And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.

GENESIS 15:11KJV
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Genesis 15:11 (KJV)

What does Genesis 15:11 mean?

Genesis 15:11 describes birds coming down onto the animal carcasses that Abram had prepared, and Abram driving the birds away. This shows Abram actively protecting the sacrifices he had set out as part of his interaction with God.

In this scene, Abram (later called Abraham) is following God's instructions to prepare a special offering by cutting animals in two. As he waits, birds of prey try to eat the carcasses, but Abram chases them off. The verse highlights Abram's care and attention to the offering, setting the stage for God's covenant with him in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 15:11

  • "fowls" (עַיִט, ʿayit): This word often refers to birds of prey, such as vultures or hawks, rather than small birds. It suggests that these were scavenging birds drawn to the animal remains.
  • "carcases" (פֶּגֶר, peger): This word means dead bodies or corpses, here referring to the animal parts laid out for the sacrifice. The use of this word emphasizes the reality and physicality of the sacrifice.
  • "away" (נָשַׁב, nashav): This verb means to drive away or scatter. It shows Abram’s active role in protecting the offering, not just passively waiting.

Why Genesis 15:11 matters

  • Genesis 15:11 clears up that Abram was not simply waiting for God but was attentive and involved in the process, showing respect for the offering.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness and reality of the sacrificial act, making the coming covenant more vivid and grounded in real actions.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage by setting a tone of vigilance and faithfulness, which are key themes in Abram’s relationship with God throughout Genesis 15.

Where else these words appear

“away” Hebrew H5380 · used in 3 verses

  • Psalms 147:18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
  • Isaiah 40:7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

“fowls” Hebrew H5861 · used in 6 verses

  • Job 28:7 There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:
  • Isaiah 18:6 They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.
  • Jeremiah 12:9 Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.

“carcases” Hebrew H6297 · used in 21 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
  • Jeremiah 33:5 They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city.

“Abram” Hebrew H87 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 11:26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • Genesis 15:2 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?