Genesis 17:2

Afrikaans 1933/1953

En Ek wil my verbond sluit tussen My en jou, en jou buitengewoon vermeerder.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God promises to make a special agreement, or covenant, with Abraham and to make Abraham's family grow very large. God is speaking to Abraham and is promising to bless him in a big way.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who promises to give you a super special toy and to make your toy collection grow really big. That's like what God is promising to Abraham here, but instead of toys, he's talking about Abraham's family getting really big!

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1400-1200 BCE. The verse is part of the covenant God makes with Abraham, who is considered the father of the Jewish people. The setting is pre-Israelite, during the period when Abraham was leading a nomadic lifestyle.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse reminds us that God's promises are big and can seem unbelievable, but they are true. For instance, a couple struggling with infertility might find hope in this promise of multiplication and divine intervention.

Topics

• covenant
• promise
• multiplication
• faith
• family
• growth

Related Verses

• Genesis 12:2
• Genesis 15:5
• Exodus 32:13
• Romans 4:18
• Hebrews 6:13

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when God says he will multiply Abraham?

It means God is promising to make Abraham's family grow very large, symbolizing blessings and prosperity.

Can this promise be applied to modern-day families?

Yes, it can inspire faith and hope that God's promises can lead to unexpected blessings in family life.

How does this verse relate to the concept of a covenant?

This verse is part of God's covenant with Abraham, which includes promises and responsibilities, highlighting the importance of God's faithfulness.

What can we learn about God's nature from this verse?

This verse teaches us about God's faithfulness and his commitment to fulfill his promises, even when they seem impossible.