Genesis 17:2

2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and 1may multiply you greatly."

Genesis 17:2 Meaning and Commentary

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 F5, being his own constitution, and depended on his sovereign will and pleasure, see ( Acts 7:8 ) ;

and will multiply thee exceedingly;
as he had before promised at several times, and now renews it, lest be should think that Ishmael was the promised seed; for though Hagar's seed is promised to be multiplied, yet here Abram's seed by Sarai is intended, which should be exceeding exceedingly, or in great abundance multiplied; and especially as this may include both his natural seed by her, and his spiritual seed among all nations, who are of the same faith with him, see ( Genesis 12:2 ) ( 13:16 ) ( 15:5 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F5 (hnta) "dabo", Pagninus, Montanus, Schmidt.

Genesis 17:2 In-Context

1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,
2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly."
3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him,
4 "Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations.
5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham,for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Genesis 12:2; Genesis 13:16; Genesis 22:17
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.