King James Version

What Does Genesis 13:17 Mean?

Genesis 13:17 in the King James Version says “Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.”

Genesis 13:17 · KJV

Context

15

For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

16

And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.

17

Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

18

Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD. plain: Heb. plains

Read Genesis 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto t... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
ק֚וּם1 of 8

“Arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הִתְהַלֵּ֣ךְ2 of 8

“walk”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָּאָ֔רֶץ3 of 8

“through the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְאָרְכָּ֖הּ4 of 8

“in the length”

H753

length

וּלְרָחְבָּ֑הּ5 of 8

“of it and in the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

כִּ֥י6 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְךָ֖7 of 8
H0
אֶתְּנֶֽנָּה׃8 of 8

“of it for I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 13:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 13:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 13:15Numbers 13:17-24

Test Your Knowledge

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