Genesis 17:1-8

1 When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to him. He said to Abram, "I am God Almighty. Live in my presence with integrity.

2 I will give you my promise, and I will give you very many descendants."

3 Immediately, Abram bowed with his face touching the ground, and again God spoke to him,

4 "My promise is still with you. You will become the father of many nations.

5 So your name will no longer be Abram [Exalted Father], but Abraham [Father of Many] because I have made you a father of many nations.

6 I will give you many descendants. Many nations and kings will come from you.

7 I will make my promise to you and your descendants for generations to come as an everlasting promise. I will be your God and the God of your descendants.

8 I am also giving this land where you are living--all of Canaan--to you and your descendants as your permanent possession. And I will be your God."

Genesis 17:1-8 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.