Genesis 17:7 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God establishes an eternal covenant with Abraham and all his descendants, binding Himself to be their God forever.
The Context of Genesis 17:7
God establishes an eternal covenant with Abraham and all his descendants.
What Does Genesis 17:7 Mean?
An everlasting covenant means the agreement transcends Abraham's lifetime and extends perpetually to his seed in their generations. This is not a temporary arrangement or a promise limited to one person but a binding relationship that God secures across all future descendants. The covenant is multilateral—it involves both God and Abraham's line throughout history.
The promise to be a God unto thee and to thy seed means God binds Himself to the relationship. To be someone's God meant to provide protection, blessing, guidance, and covenant loyalty. This mutual commitment—God's eternal dedication to Abraham's line—forms the foundation for all subsequent biblical history and the hope of redemption.
Genesis 17:7 in the Original Language
olam (עוֹלָם), 'everlasting' — time without end; can also mean the distant future or an indefinitely long duration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 17:7
What does Genesis 17:7 mean?
God establishes an eternal covenant with Abraham and all his descendants, binding Himself to be their God forever.
What is the context of Genesis 17:7?
God establishes an eternal covenant with Abraham and all his descendants.