Genesis 17:4-5 BSB

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 17:1-27

The covenant sealed (17:1-27)As Abram and Sarai grew older, God told them again that he would be faithful to his promises. He revealed himself to them in a new name of power (God Almighty) and gave them each new names (Abraham and Sarah) to emphasize that he would make them parents of a multitude (17:1-6,15-16). The Almighty had made a covenant to be God to Abraham and his descendants, and he would give them Canaan to be their homeland (7-8).To reassure Abraham that he would keep his covenant... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 17:4

many. Emph. Figure of speech Antimereia (of Noun), for emphasis. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 17:5

Abraham. The fifth letter of Hebrew alphabet (= H), put in middle of his name = No. 5, Grace. See App-10 . Abram = exalted father; Abraham = father of a multitude. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 17:3-5

"And Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations. Neither shall thy name be any more called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.""And Abram fell on his face ..." "Man on his face, God on his throne, only in this posture can God really talk to us."[10]"As for me ..." The antithesis of this is in Genesis 17:9, where we have,... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 17:4

Genesis 17:4. As for me— The Almighty begins with setting forth his part of the covenant, with declaring what he would do for Abram; and in Genesis 17:9, &c. he sets forth Abram's part of it.—In token of that increase, which, in a temporal and spiritual sense, he would give to Abram, he changes his name to Abraham, the meaning of which name is also given, as is generally the case in Scripture: thy name shall be Abraham, for a father of many nations have I made thee. Abram, it is generally... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 17:4

4. my covenant is with thee—Renewed mention is made of it as the foundation of the communication that follows. It is the covenant of grace made with all who believe in the Saviour. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 17:5

5. but thy name shall be Abraham—In Eastern countries a change of name is an advertisement of some new circumstance in the history, rank, or religion of the individual who bears it. The change is made variously, by the old name being entirely dropped for the new, or by conjoining the new with the old; or sometimes only a few letters are inserted, so that the altered form may express the difference in the owner's state or prospects. It is surprising how soon a new name is known and its import... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 17:1-8

Thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16:16) God spoke to Abram again (the fifth revelation; Genesis 17:1). God called Himself by a new name: El Shaddai (the Almighty God). This was appropriate in view of the thing God proceeded to reveal to Abram that He would do. It would require supernatural power.The references to the "covenant" in this chapter have caused some confusion. The Abrahamic Covenant (ch. 15) is in view (Genesis 17:4; Genesis 17:7; Genesis 17:11; Genesis 17:19;... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 17:1-27

The Covenant of CircumcisionThis chapter is from the Priestly document, of which it shows marked characteristics: see preface to Genesis 15.1. Ninety years old and nine] Ishmael was now thirteen years old, and Abraham probably expected no other heir. But his faith was to be put to a further test. The Almighty God] Heb. el Shaddai: the name of power shows the ability to perform what was promised. Walk before me, and be thou perfeet] i.e. always conscious of My presence, and living a pious,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 17:4

(4) Of many nations.—This is a feeble rendering of a remarkable phrase. Literally the word signifies a confused noise like the din of a populous city. Abram is to be the father of a thronging crowd of nations. And so in Genesis 17:5. read more