Genesis 15:3 (KJV)

What does Genesis 15:3 mean?

Genesis 15:3 records Abram’s concern about who will inherit what he owns. Speaking to God, Abram points out that he has no child and expects a member of his household to receive his possessions when he dies.

After naming Eliezer of Damascus in verse 2, Abram describes his expected heir as someone born in his house. The phrase places that person within Abram’s household, while distinguishing him from a child given to Abram.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 15:3

• “seed” — זֶרַע (zeraʿ): The word can mean seed or offspring. Here it refers to a child or descendants, not to seed for planting.
• “born” — בֵּן (ben): The word commonly means “son.” In the phrase translated “one born in my house,” it identifies someone connected to Abram’s household by birth.
• “heir” — יָרַשׁ (yarash): The word carries the sense of taking possession or inheriting. Abram uses it to describe who stands to receive his property.

Why Genesis 15:3 matters

• Abram directs his concern to God. The words “to me thou hast given no seed” frame the lack of a child as a question Abram brings before him.
• The passage answers Abram’s expectation about his heir. In verse 4, God says that someone from Abram’s own body will be his heir, rather than the household member Abram has in mind.
• Abram’s concern reaches beyond his possessions. In verse 5, God points him to the stars and speaks of descendants too numerous to count.