Genesis 15:9 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God directs Abram to gather sacrificial animals for a covenant ceremony.
The Context of Genesis 15:9
God gives Abram specific instructions for preparing a covenant ceremony.
What Does Genesis 15:9 Mean?
God responds to Abram's request for a sign not with further words but with instructions to prepare animals for a ritual. The specific animals—heifer, goat, ram, turtledove, and pigeon—follow a recognized pattern in Abram's culture: larger animals cut in pieces and birds kept whole. The three-year age indicates prime animals, fit for covenant purposes.
This is not a casual meal offering but a formal covenant procedure. By commanding Abram to prepare these animals, God is initiating a ceremony with deep ceremonial meaning. Abram's obedience in gathering and arranging them will make him an active participant in establishing the covenant.
Genesis 15:9 in the Original Language
bekorah (בְקָרָה), 'heifer' — a young female cow, one of the standard animals in covenant-making rituals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 15:9
What does Genesis 15:9 mean?
God directs Abram to gather sacrificial animals for a covenant ceremony.
What is the context of Genesis 15:9?
God gives Abram specific instructions for preparing a covenant ceremony.