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    Covenant Initiated by God Alone

    Genesis 17:2 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly."
    — Genesis 17:2 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Right after revealing Himself as the Almighty (v. 1), God sets the covenant. Abraham contributes nothing to its making; God Himself originates, establishes, and guarantees it.

    Historical Context

    Ancient covenants between unequal parties were usually imposed by the greater on the lesser. God's covenant follows that form — but the burden of keeping it falls almost entirely on Him.

    Original Language Insights

    'I will make' (ettenah) — I will give, set in place.

    'Multiply thee exceedingly' (arbeh otkha bimeod meod) — a doubled intensifier, 'in very, very greatness.' The promise outruns ordinary language.

    Theological Significance

    Grace is the foundation of covenant. We are recipients before we are contributors. The same pattern fulfills in the new covenant: 'I will be their God, and they shall be my people' (Hebrews 8:10).

    Practical Application

    Stop trying to earn standing with God. He has made the covenant; your part is to receive it and walk before Him as v. 1 commands.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Genesis 17:1

    "Walk before me, and be thou perfect."

    The previous verse — the call to wholehearted walking comes before the covenant promise, framing v. 2 as gracious initiative.

    Hebrews 8:10

    "I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people."

    The new-covenant restatement of the same divine initiative.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, You make covenant; I receive. Multiply Your grace in me and through me. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did Abraham have any role in the covenant?

    Yes — to walk in faith and obedience (v. 1). But the covenant itself was God's making; Abraham received it.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Genesis 17 verse by verse:

    Before · Genesis 17:1Exact verse

    And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

    Theme: Walking with the Almighty

    After · Genesis 17:3Exact verse

    And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

    Theme: Face Down Before the Almighty

    Nearest commentary in Genesis

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Genesis 16:13Nearest chapter

    And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

    Theme: God's Character & Attributes

    Later · 1 ch forward · Genesis 18:13Nearest chapter

    And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

    Theme: The LORD Hears the Inward Laugh

    Later · 1 ch forward · Genesis 18:14Nearest chapter

    Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

    Theme: God's Power

    Later · 1 ch forward · Genesis 18:15Nearest chapter

    Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

    Theme: Honesty With the One Who Already Knows

    Read Genesis 16Commentary: Genesis 16:13
    Read Genesis 17 (full)Nearest commentary: Genesis 17:1
    Read Genesis 18Commentary: Genesis 18:13
    Previous commentary: Genesis 17:1Next commentary: Genesis 17:3

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What is the Abrahamic Covenant?

    The Abrahamic Covenant is God's unconditional promise to Abraham that he would become the father of a great nation, possess a promised land, and bless all nations through his descendants.

    Read answer

    What Is the Abrahamic Covenant?

    God's covenant with Abraham promised him land, countless descendants, and that through his seed all nations would be blessed — a promise ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

    Read answer

    What Is the Covenant of Grace?

    The covenant of grace is God's promise to save sinners through faith in Christ — a theme running from Genesis to Revelation.

    Read answer

    What is a covenant in the Bible?

    A covenant is a solemn, binding agreement between God and His people, establishing promises and obligations that shape the biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation.

    Read answer

    What Is the New Covenant?

    The New Covenant is God's promise, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, to write His law on believers' hearts, forgive sins permanently, and establish a personal relationship with His people.

    Read answer

    What Is a Covenant in the Bible?

    A biblical covenant is a solemn, binding agreement initiated by God — establishing a relationship with His people through promises, conditions, and signs.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Genesis 1:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."

    Genesis 50:20 – Meaning & Devotional

    "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

    Genesis 1:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Great Flood of Noah

    God sends a worldwide flood to judge the wicked, sparing Noah and his family in the ark.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    The Confusion of Languages at Babel

    God confounds the language of mankind at Babel, scattering them across the face of the earth.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

    The LORD rains fire and brimstone from heaven upon the cities of the plain, sparing only Lot.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    The Birth of Isaac

    Sarah bears Isaac at ninety years old, fulfilling God's covenant promise to Abraham.

    Read the miracle

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