Genesis 15:18

Authorized King James Version

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּיּ֣וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#2
הַה֗וּא
In the same
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
כָּרַ֧ת
made
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#4
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#6
אַבְרָ֖ם
H87
with Abram
abram, the original name of abraham
#7
בְּרִ֣ית
a covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#8
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
לְזַרְעֲךָ֗
Unto thy seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#10
נָתַ֙תִּי֙
have I given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הָאָ֣רֶץ
this land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
הַזֹּ֔את
this (often used adverb)
#14
נְהַר
from the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#15
מִצְרַ֔יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#16
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#17
נְהַר
from the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#18
הַגָּדֹ֖ל
unto the great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#19
נְהַר
from the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#20
פְּרָֽת׃
Euphrates
perath (i.e., euphrates), a river of the east

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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