Keraia
Genesis 15

Genesis 15:1

God’s Covenant with Abram · Genesis 15:1–7
Read Genesis 15

Translations

Modern
After 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.”
Traditional
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Literal
After these things the word of YHWH came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am a shield to you; your reward is exceedingly great.”
Latin
His itaque transactis, factus est sermo Domini ad Abram per visionem dicens: Noli timere, Abram: ego protector tuus sum, et merces tua magna nimis.

Original

Hebrew
English
After 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.”

Notes

Genesis 15:1

  • Do not be afraid: Abram did not have a son to inherit his property. The Lord addressed Abram’s anxiety about the future with comforting words.

  • I am your shield: The Hebrew word for shield (magen) comes from the same root word as Melchizedek's word delivered (14:20). The Lord, who had delivered Abram's enemies into his power, would continue to protect him.

  • your very great reward: The promise of children was still unfulfilled (12:2–3; see also Psalm 127:3).

Genesis 15:1–21

God made a covenant (a special agreement) with Abram. In this covenant, God confirmed the promises he had made earlier when he summoned Abram to leave his country (12:1–3). Abram's descendants would experience a long period of slavery before God made these promises come true.

Parallels

Romans 4:1–12 Hebrews 11:8–19

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people

Glossary

Abraham Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Circumcision Covenant Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Heir History of Israel Mamre (Place) Patriarchs, Period of the Prayer Promise Torah

Topics

Abraham: God's Covenant With Condescension of God: Enters Into Covenant with Abraham Covenant: Abraham Prayer: Answered: Abraham, for a Son Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Shield Protection: Abraham Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Abraham Righteous: Promises To, Expressed or Implied Shield of God's Protection Shields: Protection of God Vision of Abraham: Concerning his Descendants Visions: Often Accompanied: An Audible Voice from Heaven Visions: To Abraham