New International VersionSo the LORD said to him, “Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon.”
New Living TranslationThe LORD told him, “Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
English Standard VersionHe said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
Berean Standard BibleAnd the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.”
King James BibleAnd he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
New King James VersionSo He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
New American Standard BibleSo He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
NASB 1995So He said to him, “Bring Me a three year old heifer, and a three year old female goat, and a three year old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
NASB 1977So He said to him, “Bring Me a three year old heifer, and a three year old female goat, and a three year old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
Legacy Standard BibleSo He said to him, “Bring Me a three year old heifer, and a three year old female goat, and a three year old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
Amplified BibleSo God said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
Christian Standard BibleHe said to him, “Bring me a three-year-old cow, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old cow, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
American Standard VersionAnd he said unto him, Take me a heifer three years old, and a she-goat three years old, and a ram three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.
Contemporary English VersionThen the LORD told him, "Bring me a three-year-old cow, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a dove, and a young pigeon."
English Revised VersionAnd he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe answered Abram, "Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a mourning dove, and a pigeon."
Good News TranslationHe answered, "Bring me a cow, a goat, and a ram, each of them three years old, and a dove and a pigeon."
International Standard VersionThe LORD responded, "Bring me a three-year-old cow, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."
NET BibleThe LORD said to him, "Take for me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon."
New Heart English BibleAnd he said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he said to him, Take me a heifer of three years old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.”
World English BibleHe said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd He says to him, “Take for Me a heifer of three years, and a female goat of three years, and a ram of three years, and a turtle-dove, and a young bird”;
Young's Literal Translation And He saith unto him, 'Take for Me a heifer of three years, and a she-goat of three years, and a ram of three years, and a turtle-dove, and a young bird;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will say to him, Take to me a heifer of three, and a goat of three, and a ram of three, and a turtle dove, and a young pigeon. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord answered, and said: Take me a cow of three years old, and a she goat of three years, and a ram of three years, a turtle also, and a pigeon.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the Lord responded by saying: “Take for me a cow of three years, and a she-goat of three years, and a ram of three years, also a turtle-dove and a pigeon.”
New American BibleHe answered him: Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
New Revised Standard VersionHe said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to him, Take for yourself a heifer, three years old, a three year old ram, a three year old she-goat, a pigeon, and a young dove.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he said to him, “Take to you a threeyearold calf and a threeyearold ram and a three year old goat and a pigeon and a son of doves. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And He said unto him: 'Take Me a heifer of three years old, and a she-goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he said to him, Take for me an heifer in her third year, and a she-goat in her third year, and a ram in his third year, and a dove and a pigeon.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context God Confirms His Promise8But Abram replied, “Lord GOD, how can I know that I will possess it?” 9And the LORD saidto him,“BringMea heifer,a goat,and a ram,each three years old,along with a turtledoveand a young pigeon.”10So Abram brought all these to Him, split each of them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. The birds, however, he did not cut in half.…
Cross References Hebrews 9:13-14For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, / how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!
Exodus 29:10-14You are to present the bull at the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head. / And you shall slaughter the bull before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. / Take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. ...
Leviticus 1:3-17If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD. / He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. / And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to present the blood and splatter it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. ...
Jeremiah 34:18-19And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces. / The officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the pieces of the calf,
Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
Romans 12:1Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Leviticus 9:2-4He said to Aaron, “Take for yourself a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, both without blemish, and present them before the LORD. / Then speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb—both a year old and without blemish—for a burnt offering, / an ox and a ram for a peace offering to sacrifice before the LORD, and a grain offering mixed with oil. For today the LORD will appear to you.’”
1 Samuel 15:22But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.
Hebrews 10:1-10For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. / If it could, would not the offerings have ceased? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt the guilt of their sins. / Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, ...
Numbers 19:2-6“This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: Instruct the Israelites to bring you an unblemished red heifer that has no defect and has never been placed under a yoke. / Give it to Eleazar the priest, and he will have it brought outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence. / Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting. ...
1 Kings 18:33Next, he arranged the wood, cut up the bull, placed it on the wood,
Psalm 50:5“Gather to Me My saints, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”
