Genesis 17:8
“And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”
King James Version
The everlasting land covenant with Abraham, ultimately pointing to the eternal inheritance in the new creation.
Fulfillment References
Joshua 21:43 Hebrews 11:16 Revelation 21:3
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe land of Canaan is given 'for an everlasting possession,' with the covenant heart-beat: 'I will be their God.' That last clause is the deepest promise — reaching its consummation when 'God himself shall be with them, and be their God' (Rev. 21:3) in the Lord Jesus. Apostolic teaching affirms God's enduring covenant with Israel and sees its fullness in Christ, where God dwells with His people for ever.
JewishThe everlasting covenant grant of the whole land of Canaan and the promise that the LORD will be Israel's God — central to the Abrahamic covenant.
CatholicThe everlasting possession fulfilled ultimately in God dwelling with His people (Rev. 21:3); the land a sign of the eternal inheritance.
Protestant'Everlasting possession' is read by dispensationalists of a permanent national-land right, by covenant theology of the eternal inheritance in Christ; the 'I will be their God' refrain is its covenant core.
AcademicThe Priestly covenant of circumcision; 'everlasting possession' (achuzzat olam) and the covenant formula 'I will be their God' are its keynotes.
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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, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.