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Genesis 17:5 - Avram becomes Avraham forever

Genesis 17:5 - בראשית 17:5

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־יִקָּרֵא עוֹד אֶת־שִׁמְךָ אַבְרָם וְהָיָה שִׁמְךָ אַבְרָהָם כִּי אַב־הֲמוֹן גּוֹיִם נְתַתִּיךָ׃

English Translation

Neither shall thy name any more be called Avram, but thy name shall be Avraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Transliteration

Velo-yikare od et-shimkha Avram vehaya shimkha Avraham ki av-hamon goyim netaticha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹא־יִקָּרֵ֥א ע֛וֹד אֶת־שִׁמְךָ֖ אַבְרָ֑ם וְהָיָ֤ה שִׁמְךָ֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם כִּ֛י אַב־הֲמ֥וֹן גּוֹיִ֖ם נְתַתִּֽיךָ׃
וְלֹא־יִקָּרֵ֥א ע֛וֹד אֶת־שִׁמְךָ֖ אַבְרָ֑ם וְהָיָ֤ה שִׁמְךָ֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם כִּ֛י אַב־הֲמ֥וֹן גּוֹיִ֖ם נְתַתִּֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Name Change

This verse (Bereishit 17:5) marks a pivotal moment in Avraham's spiritual journey, where Hashem changes his name from Avram (אַבְרָם) to Avraham (אַבְרָהָם). According to Rashi, the name Avram means "father of Aram," referring to his birthplace, while Avraham signifies "father of many nations" (אַב־הֲמוֹן גּוֹיִם). This transformation reflects his elevated role as the progenitor of not only the Jewish people but also of other nations who would embrace monotheism.

Grammatical and Symbolic Meaning

The addition of the letter ה (heh) to Avraham's name is deeply significant. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 46:8) explains that this letter, taken from Hashem's own name (י-ה-ו-ה), symbolizes divine partnership in Avraham's mission. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:61) further elaborates that this name change signifies Avraham's transformation into a spiritual leader whose influence would extend universally.

Avraham as "Father of Many Nations"

The phrase "כִּי אַב־הֲמוֹן גּוֹיִם נְתַתִּיךָ" ("for a father of many nations have I made thee") is interpreted in several ways:

  • Biological Descendants: The Talmud (Berachot 13a) notes that Avraham would father not only Yitzchak (through whom the Jewish lineage continues) but also Yishmael and the children of Keturah, who became ancestors of other nations.
  • Spiritual Influence: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 39:14) teaches that Avraham's teachings would inspire converts from many nations, making him a "father" to all who embrace monotheism.
  • Eternal Covenant: The Zohar (1:93a) emphasizes that this name change sealed Avraham's eternal covenant with Hashem, ensuring his legacy would endure through all generations.

Halachic Implications of the Name Change

The Gemara (Rosh Hashanah 16b) derives from this verse that a name change can alter a person's spiritual destiny. This principle is applied in Jewish law (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 17:2), where individuals facing illness or hardship may change their names to invoke divine mercy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 13a
The verse is discussed in the context of the significance of name changes in the Torah, particularly focusing on the change from Avram to Avraham and its implications for his role as the father of many nations.
📖 Sanhedrin 107b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the merits and spiritual transformations of biblical figures, highlighting Avraham's unique status and covenant with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem change Avram's name to Avraham?
A: Hashem changed Avram's name to Avraham (Genesis 17:5) to signify his new role as the father of many nations ('Av Hamon Goyim'). Rashi explains that the letter 'hei' added to his name represents this expanded destiny, showing that he would become a spiritual father to all who follow the path of monotheism.
Q: What is the significance of a name change in the Torah?
A: In the Torah, a name change often marks a transformation in a person's spiritual mission or destiny. Rambam teaches that names reflect essence, so when Hashem changes someone's name (like Avraham or Sarah), it indicates a new divine purpose for them. This teaches us how Hashem guides individuals toward their higher roles.
Q: What does 'Av Hamon Goyim' (father of many nations) mean?
A: The phrase 'Av Hamon Goyim' (Genesis 17:5) means that Avraham would become a spiritual patriarch not just for the Jewish people, but for all who embrace monotheism. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that Avraham's influence would extend to converts and righteous gentiles throughout history, making him a universal father figure of faith.
Q: How does Avraham's name change apply to us today?
A: Avraham's name change teaches that every Jew has a unique spiritual mission. Just as Avraham's new name reflected his higher purpose, our Hebrew names (given at birth or conversion) connect us to our soul's role. The Talmud (Berachot 7b) states that parents receive divine inspiration when naming a child, linking them to their destiny.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Avram's old name ('Avram') after the change?
A: Although Avram became Avraham, the Torah sometimes still uses his old name. Rashi explains that this teaches that his essential righteousness ('Avram' means 'exalted father') remained intact—only his influence expanded. The Talmud (Berachot 13a) also rules that one must use both names in legal documents to honor his full transformation.