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Genesis 17:9 - Eternal covenant with Avraham's descendants

Genesis 17:9 - בראשית 17:9

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים אֶל־אַבְרָהָם וְאַתָּה אֶת־בְּרִיתִי תִשְׁמֹר אַתָּה וְזַרְעֲךָ אַחֲרֶיךָ לְדֹרֹתָם׃

English Translation

And God said to Avraham, Thou shalt keep My covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

Transliteration

Vayomer Elohim el-Avraham ve'atah et-briti tishmor atah vezar'acha achareicha ledorotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֔ם וְאַתָּ֖ה אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֣י תִשְׁמֹ֑ר אַתָּ֛ה וְזַרְעֲךָ֥ אַֽחֲרֶ֖יךָ לְדֹרֹתָֽם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֔ם וְאַתָּ֖ה אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֣י תִשְׁמֹ֑ר אַתָּ֛ה וְזַרְעֲךָ֥ אַֽחֲרֶ֖יךָ לְדֹרֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Covenant with Avraham

The verse (Bereishit 17:9) states: "וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים אֶל־אַבְרָהָם וְאַתָּה אֶת־בְּרִיתִי תִשְׁמֹר אַתָּה וְזַרְעֲךָ אַחֲרֶיךָ לְדֹרֹתָם" ("And God said to Avraham, Thou shalt keep My covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations"). This marks a pivotal moment in the establishment of the eternal covenant (ברית) between Hashem and Avraham Avinu and his descendants.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this covenant refers specifically to the mitzvah of מילה (brit milah), as the preceding verses discuss circumcision. He emphasizes that the obligation applies not only to Avraham but to all future generations. The phrase "אַתָּה וְזַרְעֲךָ" ("you and your seed") underscores the enduring nature of this covenant, binding all of Avraham's descendants.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Milah (1:1-2), the Rambam elaborates that this covenant is one of the foundational mitzvot of the Torah, given even before Matan Torah. He notes that its observance is so essential that one who neglects it is considered to have severed his connection to the Jewish people (ח"ו), as it is the sign of our unique relationship with Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit 46:9) teaches that the covenant of milah is so beloved that it overrides even Shabbat, demonstrating its supreme importance in Jewish life.
  • Another teaching in Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer (29) connects this covenant to the merit that protected Avraham's descendants in Egypt, as the blood of milah paralleled the blood of the Korban Pesach.

The Eternal Nature of the Covenant

The phrase "לְדֹרֹתָם" ("in their generations") is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as emphasizing that this covenant is everlasting and cannot be nullified. Even during periods of spiritual decline, the Jewish people have upheld this mitzvah as a testament to their unbreakable bond with Hashem.

Practical Implications

This verse establishes the perpetual obligation of brit milah, which remains a defining mitzvah for all Jewish males. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 260) rules that a father must circumcise his son on the eighth day, and if he neglects this duty, the beit din is obligated to ensure its fulfillment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 48b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the covenant with Abraham and its implications for future generations.
📖 Yevamot 64a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the continuity of the covenant through Abraham's descendants.
📖 Nedarim 32a
The verse is mentioned in relation to the binding nature of the covenant and its transmission to future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the covenant mentioned in Genesis 17:9?
A: The covenant in Genesis 17:9 refers to the eternal agreement between Hashem and Avraham, which includes the mitzvah of brit milah (circumcision) as a sign of this special relationship. This covenant is passed down to all future generations of the Jewish people.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is fundamental because it establishes the everlasting bond between Hashem and the Jewish people through Avraham and his descendants. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains that brit milah is one of the foundational mitzvot that defines Jewish identity and commitment to Hashem's commandments.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: This verse applies today as Jews continue to observe brit milah on the eighth day after a baby boy is born, fulfilling the covenant. The Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) teaches that this mitzvah is so essential that it takes precedence even over Shabbat if the eighth day falls on it.
Q: What does 'your seed after you in their generations' mean?
A: The phrase 'your seed after you in their generations' means that the covenant is binding on all of Avraham's descendants—the Jewish people—throughout all generations. Rashi explains that this emphasizes the eternal nature of the covenant, ensuring its observance forever.
Q: What can we learn from Hashem's command to Avraham in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of faithfulness to Hashem's commandments and the transmission of Jewish tradition to future generations. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) teaches that Avraham's willingness to uphold the covenant set an example of devotion for all Jews to follow in keeping mitzvot and maintaining their unique relationship with Hashem.