King James Version

What Does Genesis 15:17 Mean?

Genesis 15:17 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that pa...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 15:17 · KJV

Context

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:

19

The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,

Read Genesis 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a ... 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 does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיְהִ֤י1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙2 of 15

“And it came to pass that when the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

בָּ֔אָה3 of 15

“went down”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַֽעֲלָטָ֖ה4 of 15

“and it was dark”

H5939

dusk

הָיָ֑ה5 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וְהִנֵּ֨ה6 of 15
H2009

lo!

תַנּ֤וּר7 of 15

“furnace”

H8574

a fire-pot

עָשָׁן֙8 of 15

“behold a smoking”

H6227

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

וְלַפִּ֣יד9 of 15

“lamp”

H3940

a flambeau, lamp or flame

אֵ֔שׁ10 of 15

“and a burning”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָבַ֔ר12 of 15

“that passed”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בֵּ֖ין13 of 15

“between”

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַגְּזָרִ֥ים14 of 15

“those pieces”

H1506

something cut off; a portion

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃15 of 15
H428

these or those

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 15:17 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 15:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 34:18-19Judges 6:21Jeremiah 11:41 Chronicles 21:26Exodus 3:2-3Isaiah 62:1

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