Genesis 17:2

2 I will make my covenant between me and you, and I will increase your numbers 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 Avram was 99 years old ADONAI appeared to Avram and said to him, "I am El Shaddai [God Almighty]. Walk in my presence and be pure-hearted.
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.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.