King James Version

What Does Genesis 17:5 Mean?

Genesis 17:5 in the King James Version says “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. Abraham: that is, Father of a great multitude

Genesis 17:5 · KJV


Context

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

5

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. Abraham: that is, Father of a great multitude

6

And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

7

And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many... 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 should this truth about Isaac Promised shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 14
H3808

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

יִקָּרֵ֥א2 of 14

any more be called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ע֛וֹד3 of 14
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֶת4 of 14
H853

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

שִׁמְךָ֙5 of 14

Neither shall thy name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אַבְרָ֑ם6 of 14

Abram

H87

abram, the original name of abraham

וְהָיָ֤ה7 of 14
H1961

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

שִׁמְךָ֙8 of 14

Neither shall thy name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אַבְרָהָ֔ם9 of 14

shall be Abraham

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

כִּ֛י10 of 14
H3588

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

אַב11 of 14

for a father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הֲמ֥וֹן12 of 14

of many

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

גּוֹיִ֖ם13 of 14

nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

נְתַתִּֽיךָ׃14 of 14

have I made thee

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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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