2 Chronicles 7:5And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.
John 1:29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
2 Corinthians 5:21God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Treasury of Scripture And he said to him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behindhim a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. Leviticus 1:3,10,14 If his offeringbe a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD… Leviticus 3:1,6 And if his oblationbe a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offerit of the herd; whetherit be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD… Jump to Previous BirdCowDoveFemaleGoatHeiferPigeonRamSheepShe-GoatThreeTurtledoveTurtle-DoveYoungJump to Next BirdCowDoveFemaleGoatHeiferPigeonRamSheepShe-GoatThreeTurtledoveTurtle-DoveYoungGenesis 15 1.God encourages Abram, who asks for an heir.4.God promises him a son, and a multiplying of his seed.6.Abram is justified by faith.7.Canaan is promised again,9.and confirmed by a sign, and a vision,18.prophetic of the condition of his posterity till brought out of Egypt.And the LORD said to himThis phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Abram, emphasizing the personal relationship and covenantal dialogue between them. It reflects the pattern of divine revelation seen throughout the Old Testament, where God speaks to His chosen individuals to guide and establish His purposes. This communication is foundational for the Abrahamic Covenant, a pivotal moment in biblical history. Bring Me a heifer
The heifer, a young female cow, is significant in ancient sacrificial practices. In the context of Genesis, the heifer is part of a covenant ritual. The heifer's use in sacrifices is later seen in the Mosaic Law (Numbers 19:2) and symbolizes purification and atonement. The heifer's role in this covenant foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who purifies believers from sin. a goat
The goat is another animal commonly used in sacrificial offerings, representing sin and atonement. InLeviticus 16, goats are used on the Day of Atonement, with one being sacrificed and the other, the scapegoat, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. This prefigures Christ's atoning work, where He bears the sins of humanity. and a ram
Rams are often associated with substitutionary sacrifice, as seen in the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22:13), where a ram is provided by God as a substitute for Isaac. This act of substitution is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate substitute for humanity's sins. The ram's inclusion in the covenant ritual underscores themes of provision and redemption. each three years old
The specification of the animals being three years old suggests maturity and completeness, qualities necessary for a proper sacrifice. This detail highlights the importance of offering the best to God, a principle seen throughout Scripture. The number three often symbolizes divine completeness and perfection, pointing to the triune nature of God and the perfection of Christ's sacrifice. along with a turtledove and a young pigeon
These birds are included as part of the sacrificial offerings, often used by those who could not afford larger animals (Leviticus 5:7). Their presence in the covenant ritual indicates God's provision for all, regardless of economic status. The use of birds in sacrifices is later seen in the purification rites of Mary after Jesus' birth (Luke 2:24), connecting the covenant with the coming of Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abram (Abraham)The central figure in this passage, Abram is in a covenant dialogue with God. He is later renamed Abraham and is considered the father of faith. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)God is speaking directly to Abram, instructing him on the covenant ritual. This interaction is part of God's unfolding plan for Abram and his descendants. 3. Covenant CeremonyThe event described is a covenant-making process, where specific animals are used in a ritual to formalize God's promises to Abram. Teaching Points Understanding CovenantThe covenant is a solemn agreement that involves commitments and promises. In Genesis 15, God formalizes His promises to Abram through a covenant, emphasizing the seriousness and binding nature of His word. Symbolism of SacrificeThe specific animals mentioned (heifer, goat, ram, turtledove, pigeon) were common in ancient Near Eastern covenant rituals. Each animal represents a part of the sacrificial system that points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Faith and ObedienceAbram's willingness to follow God's instructions without question demonstrates his faith. This obedience is a model for believers, showing that faith often requires action. God's FaithfulnessThe covenant ceremony underscores God's faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His word, just as He did with Abram. Preparation for Greater RevelationThis covenant is a precursor to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Understanding the Old Testament covenants helps believers appreciate the depth of God's redemptive plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 15:9?
2.Why did God request specific animals in Genesis 15:9 for the covenant ritual?
3.How does Genesis 15:9 foreshadow Christ's ultimate sacrifice for humanity?
4.What significance do the animals in Genesis 15:9 hold in biblical covenants?
5.How can we trust God's promises as Abram did in Genesis 15:9?
6.How does Genesis 15:9 deepen our understanding of God's covenantal faithfulness?
7.Why did God require Abram to bring specific animals in Genesis 15:9?
8.What is the significance of the three-year-old animals in Genesis 15:9?
9.How does Genesis 15:9 relate to ancient covenant practices?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 15?
11.Is blood thicker than water in covenant relationships?
12.Why would a loving God require a covenant ritual involving the killing of animals in Genesis 15:9–10?
13.What is the significance of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice?
14.Jeremiah 34:18–20 – If ancient covenant rituals had such dire consequences, why is there little to no concrete historical record of this specific covenant’s breach and punishment?What Does Genesis 15:9 Mean And the LORD said to him• Abram has just asked, “Lord GOD, how can I know that I will possess it?” (Genesis 15:8). God answers audibly, underscoring that the covenant originates with Him, not Abram (Genesis 12:1;Hebrews 6:13). • Divine initiative assures Abram that the coming pledge rests on God’s character (Exodus 3:14-15).
