Genesis 17:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God gives Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan as an eternal inheritance.
The Context of Genesis 17:8
God grants Canaan to Abraham's descendants as an eternal, secure inheritance.
What Does Genesis 17:8 Mean?
Abraham is currently a stranger in the land—a sojourner without ownership—but God promises to give Canaan to him and his seed as an everlasting possession. The land becomes the physical sign and seal of the covenant. What Abraham walks through as a foreigner will belong to his descendants forever, grounding God's promise in a concrete place and enduring reality.
The promise emphasizes ownership and security. An everlasting possession means the land cannot be taken away; it belongs to Abraham's line perpetually. God adds I will be their God, reinforcing that the land grant is not merely real estate but a place where God's covenant people will dwell under His protection and blessing.
Genesis 17:8 in the Original Language
achuzzat olam (אֲחֻזַּת עוֹלָם), 'everlasting possession' — permanent, inalienable ownership extending forever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 17:8
What does Genesis 17:8 mean?
God gives Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan as an eternal inheritance.
What is the context of Genesis 17:8?
God grants Canaan to Abraham's descendants as an eternal, secure inheritance.