֖י/ךָ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
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.
לְ/גוֹיִ֑ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
וּ/מְלָכִ֖ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Conj | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִמְּ/ךָ֥
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
יֵצֵֽאוּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 17:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 17:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:6
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:6
- Sermons on Genesis 17:6
Context — Abraham to Father Many Nations
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.
6I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you.
7I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 8And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 17:4 | “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. |
| 2 | Matthew 1:6–17 | and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa. Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor. Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud. Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. In all, then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ. |
| 3 | Genesis 35:11 | And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you. |
| 4 | Genesis 17:16 | And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.” |
| 5 | Genesis 17:20 | As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. |
| 6 | Ezra 4:20 | And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them. |
| 7 | Genesis 36:31–43 | These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom; the name of his city was Dinhabah. When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place. When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith. When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place. When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place. When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Achbor reigned in his place. When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab. These are the names of Esau’s chiefs, according to their families and regions, by their names: Chiefs Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, Magdiel, and Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their settlements in the land they possessed. Esau was the father of the Edomites. |
Genesis 17:6 Summary
In Genesis 17:6, God promises to make Abraham exceedingly fruitful, which means He will bless him with many descendants and make him the father of many nations. This promise is part of the covenant God made with Abraham, which includes making him the father of many nations and establishing an everlasting covenant (Genesis 17:4-7). Just as God fulfilled His promises to Abraham, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises to us, as believers (Galatians 3:29, Romans 4:20-22). As we reflect on this verse, we can ask God to make us fruitful in our own lives, and to use us to bless others, just as He used Abraham to bless many nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'exceedingly fruitful' in Genesis 17:6?
Being exceedingly fruitful means that God will bless Abraham with a multitude of descendants, as promised in Genesis 17:6, and that his family will grow into many nations, as stated in Genesis 17:4-5.
How does this verse relate to the covenant God made with Abraham?
This verse is a direct promise from God to Abraham, explaining the specifics of the covenant He is making with him, which includes making him the father of many nations and establishing an everlasting covenant, as seen in Genesis 17:7.
What is the significance of kings descending from Abraham?
The fact that kings will descend from Abraham, as stated in Genesis 17:6, signifies the greatness and importance of Abraham's lineage, which will include notable leaders and rulers, such as King David and ultimately, Jesus Christ, as prophesied in Romans 1:3.
How does this promise to Abraham apply to believers today?
As believers, we are part of Abraham's spiritual family, as stated in Galatians 3:29, and we can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us, just as He did to Abraham, as seen in Genesis 17:6 and throughout the Bible.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust God to make me 'exceedingly fruitful' in my own life, just as He promised Abraham?
- How can I apply the promise of Genesis 17:6 to my own family and legacy, praying for God's blessing and guidance?
- What does it mean to be a part of the 'nations' that will come from Abraham, and how can I live out my faith in a way that honors this heritage?
- In what ways can I surrender to God's plan for my life, just as Abraham did, and trust that He will make me a blessing to others, as stated in Genesis 12:2-3?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:6
And I will make thee exceeding fruitful,.... In children, for he had not only a son by Sarai, from whom sprung a numerous offspring, but he had six sons by Keturah, who became the heads of large
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:6
And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. Kings shall come out of thee - (cf. Micah 5:2.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:6
So did the kings of Israel and Judah, of Edom, of the Saracens, and the Messias, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:6
Genesis 17:6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.Ver. 6. I will make thee exceeding fruitful.] Heb., Foecundabo te valde valde :and as oft as thou thinkest upon thy new name, thou shalt remember my promise, and rest assured of my performance. See how God, of his grace, condescends unto us, and accommodates us.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:6
6. kings shall come out of thee] Cf. Genesis 17:16 and Genesis 35:11 (P). The promise contains a reference to the Israelite monarchy. This is recognized as overruled by God (cf. 1 Samuel 11, 12) to be the means of the people’s blessing and expansion. Cf. Numbers 24:14; Numbers 24:17-19. With the “kings” of Israel, compare the “princes” of “Ishmael” (Genesis 17:20) and “the dukes of Edom” (Genesis 36:40).
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:6
6. Exceeding fruitful… nations… kings — A threefold promise, enhanced in the two following verses by the mention of “an everlasting covenant” and “an everlasting possession.” Mark the gradation.
Sermons on Genesis 17:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 48:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to make them fruitful and multiply them, and to give them the land as an |
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K-529 Circumcision as Separation by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping the living God. He highlights that no religion or human effort can substitute for a genuine relationship with G |
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I. the Jewish Sign by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the significance of Israel in God's plan for the earth, highlighting how all other nations are considered in relation to Israel in the Bible. He dist |
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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 |