Genesis 15:8
Genesis 15:8 in Multiple Translations
But Abram replied, “Lord GOD, how can I know that I will possess it?”
And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
And he said, O Lord Jehovah, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
And he said, O Lord God, how may I be certain that it will be mine?
“But Lord God, how can I be certain that I will own it?” Abram asked.
And he said, O Lord God, whereby shall I knowe that I shall inherite it?
and he saith, 'Lord Jehovah, whereby do I know that I possess it?'
He said, “Lord GOD, how will I know that I will inherit it?”
And he said, Lord God, by what shall I know that I shall inherit it?
But he said: Lord God, whereby may I know that I shall possess it?
But Abram replied, “Yahweh God, how can I know for sure that this land will belong to me?”
Abram said to God, “Yahweh, I know you are very powerful, but how can I be really sure that I will get all this country?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 15:8
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 15:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יֱהוִ֔ה
בַּ/מָּ֥ה
אֵדַ֖ע
כִּ֥י
אִֽירָשֶֽׁ/נָּה
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יֱהוִ֔ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
בַּ/מָּ֥ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
אֵדַ֖ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִֽירָשֶֽׁ/נָּה
yârash
H3423
to possess
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 15:8
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
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.
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יֱהוִ֔ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
בַּ/מָּ֥ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֵדַ֖ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִֽירָשֶֽׁ/נָּה
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 15:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 15:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 15:8
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:8
- Sermons on Genesis 15:8
Context — God Confirms His Promise
6Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
7The LORD also told him, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”
8But Abram replied, “Lord GOD, how can I know that I will possess it?”
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 1:18 | “How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” |
| 2 | Luke 1:34 | “How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” |
| 3 | Isaiah 7:11 | “Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” |
| 4 | 2 Kings 20:8 | Now Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?” |
| 5 | Psalms 86:17 | Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed; for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me. |
| 6 | Judges 6:36–40 | Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said, then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me; let me speak one more time. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time let it be dry, and the ground covered with dew.” And that night God did so. Only the fleece was dry, and dew covered the ground. |
| 7 | Judges 6:17–24 | Gideon answered, “If I have found favor in Your sight, give me a sign that it is You speaking with me. Please do not depart from this place until I return to You. Let me bring my offering and set it before You.” And the LORD said, “I will stay until you return.” So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread and an ephah of flour. He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and brought them out to present to Him under the oak. And the angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. Then the angel of the LORD extended the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. And fire flared from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight. When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!” But the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid, for you will not die.” So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. |
| 8 | Genesis 24:13–14 | Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.” |
| 9 | Genesis 24:2–4 | So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.” |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 14:9–10 | If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.” |
Genesis 15:8 Summary
This verse shows us that Abram, even after believing in God and being credited with righteousness, Genesis 15:6, still had questions and doubts about God's promises. He asked God for assurance that he would possess the land, and God responded with a powerful sign, Genesis 15:9-10. This teaches us that it's okay to ask God for guidance and confirmation, and that He is willing to provide it, as long as we trust and obey Him, as seen in John 14:15. By seeking God and trusting in His promises, we can have confidence and peace, just like Abram, as promised in Isaiah 26:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abram question God's promise of possessing the land?
Abram's question was a genuine expression of faith, seeking assurance from God, as seen in his earlier belief in God which was credited to him as righteousness, Genesis 15:6. This interaction shows Abram's humility and desire for clarity from God.
Is it wrong to ask God for signs or confirmation of His promises?
Asking God for signs or confirmation is not inherently wrong, as seen in Genesis 15:8, but it should stem from a desire to trust and obey Him, rather than doubt or unbelief, as warned against in James 1:6-8.
What can we learn from Abram's conversation with God in this verse?
We learn that God is a personal and relational God who desires open communication with His people, as demonstrated in Genesis 15:7-8, and that He is willing to provide assurance and guidance to those who seek Him, as seen in Psalm 32:8.
How does Abram's question relate to his faith and trust in God?
