Genesis 22:17

Translations

Modern

I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies.

Traditional

That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

Literal

…that I will surely bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the shore of the sea; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies.

Latin

…benedicam tibi, et multiplicabo semen tuum sicut stellas cæli, et velut arenam quæ est in littore maris: possidebit semen tuum portas inimicorum suorum,

Original

Hebrew

English

I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies.

Notes

Genesis 22:17

Joshua and Old Testament Israel partially fulfilled the promise that Abraham’s descendants would conquer the cities (literally take possession of the gates) of God's enemies. The church will completely fulfill this promise (compare Matthew 16:18 and the study note there).

Genesis 22:15–19

After the event, God again confirmed his covenant with Abraham (compare 15:5, 18–21; 17:3–8). His descendants would be numerous:

like the stars in the sky (compare 26:4),
like the sand on the seashore (compare 32:12), and
like the dust of the earth (compare 13:16; 28:14).

Genesis 22:9–19

God’s intervention was dramatic and instructive, confirming that he never intended for Isaac to be sacrificed. God later made it clear that child sacrifice was an abomination to him (see Leviticus 18:21; 20:1–5; Deuteronomy 18:10; 2 Kings 16:2–3; Isaiah 57:5; Jeremiah 32:35). God wanted Abraham to sacrifice his own will and surrender it to God, and when he did, God intervened.

This story sets an example for all who worship through sacrifice. Like Abraham, true worshipers understand that everything belongs to God. They acknowledge that all things come from God and are his. A true worshiper obediently gives God what he asks for. They trust that God will provide all needs. Through this trust, they experience that God always provides.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Isaac Faith and Good Deeds God’s Covenant with Abraham Security and Obedience Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Genesis 15:5
And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Jeremiah 33:22
As the hosts of heaven cannot be counted and as the sand on the seashore cannot be measured, so too will I multiply the descendants of My servant David and the Levites who minister before Me.”
Genesis 24:60
And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.”
Genesis 26:4
I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed,
Numbers 24:17–19
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.
Psalm 2:8–9
Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.
Genesis 13:16
I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted.
Psalm 72:8–9
May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.
Revelation 11:15
Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.
Deuteronomy 1:10
The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Joshua 1:1–10
Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying,

Glossary

Abraham Angel of the Lord Architecture Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Amos Ebla Tablets Family Life and Relations Genesis, Book of Hosea, Book of Isaac Jerusalem Patriarchs, Period of the Samaritans

Topics

Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Afflictions and Adversities: Benefits of, Illustrated Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Abraham Blessing: Temporal, from God Communion: Abraham Faith: Trial of Abraham, when Commanded to offer Isaac God: Providence of Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham: Offered in Sacrifice by his Father Israel: Prophecies About the Multitude of Offerings: Human Sacrifices: Abraham Righteous: Promises To, Expressed or Implied Sand The Burnt offering: Abraham Tried by the Command to offer Isaac As The Jews: Their Vast Numbers The Sea: The Shore of, Covered with Sand

Genesis 22:17

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