King James Version

What Does Genesis 15:16 Mean?

Genesis 15:16 in the King James Version says “But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.”

Genesis 15:16 · KJV

Context

14

And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

15

And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

16

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

17

And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. a burning: Heb. a lamp of fire

18

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not y... 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. What theological truths about Covenant Ceremony emerge from this passage?
  2. How should this truth about Prophecy shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְד֥וֹר1 of 11

“generation”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

רְבִיעִ֖י2 of 11

“But in the fourth”

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

יָשׁ֣וּבוּ3 of 11

“again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הֵֽנָּה׃4 of 11

“is not yet”

H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

כִּ֧י5 of 11
H3588

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

לֹֽא6 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁלֵ֛ם7 of 11

“full”

H8003

complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly

עֲוֹ֥ן8 of 11

“for the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֖י9 of 11

“of the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

עַד10 of 11
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הֵֽנָּה׃11 of 11

“is not yet”

H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

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 15:16 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 15:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 21:26Daniel 8:23Matthew 23:32-35Exodus 12:401 Thessalonians 2:162 Peter 3:8-9

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