New International VersionNo longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.
New Living TranslationWhat’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.
English Standard VersionNo longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
Berean Standard BibleNo longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.
King James BibleNeither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
New King James VersionNo longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.
New American Standard Bible“No longer shall you be named Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
NASB 1995“No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.
NASB 1977“No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd no longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
Amplified Bible“No longer shall your name be Abram (exalted father), But your name shall be Abraham (father of a multitude); For I will make you the father of many nations.
Christian Standard BibleYour name will no longer be Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations.
Holman Christian Standard BibleYour name will no longer be Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations.
American Standard VersionNeither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.
English Revised VersionNeither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo your name will no longer be Abram [Exalted Father], but Abraham [Father of Many] because I have made you a father of many nations.
Good News TranslationYour name will no longer be Abram, but Abraham, because I am making you the ancestor of many nations.
International Standard VersionYour name is no longer to be Abram. Instead your name will be Abraham, since I'll make you the father of many nations.
NET BibleNo longer will your name be Abram. Instead, your name will be Abraham because I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.
New Heart English BibleNeither will your name any more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.
Webster's Bible TranslationNeither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNo longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.
World English BibleYour name will no more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand your name is no longer called Abram, but your name has been Abraham, for father of a multitude of nations have I made you;
Young's Literal Translation and thy name is no more called Abram, but thy name hath been Abraham, for father of a multitude of nations have I made thee;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd thy name shall no more be called Abram, and thy name shall be Abraham, for the father of a multitude of nations have I given thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNeither shall thy name be called any more Abram: but thou shalt be called Abraham: because I have made thee a father of many nations.
Catholic Public Domain VersionNo longer will your name be called Abram. But you will be called Abraham, for I have established you as the father of many nations.
New American BibleNo longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a multitude of nations.
New Revised Standard VersionNo longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNeither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many peoples.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd I shall make you fruitful, and I shall increase you greatly, and I shall give you the nations, and Kings will go out from your loins. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd thy name shall no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraam, for I have made thee a father of many nations.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Renaming of Abraham… 4“As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5Nolonger willyou be calledAbram,but your namewill beAbraham,forI have made youa fatherof manynations.6I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you.…
Cross References Romans 4:17As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist.
Galatians 3:29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Hebrews 11:12And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
Romans 9:7-8Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.
Galatians 3:7-9Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” / So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
Acts 3:25And you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’
Romans 4:11-12And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. / And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Galatians 4:28Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.
John 8:39“Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham.
Matthew 3:9And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
Isaiah 51:2Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.
Genesis 12:2-3I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 15:5And 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.”
Genesis 22:17-18I 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. / And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
Genesis 26:4I 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,
Treasury of Scripture Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made you. but thy name. Genesis 17:15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarahshall her namebe. Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Numbers 13:16 Theseare the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua. Abraham. Jump to Previous AbrahamAbramLongerMultitudeNationsJump to Next AbrahamAbramLongerMultitudeNationsGenesis 17 1.God renews the covenant with Abram,5.and changes his name to Abraham, in token of a greater blessing.9.Circumcision is instituted.15.Sarai's name is changed to Sarah, and she is blessed.17.Isaac is promised, and the time of his birth fixed.23.Abraham and Ishmael are circumcised.No longer will you be called AbramThe name "Abram" means "exalted father." This change signifies a new phase in Abram's life and mission. In biblical times, a name change often indicated a transformation in character or destiny. This renaming marks a pivotal moment in God's covenant with Abram, emphasizing a shift from his past to a future filled with divine promise. but your name will be Abraham
The name "Abraham" means "father of a multitude." This change reflects God's promise to make Abraham the progenitor of many nations. The renaming signifies God's authority and the establishment of a new identity and purpose. It also foreshadows the fulfillment of God's covenant, as Abraham becomes the patriarch of the Israelites and other nations. for I have made you a father of many nations
This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. It connects to earlier promises inGenesis 12:2 and 15:5, where God assures Abraham of numerous descendants. Historically, Abraham is recognized as the patriarch of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths, each tracing their spiritual lineage to him. This promise is also prophetic, pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ, through whom all nations would be blessed, as seen inGalatians 3:8. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abram/AbrahamOriginally named Abram, meaning "exalted father," God changes his name to Abraham, meaning "father of many," signifying his role in God's covenant and the promise of numerous descendants. 2. GodThe Almighty who establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him that he will be the father of many nations. 3. CovenantA divine promise made by God to Abraham, which includes the change of his name and the assurance of numerous descendants and nations coming from him. 4. NationsRefers to the many peoples and ethnic groups that will descend from Abraham, fulfilling God's promise. 5. Hebrew LanguageThe original language of the Old Testament, where the name change from Abram to Abraham signifies a shift in identity and purpose. Teaching Points Identity in GodJust as Abram's identity was transformed by God, believers are given a new identity in Christ. Reflect on how God has changed your identity and purpose. Faith and PromiseAbraham's name change is a testament to God's faithfulness. Trust in God's promises, even when they seem impossible. Legacy of FaithAbraham's legacy is one of faith and obedience. Consider the legacy you are building through your faith and actions. God's SovereigntyThe name change signifies God's control over history and His plans. Acknowledge God's sovereignty in your life and trust His timing. Spiritual DescendantsAs believers, we are part of Abraham's spiritual lineage. Embrace your role in God's family and share the faith with others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 17:5?
