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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 15:2 But Abram replied, "O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/15-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/01_Gen_15_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 15:2 - God's Covenant with Abram" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Abram replied, O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/15-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/15-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/15-1.htm" title="Genesis 15:1">◄</a> Genesis 15:2 <a href="/genesis/15-3.htm" title="Genesis 15:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/15.htm">New International Version</a> But Abram said, &#8220Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Abram replied, “O Sovereign LORD, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. <a href="/esv/genesis/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” <a href="/bsb/genesis/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” <a href="/kjv/genesis/15.htm">King James Bible</a> And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? <a href="/nkjv/genesis/15.htm">New King James Version</a> But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” <a href="/nasb/genesis/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> Abram said, &#8220O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what wilt Thou give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” <a href="/lsb/genesis/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Abram said, “O Lord Yahweh, what will You give me, as I go on being childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” <a href="/amp/genesis/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Abram said, “Lord GOD, what reward will You give me, since I am [leaving this world] childless, and he who will be the owner and heir of my house is this [servant] Eliezer from Damascus?” <a href="/csb/genesis/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what can you give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus? ” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Abram said, &#8220Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Abram said, O Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Eliezer of Damascus? <a href="/cev/genesis/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But Abram answered, "LORD All-Powerful, you have given me everything I could ask for, except children. And when I die, Eliezer of Damascus will get all I own. <a href="/erv/genesis/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Abram said, O Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Dammesek Eliezer? <a href="/gwt/genesis/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Abram asked, "Almighty LORD, what will you give me? Since I'm going to die without children, Eliezer of Damascus will inherit my household. <a href="/gnt/genesis/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> But Abram answered, "Sovereign LORD, what good will your reward do me, since I have no children? My only heir is Eliezer of Damascus. <a href="/isv/genesis/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Abram replied, "Lord GOD, what can you give me since I continue to be childless, and the heir of my household is Eliezer from Damascus? <a href="/msb/genesis/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Abram replied, ?O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?? <a href="/net/genesis/15.htm">NET Bible</a> But Abram said, "O sovereign LORD, what will you give me since I continue to be childless, and my heir is Eliezer of Damascus?" <a href="/nheb/genesis/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And Abram said, "Lord, what will you give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" <a href="/wbt/genesis/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? <a href="/web/genesis/15.htm">World English Bible</a> Abram said, “Lord Yahweh, what will you give me, since I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Abram says, “Lord YHWH, what do You give to me, and I am going childless? And an acquired son in my house is Demmesek Eliezer.” <a href="/ylt/genesis/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Abram saith, 'Lord Jehovah, what dost Thou give to me, and I am going childless? and an acquired son in my house is Demmesek Eliezer.' <a href="/slt/genesis/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Abram will say, My Lord Jehovah, what wilt thou give to me, and I going childless, and the son of Masek in my house, he Eliezer of Damascus?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Abram said: Lord God, what wilt thou give me? I shall go without children: and the son of the steward of my house is this Damascus Eliezer. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Abram said: “Lord God, what will you give to me? I may go without children. And the son of the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus.” <a href="/nabre/genesis/15.htm">New American Bible</a> But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what can you give me, if I die childless and have only a servant of my household, Eliezer of Damascus?” <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Abram said, O LORD God, what will thou give me, for I will die childless, and Eliezer of Damascus, one of my household, will be my heir? <a href="/hpbt/genesis/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Abram said: “LORD JEHOVAH God, what will you give to me, for I have gone without sons, and Eliezar of Darmsuq, a tenant of my house, is heir to me?