Genesis 17:4

4 "As for Me, My covenant is with you, and you will become the father of many nations.[a]

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 establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you greatly."
3 Then Abram fell to the ground, and God spoke with him:
4 "As for Me, My covenant is with you, and you will become the father of many nations.
5 Your name will no longer be Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations.
6 I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and kings come from you.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Abraham was father not only of the Israelites, but also of the Ishmaelites, the Edomites, and the Midianites. Spiritually, he is the father of all believers; Gl 3:7,29.
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