Genesis 15:8

Translations

Modern

But Abram replied, “Lord GOD, how can I know that I will possess it?”

Traditional

And he said, Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?

Literal

And he said, “Lord YHWH, by what shall I know that I will possess it?”

Latin

At ille ait: Domine Deus, unde scire possum quod possessurus sim eam?

Original

Hebrew

English

But Abram replied, “Lord GOD, how can I know that I will possess it?”

Notes

Genesis 15:7–21

In a special ceremony, God made a covenant with Abram and promised to do what he had said.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham God’s Covenant with Abraham God’s Covenant with David God’s Covenants God’s New Covenant Promised Land Security and Obedience Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

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.”
Luke 1:34
“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
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?”
Isaiah 7:11
“Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.”
Judges 6:36–40
Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said,
Psalm 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.
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.
Genesis 24:2–4
So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh,
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.
Genesis 24:13–14
Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water.

Parallels

Numbers 34:1–15 Romans 4:13–25

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

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

Topics

Abraham: Canaan Given To Condescension of God: Enters Into Covenant with Abraham Doubting: Exemplified Faith: Believing the Promise of Many Descendants Sign: Asked for By, and Given to Abraham Symbols and Similitudes: Sacrificial Animals The Covenant: Made With: Abraham Vision of Abraham: Concerning his Descendants

Genesis 15:8

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