Genesis 13:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will multiply Abram's descendants to be as countless as the dust of the earth.
The Context of Genesis 13:16
God will multiply Abram's descendants beyond counting.
What Does Genesis 13:16 Mean?
God uses hyperbolic language to emphasize the incomprehensible scale of Abram's future offspring. Just as no human can count the dust particles, so Abram's seed will be innumerable. This expansion of the promise—already vast in terms of land—now extends to the multitude of his descendants, the blessing that justifies the land itself.
This promise is profoundly spiritual despite its material language. A countless posterity means an enduring covenant line, a people through whom God's purposes will unfold across generations. Abram receives a vision not just of property but of legacy and redemptive history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 13:16
What does Genesis 13:16 mean?
God will multiply Abram's descendants to be as countless as the dust of the earth.
What is the context of Genesis 13:16?
God will multiply Abram's descendants beyond counting.