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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 17:5 No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/17-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/01_Gen_17_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 17:5 - The Renaming of Abraham" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations." /><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/17-5.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/17-5.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/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 5</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="/ad5.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/17-4.htm" title="Genesis 17:4">◄</a> Genesis 17:5 <a href="/genesis/17-6.htm" title="Genesis 17:6">►</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"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“No longer shall you be named Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I will make you the father of a multitude of nations. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And no longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“No longer shall your name be Abram (exalted father), But your name shall be Abraham (father of a multitude); For I will make you the father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your name will no longer be Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your name will no longer be Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I will make you the father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So your name will no longer be Abram [Exalted Father], but Abraham [Father of Many] because I have made you a father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Your name will no longer be Abram, but Abraham, because I am making you the ancestor of many nations. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Your name is no longer to be Abram. Instead your name will be Abraham, since I'll make you the father of many nations. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />No longer will your name be Abram. Instead, your name will be Abraham because I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Neither will your name any more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Your name will no more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and your name is no longer called Abram, but your name has been Abraham, for father of a multitude of nations have I made you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and thy name is no more called Abram, but thy name hath been Abraham, for father of a multitude of nations have I made thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And thy name shall no more be called Abram, and thy name shall be Abraham, for the father of a multitude of nations have I given thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall thy name be called any more Abram: but thou shalt be called Abraham: because I have made thee a father of many nations. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />No longer will your name be called Abram. But you will be called Abraham, for I have established you as the father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a multitude of nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many peoples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I shall make you fruitful, and I shall increase you greatly, and I shall give you the nations, and Kings will go out from your loins.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And thy name shall no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraam, for I have made thee a father of many nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/17-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=3469" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/17.htm">The Renaming of Abraham</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>“As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">No</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">longer will</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: yiq·qā·rê (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">you be called</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šim·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character."></a> <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.">Abram,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šim·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">but your name</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: ’aḇ·rā·hām (N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">Abraham,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">I have made you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’aḇ- (N-msc) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">a father</a> <a href="/hebrew/1995.htm" title="1995: hă·mō·wn (N-msc) -- A sound, murmur, roar, crowd, abundance. Or hamon; from hamah; a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth.">of many</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: gō·w·yim (N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">nations.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17</a></span><br />As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-29.htm">Galatians 3:29</a></span><br />And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-12.htm">Hebrews 11:12</a></span><br />And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-7.htm">Romans 9:7-8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-7.htm">Galatians 3:7-9</a></span><br />Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” / So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-25.htm">Acts 3:25</a></span><br />And you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-11.htm">Romans 4:11-12</a></span><br />And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. / And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-28.htm">Galatians 4:28</a></span><br />Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-39.htm">John 8:39</a></span><br />“Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-9.htm">Matthew 3:9</a></span><br />And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-2.htm">Isaiah 51:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2-3</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-5.htm">Genesis 15:5</a></span><br />And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17-18</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/26-4.htm">Genesis 26:4</a></span><br />I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made you.</p><p class="hdg">but thy name.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15</a></b></br> And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah <i>shall</i> her name <i>be</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Genesis 32:28</a></b></br> And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/13-16.htm">Numbers 13:16</a></b></br> These <i>are</i> the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.</p><p class="hdg">Abraham.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/3-6.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/genesis/17-4.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/genesis/17-4.htm">Nations</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/17-9.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-27.htm">Abram</a> <a href="/genesis/17-15.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/genesis/28-3.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/genesis/17-6.htm">Nations</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">God renews the covenant with Abram, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-5.htm">and changes his name to Abraham, in token of a greater blessing.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-9.htm">Circumcision is instituted.