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Abram said: 'O Lord GOD, what wilt Thou give me, seeing I go hence childless, and he that shall be possessor of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?' <a href="/sep/genesis/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Abram said, Master and Lord, what wilt thou give me? whereas I am departing without a child, but the son of Masek my home-born female slave, this Eliezer of Damascus is mine heir. <a href="/parallel/genesis/15-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3117" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/15.htm">God's Covenant with Abram</a> 1After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2<a href="/hebrew/87.htm" title="87: ’aḇ·rām (N-proper-ms) -- Exalted father, the original name of Abraham. Contracted from 'Abiyram; high father; Abram, the original name of Abraham.">But Abram</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">“O Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3069.htm" title="3069: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- YHWH. A variation of Yhovah.">GOD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: tit·ten- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">can You give</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: wə·’ā·nō·ḵî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">since I</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·w·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">remain</a> <a href="/hebrew/6185.htm" title="6185: ‘ă·rî·rî (Adj-ms) -- Stripped. From arar; bare, i.e. Destitute.">childless,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇen- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and the heir</a> <a href="/hebrew/4943.htm" title="4943: me·šeq (N-msc) -- Acquisition, possession. From an unused root meaning to hold; possession."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bê·ṯî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">of my house</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/461.htm" title="461: ’ĕ·lî·‘e·zer (N-proper-ms) -- From 'el and ezer; God of help; Eliezer, the name of a Damascene and of ten Israelites.">is Eliezer</a> <a href="/hebrew/1834.htm" title="1834: dam·me·śeq (N-proper-fs) -- A city in Aram (Syria). Or Duwmeseq; or Darmeseq; of foreign origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.">of Damascus?”</a> 3Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2-3</a> I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” <a href="/genesis/17-4.htm">Genesis 17:4-6</a> “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. / No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. / I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you. <a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a> Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. / So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. <a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17-18</a> I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. / And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” <a href="/genesis/24-60.htm">Genesis 24:60</a> And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.” <a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a> Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. <a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1-2</a> When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. / Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” <a href="/exodus/32-13.htm">Exodus 32:13</a> Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’” <a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-16</a> And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. ... <a href="/psalms/127-3.htm">Psalm 127:3</a> Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. <a href="/isaiah/51-2.htm">Isaiah 51:2</a> Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him. <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Romans 4:18-21</a> Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” / Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. / Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ... <a href="/romans/9-7.htm">Romans 9:7-9</a> Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. / For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Galatians 3:16</a> The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ. <a href="/galatians/4-28.htm">Galatians 4:28</a> Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Abram said, LORD God, what will you give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?what.<a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a> Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: … childless.<a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a> And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1,2</a> And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die… <a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">1 Samuel 1:11</a> And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor come upon his head.the.<a href="/genesis/24-2.htm">Genesis 24:2,10</a> And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: … <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Genesis 39:4-6,9</a> And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand… <a href="/genesis/43-19.htm">Genesis 43:19</a> And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/genesis/12-5.htm">Acquired</a> <a href="/genesis/11-30.htm">Child</a> <a href="/acts/7-5.htm">Childless</a> <a href="/revelation/22-11.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/genesis/14-15.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/luke/3-29.htm">Eliezer</a> <a href="/luke/3-29.htm">Elie'zer</a> <a href="/jude/1-6.htm">Estate</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">Heir</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">Hence</a> <a href="/genesis/14-14.htm">House</a> <a href="/revelation/21-7.