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Genesis 22:17

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;

Genesis 22:17 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from Genesis 22:17 is a promise made by God to Abraham, reassuring him of the blessings and prosperity that will come upon his descendants. The phrase "That in blessing I will bless thee" emphasizes the abundance of blessings God intends to bestow upon Abraham. "And in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore" speaks to the vast number of descendants that Abraham will have, comparing them to the countless stars in the sky and grains of sand on the shore. The latter part of the verse, "and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies," signifies the triumph and victory that Abraham's descendants will experience over their adversaries. This promise reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham and ensuring that his lineage will flourish and prosper for generations to come.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Genesis 22:17, God promises to bless Abraham abundantly and increase his descendants significantly, comparing them to the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. This imagery conveys the idea of countless offspring and divine favor. The mention of possessing the gate of his enemies symbolizes victory and authority over adversaries. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham and his descendants. Through this verse, we see God's sovereignty and provision, highlighting His role as the ultimate provider and protector of His people. The word study of "blessing" and "multiplying" reveals God's intention to bestow favor and prosperity on Abraham and his descendants, underscoring the importance of divine blessings in the lives of believers. Overall, this verse showcases the faithfulness and sovereignty of God in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham and his future generations.

Genesis 22:17 in other translations

American Standard Version

that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

World English Bible

that I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your seed greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the sand which is on the seashore. Your seed will possess the gate of his enemies.

Douay-Rheims

I will bless thee, and I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that is by the sea shore; thy seed shall possess the gates of their enemies.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Therefore will I surely blesse thee, and will greatly multiplie thy seede, as the starres of the heauen, and as the sand which is vpon the sea shore, and thy seede shall possesse the gate of his enemies.