Genesis 17:9
Genesis 17:9 in Multiple Translations
God also said to Abraham, “You must keep My covenant—you and your descendants in the generations after you.
¶ And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
And God said unto Abraham, And as for thee, thou shalt keep my covenant, thou, and thy seed after thee throughout their generations.
And God said to Abraham, On your side, you are to keep the agreement, you and your seed after you through all generations.
Then God told Abraham, “Your part is to keep my agreement—you and your descendants for generations to come.
Againe God said vnto Abraham, Thou also shalt keepe my couenant, thou, and thy seede after thee in their generations.
And God saith unto Abraham, 'And thou dost keep My covenant, thou and thy seed after thee, to their generations;
God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.
And God said to Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee, in their generations.
Again God said to Abraham: And thou therefore shalt keep my covenant, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
Then God said to Abraham, “Now you must obey your part of the agreement that I am making with you, and your descendants must also obey it, for all generations.
Then God said to Abraham, “You have to agree to this. You and everyone that will be born into your family later on, you mob have to always respect me and let me be your God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 17:9
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 17:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֱלֹהִים֙
אֶל
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה
אֶת
בְּרִיתִ֣/י
תִשְׁמֹ֑ר
אַתָּ֛ה
וְ/זַרְעֲ/ךָ֥
אַֽחֲרֶ֖י/ךָ
לְ/דֹרֹתָֽ/ם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּרִיתִ֣/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs | Suff
תִשְׁמֹ֑ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אַתָּ֛ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וְ/זַרְעֲ/ךָ֥
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
Conj | N-ms | Suff
אַֽחֲרֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
לְ/דֹרֹתָֽ/ם
dôwr
H1755
generation
Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 17:9
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
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 § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
בְּרִיתִ֣/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs | Suff
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
תִשְׁמֹ֑ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אַתָּ֛ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וְ/זַרְעֲ/ךָ֥
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
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.
אַֽחֲרֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
לְ/דֹרֹתָֽ/ם
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 17:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 17:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:9
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:9
- Sermons on Genesis 17:9
Context — The Covenant of Circumcision
7I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
8And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.”
9God also said to Abraham, “You must keep My covenant—you and your descendants in the generations after you.
10This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. 11You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 56:4–5 | For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant— I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. |
| 2 | Psalms 25:10 | All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees. |
| 3 | Psalms 103:18 | to those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts. |
Genesis 17:9 Summary
[God told Abraham that he and his descendants must keep His covenant, which means obeying and following God's commands and promises. This covenant is a special agreement between God and Abraham's family, and it's based on God's love and faithfulness, as seen in Genesis 17:7-8. By keeping the covenant, Abraham and his family would show their love and commitment to God, and they would receive God's blessings and protection, just like God promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. As we read this verse, we can remember that God still makes promises to us today, and He calls us to trust and obey Him, just like Abraham did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'keep My covenant' in Genesis 17:9?
To keep God's covenant means to obey and follow the terms of the agreement He has made with Abraham and his descendants, as outlined in Genesis 17:10-11 and reinforced in Exodus 19:5-6.
Why is it important for Abraham and his descendants to keep God's covenant?
Keeping God's covenant is crucial because it signifies their commitment to worship and obey Him alone, as their God, and to receive the blessings and promises He has made to them, as seen in Genesis 17:7-8 and Deuteronomy 7:9-10.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's covenant with the Israelites?
This verse is a pivotal part of God's covenant with Abraham, which is foundational to His covenant with the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 2:24 and Leviticus 26:42-45, and ultimately points to the new covenant in Jesus Christ, as described in Luke 22:20 and Hebrews 8:6-13.
What role does personal responsibility play in keeping God's covenant?
According to Genesis 17:9, both Abraham and his descendants have a personal responsibility to keep God's covenant, emphasizing the importance of individual obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as also taught in Deuteronomy 29:9-15 and Romans 2:25-29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my commitment to keeping God's covenant in my own life, just as Abraham was called to do?
- How do I balance the responsibility to obey God's commands with the knowledge that salvation is a gift of faith, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-10?
- In what ways can I, like Abraham, trust God's promises and provisions for my life, even when the circumstances seem uncertain or challenging?
- What does it mean for me to 'keep God's covenant' in the context of my relationships and community, and how can I model this for others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 17:9
And God said unto Abraham, thou shalt keep my covenant therefore,.... Observe the sign or token of it, circumcision, in the manner after related: thou, and thy seed after thee, in their generations;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 17:9
And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 17:9
The agreement is mutual: my part was expressed before; now follows thy part, and the condition to which my promise and blessing is annexed.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 17:9
Genesis 17:9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.Ver. 9. Thou shalt keep my covenant.] This is the stipulation on Abraham’ s part, by receiving the sacrament of circumcision, to "avouch God to be his God". Now to the making the Lord to be our God, it is required, that with highest estimations, most vigorous affections, and utmost endeavours we bestow ourselves upon him. Thus, if we choose God for our God, we shall be assured that he hath chosen and avouched us for his people.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 17:9
9–14. Circumcision the Token of the Covenant 9. thou shalt keep] “Keep” in the sense of “observe”: the reverse is to “break” (Genesis 17:14) the covenant. Notice the sing, “thou,” and the plur. “ye shall keep” in Genesis 17:10; cf. the interchange of plur. and sing. in Genesis 17:11-13.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 17:9
9. Thou shalt keep — God has now said what he for his part will do; here he directs Abraham’s part of observing the covenant. Comp. Genesis 17:4, note.
Sermons on Genesis 17:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 17:9-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of circumcision as a symbol of the Covenant between God and Abraham. He emphasizes that circumcision was not a requirement fo |
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(Genesis) 32 - the Sign of the Abrahamic Covenant by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the marks of a true believer and the evidence of God's work in their heart and daily life. The sermon begins by discussing the structure of |
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Circumcision by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the Institution of the Covenant of Circumcision as described in Genesis, Chapter 17, Verse 9. He begins by describing how the Lord appe |
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From Creation to the Death of Isaac by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the stories of Abraham, Lot, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, a righteous man, shows hospitality to angels and intercedes for the Sodom |
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Part 13: The Abrahamic Covenant and Premillennialism by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the debate on whether the Abrahamic Covenant is unconditional, contrasting the views of Amillenarians and Premillenarians. The Abrahamic Covenant, as o |
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Genesis 17:1-27 by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the obedience and faith of Abraham in response to God's covenant, highlighting Abraham's prompt and unwavering obedience despite the difficulties and dou |
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The Rejected Ones by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and encourages the congregation to forgive others. He shares a personal story about a dilapidated chicken coop |