And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.

GENESIS 15:9KJV
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Genesis 15:9 (KJV)

What does Genesis 15:9 mean?

Genesis 15:9 records God instructing Abram to bring specific animals—a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon. These animals were to be used in a formal covenant ceremony between God and Abram.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Abram (later called Abraham) as part of a larger conversation about God’s promises to him. The request for these particular animals sets the stage for an ancient ritual where agreements were made binding through sacrifice. The details show that this was a significant and solemn moment, marking God’s commitment to Abram.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 15:9

  • heifer (עֶגְלָה, eglah): This word refers to a young female cow, and the detail that it should be three years old suggests maturity and value, which was important for sacrifices in ancient times.
  • goat (עֵז, ez): The instruction for a three-year-old female goat again points to a mature, valuable animal, showing the seriousness of the covenant.
  • ram (אַיִל, ayil): The ram, also three years old, was a common animal in sacrificial rituals, symbolizing strength and dedication.
  • turtledove (תּוֹר, tor) and pigeon (גוֹזָל, gozal): These birds were often used in sacrifices, especially when someone could not afford larger animals, but here they are included alongside the larger animals, emphasizing completeness.

Why Genesis 15:9 matters

  • Genesis 15:9 shows that God’s covenant with Abram was formal and followed ancient customs, helping readers understand the seriousness of God’s promise.
  • The specific animals and their ages highlight the value and care involved in this ceremony, showing that this was not a casual agreement.
  • This verse sets up the dramatic covenant ceremony in the following verses, which becomes a foundational moment in the story of Abraham and the biblical understanding of God’s promises.

Where else these words appear

“pigeon” Hebrew H1469 · used in 2 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

“old” Hebrew H8027 · used in 6 verses

  • Deuteronomy 19:3 Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
  • 1 Samuel 20:19 And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

“heifer” Hebrew H5697 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 21:3 And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;
  • 1 Samuel 16:2 And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 48:34 From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, and even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horonaim, as an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate.

“turtledove” Hebrew H8449 · used in 14 verses

  • Leviticus 1:14 And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD be of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.
  • Leviticus 12:8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.
  • Leviticus 15:29 And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.