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.

GENESIS 17:5KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 17:5 (KJV)

What does Genesis 17:5 mean?

In Genesis 17:5, God gives Abram a new name, Abraham, to mark his place as the future father of many nations. The name change makes God’s promise part of how Abraham will be known.

God speaks of the promise as already established: “a father of many nations have I made thee.” At this point in the story, Abraham has a son, Ishmael, but the many nations are still in the future.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 17:5

  • “Abram” — אַבְרָם (avram): This name is often understood to mean “exalted father.” The earlier name already contains the idea of fatherhood.
  • “Abraham” — אַבְרָהָם (avraham): God connects this new name with being the father of many nations. The verse explains the name through its sound and association with that promise.

Why Genesis 17:5 matters

  • The promise reaches beyond a single family group. “Many nations” points to descendants who will become more than one people, an idea continued in verse 6.
  • The new name belongs to a larger promise God is making with Abraham. In verse 7, God extends that promise to Abraham’s descendants after him.
  • Abraham’s age makes the future described here striking. Verse 1 says he is ninety-nine when God speaks to him.

Where else these words appear

“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?

“many” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
  • Ezekiel 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.