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-15.htm">Sarai's name is changed to Sarah, and she is blessed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-17.htm">Isaac is promised, and the time of his birth fixed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/17-23.htm">Abraham and Ishmael are circumcised.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>No longer will you be called Abram</b><br>The name "Abram" means "exalted father." This change signifies a new phase in Abram's life and mission. In biblical times, a name change often indicated a transformation in character or destiny. This renaming marks a pivotal moment in God's covenant with Abram, emphasizing a shift from his past to a future filled with divine promise.<p><b>but your name will be Abraham</b><br>The name "Abraham" means "father of a multitude." This change reflects God's promise to make Abraham the progenitor of many nations. The renaming signifies God's authority and the establishment of a new identity and purpose. It also foreshadows the fulfillment of God's covenant, as Abraham becomes the patriarch of the Israelites and other nations.<p><b>for I have made you a father of many nations</b><br>This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. It connects to earlier promises in <a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2 and 15</a>:5, where God assures Abraham of numerous descendants. Historically, Abraham is recognized as the patriarch of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths, each tracing their spiritual lineage to him. This promise is also prophetic, pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ, through whom all nations would be blessed, as seen in <a href="/galatians/3-8.htm">Galatians 3:8</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abram/abraham.htm">Abram/Abraham</a></b><br>Originally named Abram, meaning "exalted father," God changes his name to Abraham, meaning "father of many," signifying his role in God's covenant and the promise of numerous descendants.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Almighty who establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him that he will be the father of many nations.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>A divine promise made by God to Abraham, which includes the change of his name and the assurance of numerous descendants and nations coming from him.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/nations.htm">Nations</a></b><br>Refers to the many peoples and ethnic groups that will descend from Abraham, fulfilling God's promise.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/hebrew_language.htm">Hebrew Language</a></b><br>The original language of the Old Testament, where the name change from Abram to Abraham signifies a shift in identity and purpose.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_in_god.htm">Identity in God</a></b><br>Just as Abram's identity was transformed by God, believers are given a new identity in Christ. Reflect on how God has changed your identity and purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_promise.htm">Faith and Promise</a></b><br>Abraham's name change is a testament to God's faithfulness. Trust in God's promises, even when they seem impossible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faith.htm">Legacy of Faith</a></b><br>Abraham's legacy is one of faith and obedience. Consider the legacy you are building through your faith and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The name change signifies God's control over history and His plans. Acknowledge God's sovereignty in your life and trust His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_descendants.htm">Spiritual Descendants</a></b><br>As believers, we are part of Abraham's spiritual lineage. Embrace your role in God's family and share the faith with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_judaism_a_religion,_race,_or_both.htm">Is Judaism a religion, race, or both?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_father's_day_important.htm">What is the significance of Father's Day?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_'the_infinite_way'.htm">Is Judaism a religion, race, or both?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_god_rename_saul_as_paul.htm">Did God rename Saul as Paul?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Abram.</span>--That is, <span class= "ital">high father.</span><p><span class= "bld">Abraham </span>= <span class= "ital">Father of a multitude, </span>"raham" being an Arabic word, perhaps current in Hebrew in ancient times. Another interpretation of Abram is that it is equivalent to Abi-aram, Father of Aram, or Syria. This too is an Arabic form, like Abimael in <a href="/genesis/10-28.htm" title="And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba,">Genesis 10:28</a>. By some commentators the stress is thrown upon the insertion of the letter "h," as being the representative of the name Yahveh or Yehveh. (Compare the change of Oshea into Jehoshua, <a href="/numbers/13-16.htm" title="These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.">Numbers 13:16</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Neither shall thy name any mere be called Abram</span>, - Abram, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> high father (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/11-26.htm">Genesis 11:26</a>); <span class="cmt_word">but Abraham</span> - Abraham (in Arabic signifying a multitude); hence "the father of a multitude," as the next clause explains - <span class="cmt_word">for a father of many</span> (or a multitude of) <span class="cmt_word">nations have I made thee.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/17-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">No</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">longer {will}</span><br /><span class="heb">ע֛וֹד</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you be called</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקָּרֵ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·qā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abram,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·rām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_87.htm">Strong's 87: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but your name</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁמְךָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(šim·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abraham,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָהָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·rā·hām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have made</span><br /><span class="heb">נְתַתִּֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you the father</span><br /><span class="heb">אַב־</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of many</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲמ֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(hă·mō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1995.htm">Strong's 1995: </a> </span><span class="str2">A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nations.</span><br /><span class="heb">גּוֹיִ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(gō·w·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/17-5.htm">OT Law: Genesis 17:5 Neither will your name any more be (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/17-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 17:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 17:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/17-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 17:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 17:6" /></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>