Genesis 17:20 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

“And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.”

Genesis 17:20

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Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, {and} with his seed after him.

And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.

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Genesis 17:1

"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I {am} the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. {perfect: or, upright, or, sincere}"

Genesis 17:2

"And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly."

Genesis 17:3

"And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,"

Genesis 17:4

"As for me, behold, my covenant {is} with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. {many...: Heb. multitude of nations}"

Genesis 17:5

"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. {Abraham: that is, Father of a great multitude}"

Genesis 17:6

"And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee."

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