Bring Me a heifer• A three-year-old female cow was expensive and in full strength. It will be split for the covenant rite (Genesis 15:10;Jeremiah 34:18-19). • Heifers appear in cleansing rites (Deuteronomy 21:1-9;Hebrews 9:13), hinting that God’s promise is grounded in atoning sacrifice.
a goat• Goats figure prominently in sin offerings, especially on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:5;Numbers 15:24-27). • Including a goat points to sin being dealt with so the covenant’s blessings can flow (2 Corinthians 5:21).
and a ram• Rams are used for burnt offerings and priestly ordination (Exodus 29:22;Leviticus 8:18). They picture complete dedication and substitution, foreshadowed again when a ram replaces Isaac (Genesis 22:13).
each three years old• Three years marks full maturity, conveying that only the best belongs on God’s altar (Exodus 12:5;Deuteronomy 15:21). • The number three often signals completeness (Jonah 1:17;Matthew 12:40), hinting the covenant will be whole and final.
along with a turtledove• Doves were acceptable for those of modest means (Leviticus 1:14; 5:7), showing God’s covenant embraces rich and poor alike (Luke 2:24). • Unlike the larger animals, the birds will not be cut, portraying mercy toward the lowly (Genesis 15:10).
and a young pigeon• The “young” pigeon underscores innocence and purity (Leviticus 12:6). • Together with the dove, it anticipates the humble Messiah who would offer Himself gently for sinners (Zechariah 9:9;Matthew 21:5).
summaryGenesis 15:9 details the sacrifices God requires to seal His covenant with Abram: mature livestock and humble birds. Each animal enriches the picture of substitution, atonement, and wholehearted devotion. The carefully chosen offerings declare that the certainty of God’s promise rests entirely on a sacrifice He ordains and ultimately provides. (9, 10) Take me an heifer . . . --This form of making a covenant was probably that usual in Babylonia, and thus Abram received the assurance of his inheritance by means of a ceremonial with which he was familiar. But in most ancient languages men are said to cutor strikea covenant, because the most solemn formula involved either the cutting of victims in two, or striking them dead, as was the Roman manner. The severing of the bodies was not, as some suppose, to represent the two parties; but, as explained in Jeremiah 34:18-20, it set forth the penalty of perjury, and was usually accompanied by the imprecation upon the covenant-breaker of a destruction as complete as that which had befallen the slaughtered animals. There is no mention in this place of a sacrifice, although the animals are those subsequently set apart for sacrifice by the Levitical law. The heifer, she-goat, and ram at three years old would each have attained its full maturity; but there may be a further symbolic meaning in there being three animals each three years old. Laid each piece . . . --More exactly,and laid each half over against the other.The birds were not divided; but as there were two, Abram probably placed one on one side and one on the other. Verse 9. - And he said unto him, Take me (literally, for me, i.e. for my use in sacrifice) an heifer of three years old. So rightly (LXX., Syriac, Samaritan, Arabic, Josephus, Bochart, Rosenmüller, Keil); not three heifers (Onkelos, Jarchi, Kimchi, et alii). And a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old. These offerings, afterwards prescribed by the law ( Exodus 29:15; Numbers 15:27; Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3), were three in number, and of three years each, to symbolize him who was, and is, and is to come (Wordsworth); perhaps rather to indicate-the perfection of the victim in respect of maturity (Murphy). Cf. Ganymede's offering (in 'Lucian's Dialogues') of a three years old ram for a ransom. And a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon - also prescribed by the law ( Leviticus 1:14; Luke 2:24).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew And [the LORD] saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto him,אֵלָ֗יו(’ê·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to“Bringקְחָ֥ה(qə·ḥāh)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3947:To takeMeלִי֙(lî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewa heifer,עֶגְלָ֣ה(‘eḡ·lāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5697:A, calf, one nearly growna goat,וְעֵ֥ז(wə·‘êz)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5795:Female goatand a ram,וְאַ֣יִל(wə·’a·yil)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 352:Strength, strong, a chief, a ram, a pilaster, an oak, strong tree[each] three years old,מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ(mə·šul·lāš)Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8027:To do a third time, divide into three partsalong with a turtledoveוְתֹ֖ר(wə·ṯōr)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8449:A ring-dove, a term of endearmentand a young pigeon.”וְגוֹזָֽל׃(wə·ḡō·w·zāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1469:Young birds
Links Genesis 15:9 NIVGenesis 15:9 NLTGenesis 15:9 ESVGenesis 15:9 NASBGenesis 15:9 KJV
Genesis 15:9 BibleApps.comGenesis 15:9 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 15:9 Chinese BibleGenesis 15:9 French BibleGenesis 15:9 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 15:9 He said to him Bring me (Gen. Ge Gn) |
