King James Version

What Does Genesis 15:20 Mean?

Genesis 15:20 in the King James Version says “And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,”

Genesis 15:20 · KJV

Context

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,

20

And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,

21

And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

Read Genesis 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,... 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 specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְאֶת1 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽחִתִּ֥י2 of 6

“And the Hittites”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

וְאֶת3 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַפְּרִזִּ֖י4 of 6

“and the Perizzites”

H6522

a perizzite, one of the canaanitish tribes

וְאֶת5 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽרְפָאִֽים׃6 of 6

“and the Rephaims”

H7497

a giant

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 15:20 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 15:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 14:5Isaiah 17:5

Test Your Knowledge

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