Genesis 15:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abram restates his situation: lacking biological children, his household servant would inherit his estate.
The Context of Genesis 15:3
Abram elaborates on his childlessness and the default inheritance structure of his household.
What Does Genesis 15:3 Mean?
In the ancient world, adoption of a household servant as heir was a legal recourse for the childless. Abram is describing actual custom and law—Eliezer, born in his house, would normally be his legal heir under such an arrangement. This is not a proposal but a statement of how things stand absent divine intervention.
By articulating this reality, Abram is saying: this is my current trajectory unless You act differently. The statement reinforces his earlier question and underscores the impossibility he sees in the promise of descendants as numerous as the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 15:3
What does Genesis 15:3 mean?
Abram restates his situation: lacking biological children, his household servant would inherit his estate.
What is the context of Genesis 15:3?
Abram elaborates on his childlessness and the default inheritance structure of his household.