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/genesis/14-22.htm">Possessor</a> <a href="/revelation/6-10.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Steward</a> <a href="/genesis/14-23.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/genesis/13-9.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/15-3.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/genesis/31-18.htm">Acquired</a> <a href="/genesis/15-3.htm">Child</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-20.htm">Childless</a> <a href="/exodus/9-2.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-5.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/exodus/18-4.htm">Eliezer</a> <a href="/exodus/18-4.htm">Elie'zer</a> <a href="/genesis/31-14.htm">Estate</a> <a href="/genesis/15-3.htm">Heir</a> <a href="/genesis/37-17.htm">Hence</a> <a href="/genesis/15-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/15-7.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-6.htm">Possessor</a> <a href="/genesis/15-8.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/genesis/43-16.htm">Steward</a> <a href="/genesis/15-14.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/genesis/16-8.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 15</div>1. <a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">God encourages Abram, who asks for an heir.</a> 4. <a href="/genesis/15-4.htm">God promises him a son, and a multiplying of his seed.</a> 6. <a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Abram is justified by faith.</a> 7. <a href="/genesis/15-7.htm">Canaan is promised again, </a> 9. <a href="/genesis/15-9.htm">and confirmed by a sign, and a vision,</a> 18. <a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">prophetic of the condition of his posterity till brought out of Egypt.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But Abram replied, Abram, later known as Abraham, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, often called the "father of faith." His dialogue with God here is part of a larger conversation that began in <a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12</a> when God called him to leave his homeland. Abram's response indicates a personal and direct relationship with God, characterized by honesty and openness.“O Lord GOD, The use of "Lord GOD" reflects a deep reverence and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. The Hebrew term "Adonai Yahweh" combines a title of respect with the personal name of God, indicating both submission and a personal relationship. This phrase is significant as it shows Abram's recognition of God's authority and his trust in God's promises.what can You give me, Abram's question reflects a concern for the fulfillment of God's promises. Despite God's earlier assurances of blessing and a great nation (<a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2</a>), Abram is seeking clarity on how these promises will manifest, given his current circumstances. This question underscores the human tendency to seek tangible evidence of divine promises.since I remain childless, Abram's childlessness is a central issue in his life and a significant theme in the biblical narrative. In the ancient Near Eastern context, having descendants was crucial for the continuation of one's lineage and legacy. Abram's concern highlights the tension between God's promises and his present reality, setting the stage for God's covenantal response.and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Eliezer, likely a trusted servant, is mentioned as the potential heir due to Abram's lack of offspring. This reflects the cultural practice of adopting a servant as an heir in the absence of biological children. The mention of Damascus situates the narrative geographically, indicating Abram's connections beyond Canaan. This situation emphasizes the need for divine intervention to fulfill God's promise of a biological heir, which foreshadows the miraculous birth of Isaac and ultimately points to the lineage leading to Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Abram.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abram.htm">Abram</a> Later known as Abraham, he is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, Abram is expressing his concern about having no offspring to inherit God's promises. 2. <a href="/topical/l/lord_god.htm">Lord GOD</a> This refers to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Abram. 3. <a href="/topical/e/eliezer_of_damascus.htm">Eliezer of Damascus</a> He is mentioned as the potential heir of Abram's estate. Eliezer is a servant in Abram's household, highlighting Abram's concern about not having a biological heir. 4. <a href="/topical/c/childlessness.htm">Childlessness</a> This is a significant theme in Abram's life, as God's promise to make him a great nation seems impossible without an heir. 5. <a href="/topical/d/damascus.htm">Damascus</a> A city in Syria, indicating the geographical context and possibly the origin of Eliezer.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_amidst_doubt.htm">Faith Amidst Doubt</a> Abram's question to God shows that even the faithful can experience doubt. It's important to bring our concerns to God in prayer, trusting in His promises. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> The use of "Lord GOD" reminds us of God's ultimate authority and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. <a href="/topical/p/patience_in_god's_timing.htm">Patience in God's Timing</a> Abram's situation teaches us the importance of waiting on God's timing. His promises may not be fulfilled immediately, but they are sure. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_heirs.htm">The Role of Heirs</a> In biblical times, having an heir was crucial for the continuation of one's legacy. This highlights the importance of spiritual legacy in our lives today. