4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram[1] ; your name will be Abraham,[2] for I have made you a father of many nations.

Other Translations of Genesis 17:4-5

King James Version

4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many many...: Heb. multitude of nations nations. 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; Abraham: that is, Father of a great multitude for a father of many nations have I made thee.

English Standard Version

4 "Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram,Abram means exalted father but your name shall be Abraham,Abraham means father of a multitude for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.

The Message

4 "This is my covenant with you: You'll be the father of many nations. 5 Your name will no longer be Abram, but Abraham, meaning that 'I'm making you the father of many nations.'

New King James Version

4 "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.

New Living Translation

4 "This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! 5 What's more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 17:4-5

Commentary on Genesis 17:1-6

(Read Genesis 17:1-6)

The covenant was to be accomplished in due time. The promised Seed was Christ, and Christians in him. And all who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abram, being partakers of the same covenant blessings. In token of this covenant his name was changed from Abram, "a high father," to Abraham, "the father of a multitude." All that the Christian world enjoys, it is indebted for to Abraham and his Seed.