Genesis 15:11
Genesis 15:11 in Multiple Translations
And the birds of prey descended on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.
And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
And the birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.
And evil birds came down on the bodies, but Abram sent them away.
When vultures flew down on the carcasses, Abram frightened them off.
Then foules fell on the carkases, and Abram droue them away.
and the ravenous birds come down upon the carcases, and Abram causeth them to turn back.
The birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.
And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.
And the fowls came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.
Birds that eat dead flesh came down to eat the carcasses, but Abram shooed them away.
Then some hawks flew down and tried to eat the animals, but Abram chased them away.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 15:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 15:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֥רֶד
הָ/עַ֖יִט
עַל
הַ/פְּגָרִ֑ים
וַ/יַּשֵּׁ֥ב
אֹתָ֖/ם
אַבְרָֽם
וַ/יֵּ֥רֶד
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עַ֖יִט
ʻayiṭ
H5861
bird of prey
Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/פְּגָרִ֑ים
peger
H6297
corpse
Art | N-mp
וַ/יַּשֵּׁ֥ב
nâshab
H5380
to blow
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אַבְרָֽם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 15:11
וַ/יֵּ֥רֶד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
הָ/עַ֖יִט
ʻayiṭ
H5861
"bird of prey"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a bird of prey, like a hawk, that swoops down on its victims. It appears in the Bible as a symbol of power and swiftness. In the KJV, it is translated as bird or fowl.
Definition: bird of prey, a swooper
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bird, fowl, ravenous (bird). See also: Genesis 15:11; Isaiah 46:11; Isaiah 18:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/פְּגָרִ֑ים
peger
H6297
"corpse"
Art | N-mp
A dead body, either human or animal, as seen in the story of the death of Saul in 1 Samuel 31:8-13. It can also refer to an idol or image that is lifeless and useless.
Definition: 1) corpse, carcass, monument, stela 1a) corpse (of man) 1b) carcass (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: carcase, corpse, dead body. See also: Genesis 15:11; Isaiah 34:3; Isaiah 14:19.
וַ/יַּשֵּׁ֥ב
nâshab
H5380
"to blow"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To blow means to disperse or drive away, like a strong wind. This verb is used in the Bible to describe God's power and control over nature. It can also mean to scatter or spread out.
Definition: 1) to blow 1a) (Qal) to blow 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to blow 1b2) to disperse, to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) blow, drive away. See also: Genesis 15:11; Psalms 147:18; Isaiah 40:7.
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַבְרָֽם
ʼAbrâm
H87
"Abram"
N-proper
Abram was the original name of Abraham, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Terah, brother of Nahor and Haran, and husband of Sarah, Hagar, and Keturah, as told in Genesis 11:26--17:5.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085) § Abram = "exalted father" original name of Abraham
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Abram. See also: Genesis 11:26; Genesis 14:13; Nehemiah 9:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 15:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 15:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 15:11
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:11
- Sermons on Genesis 15:11
Context — God Confirms His Promise
9And the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.”
10So Abram brought all these to Him, split each of them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. The birds, however, he did not cut in half.
11And the birds of prey descended on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.
12As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him. 13Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 13:4 | And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:13 | With my lips I proclaim all the judgments of Your mouth. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 17:3 | and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 17:7 | But there was another great eagle with great wings and many feathers. And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him. It stretched out its branches to him from its planting bed, so that he might water it. |
Genesis 15:11 Summary
Genesis 15:11 shows us that even when things seem uncertain or scary, God is still in control and will protect us. Abram trusted God by driving away the birds of prey that were trying to ruin the sacrifice, just like how we can trust God to help us overcome challenges in our lives (as seen in Psalm 23:4). This verse reminds us that God is our protector and provider, and we can have faith in His goodness and care for us, just like Abram did. By trusting in God's promises, we can face the future with confidence and hope, knowing that He will guide and protect us (as promised in Jeremiah 29:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the birds of prey descend on the carcasses in Genesis 15:11?
The birds of prey descended on the carcasses because they were attracted to the smell of dead flesh, as seen in other parts of the Bible such as Matthew 24:28, where Jesus teaches that eagles gather around carcasses.
What is the significance of Abram driving the birds of prey away in Genesis 15:11?
Abram driving the birds of prey away signifies his role as a guardian and protector of the covenant promises, much like how God protects His people in Exodus 19:4, where He bears them on eagles' wings.
