Genesis 17:4-6
“As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 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.”
King James Version · the opening — all 3 verses are below
God's covenant with Abraham — father of many nations, with kings in his line — fulfilled in the multitude of believing nations and the King, Christ.
Read the whole passage — all 3 verses (KJV)
17:4As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
17:5Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
17:6And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
Fulfillment References
Romans 4:16-18 Galatians 3:7-9 Genesis 22:18 Matthew 1:1
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalAbraham's promised King is Jesus (Matt. 1:1), in whom all believing nations become Abraham's children — the one God fulfilling the covenant.
JewishThe Abrahamic covenant — Abraham father of nations and of the kings of Israel; foundational to Jewish identity and election.
CatholicFulfilled as Abraham becomes father of all who believe (Rom. 4), and the King, Christ, comes from his line.
ProtestantPaul reads 'father of many nations' as fulfilled in believing Gentiles (Rom. 4:16-18); the 'kings' culminate in Christ.
OrthodoxAbraham the father of the faithful, his line bearing the Messiah-King.
DispensationalThe literal multiplication of Abraham's descendants and the Davidic-Messianic kingly line.
AcademicThe name change (Abram to Abraham, 'father of a multitude') frames the patriarchal covenant tradition.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.