Genesis 17:3-5
“3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.'”
Genesis 17:3-5 Meaning
In Genesis 17:3-5, God appears to Abram (later renamed Abraham) and establishes a covenant with him. God promises Abram that he will become the father of many nations, and as a sign of this covenant, his name is changed from Abram, meaning “exalted father,” to Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude.” This name change signifies the transformation that will occur in Abraham’s life as he becomes the patriarch of a great nation.
Genesis 17:3-5 Commentary and Explanation
Genesis 17:3-5, shows us a profound moment in the life of Abram, who would later become known as Abraham. As we study these verses, we can uncover not only God’s covenant with Abraham but also the transformative power of God’s promises.
When Abram fell facedown before God, it symbolized his humility and reverence in the presence of the Almighty. This posture of submission before God reminds us of similar moments in the Bible, such as when Moses encountered God in the burning bush (Exodus 3:6) or when Isaiah had a vision of the Lord in the temple (Isaiah 6:5). It serves as a reminder of our own need to humble ourselves before God and acknowledge His supremacy.
God’s words to Abram in verse 4 reveal a significant promise – a covenant. He tells Abram, “You will be the father of many nations.” This promise extends beyond Abram’s own lifetime and lineage; it points to a much larger plan. This promise is reminiscent of God’s earlier pledge to Abram in Genesis 12:2-3, where God promised to make Abram into a great nation and to bless all nations through him. The covenant is now becoming even more explicit and defined.
The renaming of Abram to Abraham in verse 5 is significant. The name “Abram” means “exalted father,” while “Abraham” means “father of a multitude.” This change is not merely symbolic; it carries the weight of God’s divine promise. God is declaring Abraham’s destiny, affirming that he will indeed become the father of many nations. This renaming is reminiscent of other name changes in the Bible, like when God changed Jacob’s name to Israel (Genesis 32:28) or when Simon became Peter (Matthew 16:18). It symbolizes a new identity and mission in the sight of God.
As we reflect on these verses, we recognize that God’s covenants are not just about individual blessings but have universal implications. Abraham’s descendants, through Isaac and Jacob, eventually formed the nation of Israel, which played a central role in God’s plan of salvation. Through Jesus Christ, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to bless all nations (Galatians 3:8). We, as believers in Christ, are part of the spiritual descendants of Abraham, inheriting the blessings of this covenant (Galatians 3:29).
Genesis 17:3-5 teaches us about God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the importance of humility before Him, and the enduring significance of Abraham’s covenant for all believers. Just as Abraham’s name and destiny were changed through God’s covenant, we too experience a transformative change through faith in Christ and become part of God’s eternal plan for the redemption of many nations.
Also Read: Genesis 16:10-12 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 17:3-5
Genesis 17 is part of the larger narrative of Abraham’s life. At this point, Abram is already 99 years old, and he and his wife Sarah have not been able to bear a child. In the previous chapter, God had promised Abram a son from his own body, despite their old age. Now, in chapter 17, God meets with Abram to establish His covenant.
4. Breaking Down the Key Parts of the Bible verses
Abram fell facedown: This physical gesture reflects Abram’s humility and recognition of God’s authority. It sets the stage for the covenant that follows.
God’s covenant: God initiates this covenant with Abram, promising to make him the father of many nations. This covenant carries great significance and has a broader application beyond Abram’s immediate descendants.
Abram’s new name: God renames Abram to “Abraham,” which signifies his new identity as the father of many nations. This change also demonstrates God’s power to transform and fulfill His promises.
Lessons From Genesis 17:3-5
- Trust in God’s promises: Despite the seemingly impossible circumstances, Abraham believed in God’s promise to make him the father of many nations. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s faithfulness even when circumstances appear discouraging.
- God can redefine our identity: Just as God changed Abram’s name to reflect his new purpose, He can redefine our identity when we align ourselves with His will. Our true identity is found in God, not in worldly labels or titles.
- God’s covenant extends to all believers: The covenant established with Abraham has a universal application. Through faith in Jesus Christ, people from all nations can become part of God’s family and experience the blessings promised to Abraham.
Biblical Translations of Genesis 17:3-5
Genesis 17:3-5 King James Version (KJV)
“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. 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.'”
Genesis 17:3-5 English Standard Version (ESV)
“3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 ‘Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.'”
Genesis 17:3-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“3 Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, 4 ‘As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you will be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.'”
Genesis 17:3-5 New King James Version (NKJV)
“3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 ‘As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.'”
Genesis 17:3-5 New Living Translation (NLT)
“3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, 4 ‘This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! 5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.'”
Genesis 17:3-5 The Message (MSG)
“3 Abruptly, Abram fell on his face. God continued speaking to him, 4 ‘I’m making a covenant between us: I’ll make you a father of many nations. 5 Your name will no longer be Abram, but Abraham, meaning that ‘I’m making you the father of many nations.'”
Final Thoughts
Genesis 17:3-5 reveals God’s faithfulness in establishing a covenant with Abraham. It reminds us of the significance of God’s promises and His ability to transform our lives. Like Abraham, we are called to trust in God’s faithfulness, allowing Him to redefine our identity and guiding us into His purposes. Let us hold firmly to God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them in His perfect timing.