How does Genesis 15:11 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Genesis 15:11 is part of a larger scene where God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him a multitude of descendants and a specific land, as seen in Genesis 15:5 and Genesis 15:18.
What can we learn about faith from Abram's actions in Genesis 15:11?
Abram's actions demonstrate his faith and trust in God's promises, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties, much like how we are called to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'birds of prey' that you need to drive away in your own life, and how can you trust God to help you overcome them?
- How does Genesis 15:11 encourage you to trust in God's protection and provision, even when circumstances seem uncertain?
- In what ways can you, like Abram, be a guardian and protector of the promises and blessings God has given you?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of being vigilant and proactive in your spiritual life, and how can you apply this lesson in practical ways?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:11
And when the fowls came down upon the carcasses,.... Upon the birds, as Aben Ezra and Ben Melech interpret it, whose carcasses were whole; or rather upon the divided carcasses of the animals, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:11
And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. And when the fowls came down upon the carcass.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:11
The fowls came to devour them; whereby is signified, either, 1. The disturbance and distraction which good men are exposed to in the service of God from evil spirits and men; or rather, 2. The great peril of Abram’ s posterity, who were not only torn in pieces like these sacrifices, but even the remainder of them were likely to be devoured by the Egyptians, whose king is compared to an eagle, the chief of the birds of prey, . Abram drove them away by the blast of his mouth, as the Hebrew word signifies; representing Abram’ s conquest over all his enemies by faith and prayer, whereby he engaged God to be the Preserver and Deliverer of his people.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:11
Genesis 15:11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.Ver. 11. Abram drove them away.] So must we do evil motions and distractive thoughts in holy duties, which else will muster and swarm in our hearts like the flies of Egypt; pestering us worse than the fly in Albertus Magnus, that was ever hankering after the bald head; though he flapt it off again and again, he could not be rid of it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:11
(11) And when the fowls . . . —Heb., And the birds of prey came down upon the carcases, and Abram scared them away. Had there been a sacrifice the fire would have kept the vultures from approaching; but the bodies lay exposed, and Abram therefore kept guard over them, lest the purpose of the ceremonial should be frustrated by any want of respect shown to the outward symbols.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 15:11
Verse 11. And when the fowls] העיט haayit, birds of prey, came down upon the carcasses to devour them, Abram, who stood by his sacrifice waiting for the manifestation of GOD, who had ordered him to prepare for the ratification of the covenant, drove them away, that they might neither pollute nor devour what had been thus consecrated to God.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:11
11. And the birds of prey, &c.] The birds of prey, regarded as unclean, swooping down threatened to carry off the pieces of flesh. This would have interrupted the ceremony with an evil omen, polluted the sacrifice, and impaired the covenant. Abram drives away the birds of ill omen. In the context, these birds evidently symbolized the Egyptians, who threatened, by enslaving Israel in Egypt, to frustrate the fulfilment of the Divine promise to the seed of Abram. The chasing away of the birds typified the surmounting of all obstacles. The LXX συνεκάθισεναὐτοῖς = “he sat with them” for “he drove them away” (reading vay-yκsheb ittβm for vay-yasshκb τthβm) is a strange example of the mistakes arising from Hebrew writing without vowel points.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:11
11. Fowls came down — Birds of prey, seeking to devour the carcasses.
Sermons on Genesis 15:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Blood Covenant - Part 5 by Bob Phillips | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of covenant and its importance in the relationship between God and humanity. They emphasize the seriousness of entering into a cov |
|
Conference for Missionaries-1988- Discipleship - Part 4 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three encounters with Jesus and the lessons we can learn from them. The first encounter is with a man who eagerly declares his willingness to |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 125 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher introduces Charlie, a young revivalist from Georgia, who has a powerful testimony of being saved from a life of drugs. The preacher encourages the audi |
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Parable of the Sower (8.9.1986) by Nigel Lee | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing a young man giving his testimony for the first time in front of a large audience. The speaker emphasizes the |
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Matthew 13:18-21. the Explanation of the Former Part of the Parable of the Sower. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the parable of the sower, highlighting the different types of hearers of the gospel. The wayside hearers are described as careless individuals who d |
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Fertile Ground by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead preaches about the importance of how individuals receive and respond to the truth of God's Word, emphasizing the danger of becoming indifferent or calloused towards |