Genesis 17:4

4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you: you will be the father of many nations.

Genesis 17:4 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 17:4

As for me, behold, my covenant [is] with thee
Who was gracious to make it, faithful to keep it, and immutable in it, though Abram was but a man, and sinful:

and thou shalt be a father of many nations:
as he was of many Arabian nations, and of the Turks in the line of Ishmael; and of the Midianites, and others, in the line of his sons by Keturah; and of the Israelites in the line of Isaac, as well as of the Edomites in the line of Esau; and in a spiritual sense the father of all that believe, in all the nations of the world, circumcised or uncircumcised, as the apostle explains it, ( Romans 4:11 Romans 4:12 Romans 4:16-18 ) .

Genesis 17:4 In-Context

2 I will make my covenant between me and you, and I will increase your numbers greatly."
3 Avram fell on his face, and God continued speaking with him:
4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you: you will be the father of many nations.
5 Your name will no longer be Avram [exalted father], but your name will be Avraham [father of many], because I have made you the father of many nations.
6 I will cause you to be very fruitful. I will make nations of you, kings will descend from you.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.