King James Version

What Does Genesis 17:2 Mean?

Genesis 17:2 in the King James Version says “And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly .” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly .”

Genesis 17:2 · KJV

Context

1

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. perfect: or, upright, or, sincere

2

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly .

3

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

4

As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. many: Heb. multitude of nations

Read Genesis 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.... 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).

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאֶתְּנָ֥ה1 of 8

“And I will make”

H5414

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

בְרִיתִ֖י2 of 8

“my covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

בֵּינִ֣י3 of 8
H996

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

וּבֵינֶ֑ךָ4 of 8
H996

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

וְאַרְבֶּ֥ה5 of 8

“between me and thee and will multiply”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

אֽוֹתְךָ֖6 of 8
H853

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

מְאֹֽד׃7 of 8

“thee exceedingly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

מְאֹֽד׃8 of 8

“thee exceedingly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 17:2 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 17:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 17:4-6Genesis 12:2Psalms 105:8-11Genesis 13:16Genesis 15:18Genesis 22:17

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 17 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes