Genesis 17: 3-5 Meaning and Commentary (The Covenant Between God and Abram)

In the book of Genesis, we learn about the covenant between God and Abram.

This covenant is a pivotal moment in the Bible, as it marks the beginning of the story of the chosen people of Israel.

One specific passage that describes this covenant is Genesis 17:3-5.

In this article, we will dive deeper into the meaning and commentary of this particular verse, unraveling its significance and shedding light on its historical and spiritual context.

Genesis 17:3-5

“3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.’”

Genesis 17:3-5 Meaning 

In Genesis 17:3-5, the passage describes an encounter between God and Abram (later renamed Abraham). The verses read:

“3 Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4 ‘As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.’”

This passage is significant in the biblical narrative as it marks the establishment of a covenant between God and Abraham, a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites and their relationship with God.

The act of falling facedown signifies Abram’s reverence and submission before God. It reflects a deep sense of humility and recognition of God’s authority and power. This physical posture demonstrates Abram’s readiness to receive the message that God is about to convey to him.

God then reaffirms his covenant with Abram, promising that he will be the father of many nations. This promise is not just about physical descendants but also about spiritual lineage. It signifies that through Abraham’s lineage, all the nations of the earth will be blessed. This promise is later fulfilled through the birth of Isaac and ultimately through Jesus Christ, who is considered the fulfillment of this covenant in the Christian faith.

Furthermore, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, which holds great significance. In Hebrew culture, names carried deep meaning and often reflected a person’s character or destiny. The change from Abram, meaning “exalted father,” to Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude,” symbolizes the transformation that is about to take place in Abraham’s life. It serves as a constant reminder of God’s promise and his role in the fulfillment of that promise.

Overall, Genesis 17:3-5 encapsulates the profound nature of God’s covenant with Abraham, emphasizing the divine promise, the significance of names, and the transformative power of God’s word in the lives of individuals and nations.

The Passage in Context: Genesis 17:3-5

Before we further explore the meaning of Genesis 17:3-5, let us first understand its context by looking at the passage in its entirety:

Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 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.”

In this passage, we see God speaking directly to Abram and revealing to him the covenant that He has made with him. We also witness the change of Abram’s name to Abraham, which holds significant meaning in relation to the covenant.

Now, let us break down this passage further and examine its meaning and commentary.

1. Falling on his Face: A Sign of Submission and Reverence

The passage begins with Abram falling on his face. This act of prostration is often seen in the Bible as a sign of submission and reverence towards God. It shows Abram’s humility and recognition of God’s authority over him. We can also interpret this as Abram’s surrender to God’s will, signifying his trust and faith in God’s plans for him.

a. The Symbolism of Falling on One’s Face

In Eastern cultures, bowing or prostration is a common form of showing respect and honor. In the Bible, we see several instances of individuals falling on their faces when encountering God or a divine presence. For example, in Exodus 34:8, Moses fell on his face in reverence to God after receiving the Ten Commandments. In Revelation 1:17, John falls on his face after seeing the glorified Christ. This act of falling on one’s face represents complete devotion and submission to God.

b. Surrendering to God’s Will

By falling on his face, Abram is demonstrating his surrender to God’s will. This is a crucial aspect of faith, as it shows that we trust in God’s plan for our lives even if we do not fully understand it. In the context of this passage, it is clear that Abram recognizes God’s authority over him and is willing to follow His commands.

c. The Importance of Humility

Falling on his face also reflects Abram’s humility before God. True humility is acknowledging our human limitations and recognizing that we are entirely dependent on God’s grace and mercy. In this passage, we see Abram displaying humility by acknowledging his place before God. This serves as a reminder to us that despite our achievements and successes, we must always remain humble in the sight of God.

2. The Covenant Between God and Abram: A Promise of Blessing and Faithfulness

After Abram falls on his face, God proceeds to reveal the covenant that He has made with him. Let us take a closer look at the significance of this covenant and its implications for both Abram and future generations.

a. Being the Father of a Multitude of Nations

The first part of the covenant states that Abram will be the father of a multitude of nations. This was a significant promise given to Abram, who at this point in time was still childless. This promise is also a fulfillment of God’s earlier promise to Abram in Genesis 12:2, where He said, “I will make of you a great nation.” By stating that Abram will be the father of a multitude of nations, God is reaffirming His plans for Abram and his descendants.

b. Renaming of Abram to Abraham

The second part of the covenant involves a name change for Abram. His name is changed from Abram, meaning “exalted father,” to Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude.” This name change is symbolic and holds significant meaning in relation to the covenant. It signifies the importance and fulfillment of God’s promise to make Abraham the father of many nations.

c. The Significance of Names in the Bible

In the Bible, names hold deep spiritual significance. They often represent one’s identity, character, or destiny. In this context, the renaming of Abram to Abraham carries great weight as it marks the beginning of his role as the father of many nations. By changing his name, God is also establishing a new identity for Abram and setting him apart as the chosen patriarch of His people.

3. The Covenant Between God and Abram: A Two-Way Agreement

As with any covenant, there are two parties involved – in this case, God and Abram. Let us explore the responsibilities of each party in this covenant and what it means for us today.

a. God’s Part in the Covenant

As the creator and sustainer of all things, God has complete authority over His creation. In the covenant with Abram, we see God making promises and fulfilling them faithfully. He promises to make Abram the father of a multitude of nations and changes his name to reflect this promise. God also assures Abram that He will bless him and make him a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2). These promises show God’s faithfulness and His desire to bless His people.

b. Abram’s Part in the Covenant

As for Abram, his part in this covenant involves trusting and obeying God. By falling on his face and surrendering to God’s will, Abram is demonstrating his trust and faith in God. Throughout his journey, we see Abram’s unwavering faith in God, even when faced with challenges and doubts. This serves as an example to us that our faith should not waver in the face of difficulties but remain steadfast in God’s promises.

4. The Covenant of Circumcision: A Sign of the Covenant

In the following verses (Genesis 17:10-14), we see a further expansion of this covenant through the institution of circumcision. As God instructs Abram and his descendants to be circumcised as a sign of the covenant, let us explore the significance of this act and its impact on the people of Israel.

a. A Physical Mark of the Covenant

Circumcision is a physical mark that sets apart the people of Israel as the chosen nation of God. By undergoing this procedure, they are acknowledging their identity as God’s people and their commitment to following His commands. It also serves as a reminder of the covenant between God and Abraham, passed down through generations.

b. An Act of Obedience and Trust

For Abram, circumcision was an act of obedience and trust in God’s promise. Similarly, for the people of Israel, it was a symbol of their obedience to God’s laws and their trust in His promises. This serves as a reminder to us that our obedience to God’s commands is an essential aspect of our relationship with Him.

c. A Spiritual Significance

Beyond its physical and symbolic meanings, circumcision holds spiritual significance in the Bible. In Deuteronomy 30:6, we see God speaking of the circumcision of the heart – a transformation of the inner being that only He can do. In the New Testament, we see this concept further expanded in passages such as Colossians 2:11-12 and Romans 2:29, where circumcision is referred to as a spiritual act rather than just a physical one.

Conclusion: The Significance of Genesis 17:3-5

Genesis 17:3-5 holds great significance in the story of God’s chosen people. It marks the establishment of the covenant between God and Abram, setting into motion the events that would lead to the birth of the nation of Israel. This passage also reveals important aspects of our faith, including submission to God’s will, trust in His promises, and obedience to His commands. As we explore the deeper meaning and commentary of this passage, may we also be reminded of the importance of our relationship with God and our role as His chosen people.