Genesis 15:3
Genesis 15:3 in Multiple Translations
Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
And Abram said, You have given me no child, and a servant in my house will get the heritage.
Abram went on to complain, “Look! You haven't given me any children, so a servant from my household has to be my heir!”
Againe Abram saide, Beholde, to me thou hast giuen no seede: wherefore loe, a seruant of mine house shalbe mine heire.
And Abram saith, 'Lo, to me Thou hast not given seed, and lo, a domestic doth heir me.'
Abram said, “Behold, you have given no children to me: and, behold, one born in my house is my heir.”
And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and lo, one born in my house is my heir.
And Abram added: But to me thou hast not given seed: and lo my servant, born in my house, shall be my heir.
Abram added, “You have not given me any children, so think about this: A servant in my household will inherit all I own!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 15:3
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 15:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אַבְרָ֔ם
הֵ֣ן
לִ֔/י
לֹ֥א
נָתַ֖תָּה
זָ֑רַע
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
בֶן
בֵּיתִ֖/י
יוֹרֵ֥שׁ
אֹתִֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָ֔ם
ʼAbrâm
H87
Abram
N-proper
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
לִ֔/י
Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נָתַ֖תָּה
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
זָ֑רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
בֶן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
בֵּיתִ֖/י
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
יוֹרֵ֥שׁ
yârash
H3423
to possess
V-Qal
אֹתִֽ/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 15:3
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַבְרָ֔ם
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.
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
לִ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נָתַ֖תָּה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
זָ֑רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בֵּיתִ֖/י
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יוֹרֵ֥שׁ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
V-Qal
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
אֹתִֽ/י
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 15:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 15:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:3
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:3
- Sermons on Genesis 15:3
Context — God’s Covenant with Abram
1After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
2But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
3Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
4Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” 5And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 14:14 | And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:21 | A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 2:7 | I acquired menservants and maidservants, and servants were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me, |
| 4 | Jeremiah 12:1 | Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? |
| 5 | Hebrews 10:35–36 | So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. |
| 6 | Proverbs 13:12 | Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. |
| 7 | Genesis 13:16 | I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. |
| 8 | Genesis 12:2 | I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. |
| 9 | Proverbs 30:23 | an unloved woman who marries, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress. |
Genesis 15:3 Summary
In Genesis 15:3, Abram is expressing his concern to God that he has no children to inherit his possessions and legacy. He thinks that one of his servants will have to be his heir instead. This shows that Abram is struggling with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty about his future. However, as we see in the surrounding verses, God responds to Abram's concerns and promises to provide for him and fulfill His promises in his life (Genesis 15:4-5). This teaches us that we can bring our concerns and fears to God and trust Him to provide for us and guide us, just like He did for Abram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abram think a servant would be his heir?
Abram thought a servant would be his heir because he had no children of his own and this was a common practice in his culture, as seen in Genesis 15:2 where Eliezer of Damascus was considered the heir of his house.
What was Abram's concern in this verse?
Abram's concern was that he had no offspring to inherit his possessions and legacy, which is why he mentioned that a servant in his household would be his heir, as stated in Genesis 15:3.
How did God respond to Abram's concern?
God responded to Abram's concern by telling him that one who comes from his own body would be his heir, as stated in Genesis 15:4, and then He showed him the stars in the heavens to illustrate the multitude of his offspring, as seen in Genesis 15:5.
What can we learn from Abram's conversation with God?
We can learn that God is a personal and caring God who listens to our concerns and responds to them, as seen in Genesis 15:1 where God tells Abram not to be afraid and that He is his shield and very great reward.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am lacking or insufficient, and how can I bring these concerns to God in prayer?
- How can I trust God to provide for my needs and fulfill His promises in my life, just like He did for Abram?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God, even when I don't see the answers to my prayers yet?
- How can I apply the principle of looking to God as my shield and very great reward, as stated in Genesis 15:1, to my own life and circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:3
And Abram said, behold, to me thou hast given no seed,.... He had bestowed many temporal blessings on him, as well as spiritual ones, having given himself in covenant, and all things in it, but he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:3
And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:3
Of such see . And these are opposed to them that are born of a man’ s body, . Mine heir; either, 1. By nearness of relation, being, as some conceive, descended from Aram the eldest son of Shem. Or, 2. For a recompence of his fidelity: compare . Or, 3. because he only had the exact knowledge and absolute power of all his master’ s estate, , and therefore could easily keep all after his master’ s death. All which reasons concurring might give occasion for this speech.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:3
Genesis 15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.Ver. 3. And Abram said, Behold, to me, &c.] He harps again upon the same string; when we fall upon crosses we add, we multiply, we rise in our discourse, we are eloquent above measure, and beyond truth sometimes. But how comes Abram to speak thus to God once and again? In former visions God only spake, here Abram answers. It appears he grew in a holy familiarity with the divine Majesty, and a humble boldness, as Cajetan here observeth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:3
(3) One born in my house.—This is a mistake. Those born in Abram’s house were his servants (Genesis 14:14). The Hebrew is, the son of my house, my house-son, not born of me, but the chief of the house next to myself, and its representative. Eliezer was probably born at Damascus.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:3
3. one born in my house] The childless master of the house is here represented as likely to be succeeded by a member of his household. Lot is ignored. For the favourable position of a trusted slave in an Israelite household, cf. 24; 1 Samuel 9:3-8; 1 Samuel 9:22; 1 Chronicles 2:34 ff.; Proverbs 17:2.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:3
3. One born in my house — Hebrews, a son of my house. Abram here refers again to Eliezer, whom he has just called a son of possession of my house; and this confirms our view stated above, that the
Sermons on Genesis 15:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Abram's Concern of Having No Children Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the covenant that God made with Abram in Genesis 15. He explains that cutting animals in half and laying them out was a method of makin |
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Genesis #13 Ch. 14-15 Contrast of Abraham and Lot by Chuck Missler | In this sermon on Genesis chapters 14 and 15, Chuck Misler explores the relationship between Abraham and Lot. He introduces the concept of the law of first mention, which suggests |
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(Genesis) Genesis 13:14-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on God's appearance to Abram and the promise of land and offspring. God instructs Abram to look in all directions and confirms that he will giv |
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Where Would You Pitch Your Tent? by Percy Ray | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing and following the word of God without being influenced by those who try to undermine it. He encourages the congr |
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Training in the House of God (Genesis 14:14) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the House of God serves as a training ground for believers, akin to Abram's trained men who were prepared for spiritual warfare. He highlights that |
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The Ministry of Melchizedek by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the priesthood of Melchizedek, highlighting how Melchizedek knew God intimately and blessed Abraham with a prophetic word that saved him from pride and covet |
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(The Full Gospel) 22. the Ministry of Melchizedek by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the priesthood of Melchizedek, emphasizing the importance of quietly blessing others without seeking recognition or honor. He highlights how Melchizedek met |