2.How does Genesis 17:5 illustrate God's covenant promise to Abraham's descendants?
3.What significance does the name change from Abram to Abraham hold in Genesis 17:5?
4.How does Genesis 17:5 connect to God's promise in Genesis 12:2-3?
5.In what ways can we trust God's promises like Abraham did in Genesis 17:5?
6.How can we apply the faithfulness of God in Genesis 17:5 to our lives?
7.Why did God change Abram's name to Abraham in Genesis 17:5?
8.What is the significance of the name change in Genesis 17:5?
9.How does Genesis 17:5 relate to God's covenant with Abraham?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 17?
11.Is Judaism a religion, race, or both?
12.What is the significance of Father's Day?
13.Is Judaism a religion, race, or both?
14.Did God rename Saul as Paul?What Does Genesis 17:5 Mean No longer will you be called AbramGod personally announces a decisive break with Abram’s former identity. • The change is initiated by the LORD Himself, underscoring divine authority (Genesis 17:1, “the LORD appeared to Abram”). • A name in Scripture often represents character and destiny; here, God is telling Abram, “Your story is no longer defined by what has been, but by what I am doing.” Cf.Isaiah 43:18-19 where God urges His people to “remember not the former things.” • This moment comes within an already-established covenant relationship (Genesis 15:5-6), showing that God’s commitments are progressive and cumulative. • When God says “No longer,” He is literally ending Abram’s past for the sake of a promised future, much like2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “The old has passed away.”
but your name will be AbrahamThe new name signals a new covenant role. • God does not leave a vacuum; He supplies a fresh identity that carries His purpose. • Similar renamings mark turning points in biblical history—Sarai to Sarah in this same chapter (Genesis 17:15), Jacob to Israel (Genesis 32:28), Simon to Peter (John 1:42). • Each renaming is more than symbolic; it is God’s authoritative declaration of what He will certainly bring to pass. CompareRomans 4:17, where God “calls into being things that do not yet exist.” • By speaking the new name before the promise is fulfilled, God invites Abraham to live daily in light of that promise—an example of walking by faith, not by sight (Hebrews 11:8-10).
for I have made you a father of many nationsGod states the promise as an already-accomplished fact. • Though Abraham at this point has only Ishmael and the yet-unborn Isaac, the LORD’s word is final reality. SeeGenesis 21:12-13, where God affirms both Isaac and Ishmael’s roles in the unfolding plan. • “Many nations” reaches beyond physical descendants to all who share Abraham’s faith (Galatians 3:7-9, 29). The global scope anticipatesRevelation 7:9, “a great multitude…from every nation.” • The covenant is unconditional; God says “I have made,” emphasizing His sole responsibility for its fulfillment (Genesis 22:16-18;Psalm 105:8-11). • This promise anchors the gospel itself: in Christ, Gentiles are brought into Abraham’s blessing (Romans 4:16-18;Ephesians 2:12-13).
summaryGenesis 17:5 records God’s direct, literal act of renaming Abram to Abraham, declaring an irreversible shift in identity and destiny. The verse unfolds in three steps: God ends the old name, grants a new one, and seals it with a completed promise that Abraham will father many nations. Each phrase showcases the LORD’s absolute authority, faithfulness, and global redemptive purpose, calling believers today to trust His Word as finished fact and to live in the new identity He provides. (5) Abram.--That is, high father.Abraham=Father of a multitude,"raham" being an Arabic word, perhaps current in Hebrew in ancient times. Another interpretation of Abram is that it is equivalent to Abi-aram, Father of Aram, or Syria. This too is an Arabic form, like Abimael inGenesis 10:28. By some commentators the stress is thrown upon the insertion of the letter "h," as being the representative of the name Yahveh or Yehveh. (Compare the change of Oshea into Jehoshua,Numbers 13:16.) Verse 5. - Neither shall thy name any mere be called Abram, - Abram, i.e. high father ( videGenesis 11:26); but Abraham - Abraham (in Arabic signifying a multitude); hence "the father of a multitude," as the next clause explains - for a father of many (or a multitude of) nations have I made thee.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Noוְלֹא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nolonger {will}ע֛וֹד(‘ō·wḏ)Adverb
Strong's 5750:Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, moreyou be calledיִקָּרֵ֥א(yiq·qā·rê)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readAbram,אַבְרָ֑ם(’aḇ·rām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 87:Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abrahambut your nameשִׁמְךָ֙(šim·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034:A namewill beוְהָיָ֤ה(wə·hā·yāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beAbraham,אַבְרָהָ֔ם(’aḇ·rā·hām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85:Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nationforכִּ֛י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionI have madeנְתַתִּֽיךָ׃(nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setyou the fatherאַב־(’aḇ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1:Fatherof manyהֲמ֥וֹן(hă·mō·wn)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1995:A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealthnations.גּוֹיִ֖ם(gō·w·yim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471:A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts
Links Genesis 17:5 NIVGenesis 17:5 NLTGenesis 17:5 ESVGenesis 17:5 NASBGenesis 17:5 KJV
Genesis 17:5 BibleApps.comGenesis 17:5 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 17:5 Chinese BibleGenesis 17:5 French BibleGenesis 17:5 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 17:5 Neither will your name any more be (Gen. Ge Gn) |
