Genesis 17:1-6

Abram and Circumcision, the Sign of the Covenant

1 When Abram [was] ninety-nine years old Yahweh appeared to Abram. And he said to him, "I [am] El-Shaddai; walk before me and be blameless

2 so that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you {exceedingly}."

3 Then Abram fell upon his face and God spoke with him, saying,

4 "[As for] me, behold, my covenant [shall be] with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations.

5 Your name shall no longer be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.

6 And I will make you {exceedingly} fruitful. I will make you a nation, and kings shall go out from you.

Genesis 17:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 17

This chapter treats of a covenant made with Abram, sometimes called the covenant of circumcision, the time when God appeared to him, and promised to make it, and did, Ge 17:1-3; the particulars of it, both with respect to himself, whose name was now changed, and to his posterity, Ge 17:4-8; the token of it, circumcision, the time of its performance, and the persons obliged to it, Ge 17:9-14; the change of Sarai's name, and a promise made that she should have a son, to the great surprise of Abraham, Ge 17:15-17; a prayer of his for Ishmael, and the answer to it, with a confirmation of Sarah's having a son, whose name should be called Isaac, and the establishment of the covenant with him, Ge 17:18-22; and the chapter is closed with an account of the circumcision of Abraham, and all his family of the male sort, agreeably to the command of God, Ge 17:23-27.

Footnotes

• [a] Literally "And it happened that"
• [b] Often translated, "God Almighty"
• [c] Or "and"
• [d] Literally "with very very"
• [e] Literally "with very very"