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a> Even when God's plan seems unclear, like Abram, we are called to trust that He is working for our good and His glory.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Lord God.--Not Jehovah Elohim, but Lord Jehovah, "Lord" being the ordinary title of respect. Usually Jehovah takes the vowels of 'donai, "lord," but as the two words occur here together, it takes the vowels of Elohim, whence the translation in our version, in obedience to a superstition of the Jews (<a href="/genesis/4-1.htm" title="And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.">Genesis 4:1</a>).What wilt thou give me?--There is a slight tone of complaint in these words. Jehovah promised Abram a "reward great exceedingly." He answers that no reward can really be great so long as he has no heir.I go childless.--Either, I am going to my grave childless (<a href="/psalms/39-13.htm" title="O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.">Psalm 39:13</a>), or better, I continue to be, pass my days, in childlessness.The steward of my house.--Heb., the benmeshek of my house. Ben-meshek is generally explained as meaning "the son of possession," that is, the possessor, owner of my. house when I die. Other authorities derive meshek from a verb signifying "to run about," as if it was Eliezer's business to go to and fro in execution of Abram's orders. The term is rare, and has evidently been chosen for the play of words upon Dammesek= Damascus. Perhaps this may also explain the last words, which literally are, he is Damascus Eliezer. Grammatically it should have been, "he is the Damascene Eliezer," but this would have spoiled the assonance between ben-meshek (probably pronounced bemmeshek) and Dammesek.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - And Abram said, Lord God. Adonai Jehovah; the first use of these terms in combination, the second, which usually has the vowel-points of the first, being here written with the vocalization of Elohim. Adonai, an older plural form of Adonim, pluralis excellentive (Gesenius), though by some the termination is regarded as a suffix (Ewald, Furst), is a term descriptive of the Divine sovereignty, from adan = dun, or din, to rule or judge; connected with which is the Phoenician aden, an honorary epithet of deity, and recognized as such in <a href="/deuteronomy/10-17.htm">Deuteronomy 10:17</a> (vide Furst, 'Hebrew Lexicon,' sub voce). What wilt thou give me, seeing I go literally, and I going - ἐγὼ δὲ ἀπολύομαι (LXX., Jonathan); ex hac vita discedam (Rosenmüller); but this, though the word "go" is sometimes used in the sense of "die" (Psalm 39:14), does not seem necessary - childless - solitary, desolate, hence devoid of offspring, as in <a href="/leviticus/20-20.htm">Leviticus 20:20, 21</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/22-30.htm">Jeremiah 22:30</a> - and the steward - Ben-Meshek; either (1) the son of running (from shakak, to run) = filius dis-cursitatis, i.e. the steward who attends to my domestic affairs (Onkelos, Drusius); or, and with greater probability, (2) the son of possession (from mashak, to hold),. i.e. the possessor of my house, or heir of my property (Gesenius, Furst, Delitzsch, Keel, Halisch) - of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus. Literally, Dammesek Eliezer. The paronomasia of this utterance is apparent, and was obviously designed to impart a touch of pathos to the patriarch's grief by pointing out the coincidence that the Ben-shek of his house was either Dammesek (Damascus) in the person of Eliezer (Delitzsch, Keil), or the Damascene Eliezer (Onkelos, Syriac, Aben Ezra, Calvin, Lange, Murphy), or Dammesek-Eliezer as one word (Kalisch). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/15-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But Abram אַבְרָ֗ם (’aḇ·rām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_87.htm">Strong's 87: </a> Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham replied, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “O Lord אֲדֹנָ֤י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> The Lord GOD, יֱהוִה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> YHWH what מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what can You give me, תִּתֶּן־ (tit·ten-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set since I וְאָנֹכִ֖י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I remain הוֹלֵ֣ךְ (hō·w·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk childless, עֲרִירִ֑י (‘ă·rî·rî) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6185.htm">Strong's 6185: </a> Bare, destitute and the heir וּבֶן־ (ū·ḇen-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of my house בֵּיתִ֔י (bê·ṯî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house is Eliezer אֱלִיעֶֽזֶר׃ (’ĕ·lî·‘e·zer) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_461.htm">Strong's 461: </a> Eliezer -- 'God is help', the name of several Israelites, also of a Damascene of Damascus?” דַּמֶּ֥שֶׂק (dam·me·śeq) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1834.htm">Strong's 1834: </a> Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria) <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">OT Law: Genesis 15:2 Abram said Lord Yahweh what will you (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/15-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 15:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 15:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/15-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 15:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 15:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>