Abram's question shows that his faith and trust in God were not blind or naive, but rather, they were rooted in a deep desire to understand and obey God's will, as expressed in Romans 4:20-21, where Abram's faith is held up as an example of trust in God's promises.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need assurance or confirmation from God, and how can I seek Him for guidance?
- How can I, like Abram, balance faith and trust in God with a desire for understanding and clarity about His promises?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's promises, even when I don't fully understand the details or timing?
- What can I learn from Abram's example about the importance of open and honest communication with God in my own prayer life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 15:8
And he said, Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?] Not as questioning or doubting whether he should or not; but this he asked for the further confirmation of his faith in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 15:8
And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? Whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 15:8
He asks a sign, not out of distrust of God’ s promise, for he was strong in faith, , but for further assurance and confirmation of it. And such an asking of a sign was not an unusual practice with good men, as , not are they reproved for it; but on the contrary, Ahaz was commanded to ask a sign, and reproved for not asking it, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 15:8
Genesis 15:8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?Ver. 8. Lord God, whereby shall I know?] He desires a sign, not that he believed not before, but that he might better believe. How great is God’ s love in giving us sacraments, and therein to make himself to us visible, as well as audible
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 15:8
(8) Lord God.—Heb., Lord Jehovah, as in Genesis 15:2. Whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?—Jehovah had required Abram to leave his home in Ur of the Chaldees on a general promise of future endowment with the land of Canaan. Abram now asks this question, not from want of faith, but from a desire for a more direct confirmation of the promise and fuller knowledge of the details. What Abram, therefore, receives is an exact and circumstantial prophecy, made in the form of a solemn covenant.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 15:8
Verse 8. And he said, Lord God] אדני יהוה Adonai Yehovah, my Lord Jehovah. Adonai is the word which the Jews in reading always substitute for Jehovah, as they count it impious to pronounce this name. Adonai signifies my director, basis, supporter, prop, or stay; and scarcely a more appropriate name can be given to that God who is the framer and director of every righteous word and action; the basis or foundation on which every rational hope rests; the supporter of the souls and bodies of men, as well as of the universe in general; the prop and stay of the weak and fainting, and the buttress that shores up the building, which otherwise must necessarily fall. This word often occurs in the Hebrew Bible, and is rendered in our translation Lord; the same term by which the word Jehovah is expressed: but to distinguish between the two, and to show the reader when the original is יהוה Yehovah, and when אדני Adonai, the first is always put in capitals, LORD, the latter in plain Roman characters, Lord. For the word Jehovah See Clarke on Genesis 2:4, and on "Exodus 34:6". Whereby shall I know] By what sign shall I be assured, that I shall inherit this land? It appears that he expected some sign, and that on such occasions one was ordinarily given.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 15:8
8. whereby shall I know] Abram requests a sign to assure him of the fulfilment of the promise: cf. the action of Gideon, Judges 6:17, and of Hezekiah, 2 Kings 20:8. On “Lord God,” see note on Genesis 15:2.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 15:8
8. Whereby shall I know — Abram would pass from belief to knowledge. He would have some visible token or sign.
Sermons on Genesis 15:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Covenant by Bill Randles | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the horror of great darkness and the significance of death in bringing about righteousness and everlasting life. He connects this concept to |
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Person of the Covenant by Bill Stafford | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God as a covenant-keeping God. He explains that God's covenant with His people is unconditional and based on |
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Watching With God by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of waiting and watching with God, drawing parallels between human relationships and our relationship with the Divine. He reflects on the strugg |
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Four Old People by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the idea of living for God in difficult times. He emphasizes that God never abandons His people, even in challenging circumstances. The spea |
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The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold Luke 1:5-25 by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the story of Zechariah, a priest chosen to burn incense in the Temple, who was visited by the angel Gabriel with the news of his elderly wife having a |
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Godliness Without Power by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the miraculous birth of Jesus and the role of the angel Gabriel in delivering God's message to Mary. The speaker emphasizes the incredulity |
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God's Secret Plan by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the miraculous birth of Jesus and the role of the angel Gabriel in delivering God's message to Mary. The speaker emphasizes the incredulity |