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Genesis 17:7 - Eternal covenant with Abraham's descendants

Genesis 17:7 - בראשית 17:7

Hebrew Text

וַהֲקִמֹתִי אֶת־בְּרִיתִי בֵּינִי וּבֵינֶךָ וּבֵין זַרְעֲךָ אַחֲרֶיךָ לְדֹרֹתָם לִבְרִית עוֹלָם לִהְיוֹת לְךָ לֵאלֹהִים וּלְזַרְעֲךָ אַחֲרֶיךָ׃

English Translation

And I will establish My covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Transliteration

Vahakimoti et-briti beini uveinecha uvein zar'achah achareicha ledorotam livrit olam lihyot lecha lelohim ulzar'achah achareicha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַהֲקִמֹתִ֨י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֜י בֵּינִ֣י וּבֵינֶ֗ךָ וּבֵ֨ין זַרְעֲךָ֧ אַחֲרֶ֛יךָ לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם לִבְרִ֣ית עוֹלָ֑ם לִהְי֤וֹת לְךָ֙ לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֖ אַחֲרֶֽיךָ׃
וַהֲקִמֹתִ֨י אֶת־בְּרִיתִ֜י בֵּינִ֣י וּבֵינֶ֗ךָ וּבֵ֨ין זַרְעֲךָ֧ אַחֲרֶ֛יךָ לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם לִבְרִ֣ית עוֹלָ֑ם לִהְי֤וֹת לְךָ֙ לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֖ אַחֲרֶֽיךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Eternal Covenant with Avraham and His Descendants

The verse (Bereishit 17:7) establishes the eternal covenant (brit olam) between Hashem and Avraham, extending to all future generations. Rashi explains that this covenant is unbreakable and everlasting, emphasizing that Hashem's relationship with Avraham's descendants will never be revoked, even if they stray from the path of Torah.

The Dual Nature of the Covenant

  • Divine Commitment: Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:7) teaches that this covenant includes Hashem's promise to always be the God of Avraham's descendants, ensuring their ultimate redemption and spiritual connection.
  • Human Responsibility: The Sforno notes that the phrase "to be a God to thee" implies that Avraham and his descendants must actively accept Hashem's sovereignty through mitzvot and devotion.

The Generational Aspect of the Covenant

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 46:9) highlights that the covenant applies specifically to those descendants who follow Avraham's righteous path. The term l'dorotam ("in their generations") teaches that the covenant is renewed in every generation with those who uphold Torah values.

The Significance of "Brit Olam"

The Talmud (Yevamot 79b) derives from this verse that three distinguishing characteristics of the Jewish people are: mercy, modesty, and benevolence - traits inherited from Avraham. The eternal nature of the covenant means these spiritual qualities are inherent in the Jewish soul in every generation.

The Unconditional Promise

Rabbi Ovadia Sforno explains that unlike other covenants in Torah which are conditional, this particular covenant with Avraham contains an unconditional element - that Hashem will never completely abandon the Jewish people, even during times of exile and difficulty.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 48b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the covenant between God and Abraham, emphasizing its everlasting nature.
📖 Megillah 16a
The verse is cited in relation to the divine promise to Abraham and his descendants, highlighting the eternal aspect of the covenant.
📖 Sanhedrin 59b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the unique relationship between God and the Jewish people, rooted in the covenant with Abraham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 17:7 mean?
A: Genesis 17:7 is part of the covenant (brit) that Hashem made with Avraham. It promises that Hashem will maintain a special relationship with Avraham and his descendants forever. This verse emphasizes that the covenant is eternal (brit olam) and that Hashem will be the God of Avraham's descendants in every generation.
Q: Why is the covenant in Genesis 17:7 important?
A: This covenant is foundational in Judaism because it establishes the eternal bond between Hashem and the Jewish people. According to Rashi and other commentators, this promise includes the mitzvah of circumcision (brit milah) as a sign of the covenant. It also reassures the Jewish people of Hashem's everlasting commitment to them.
Q: How does Genesis 17:7 apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds Jews today that they are part of an unbroken covenant with Hashem. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this covenant includes obligations such as brit milah and following Torah commandments. It assures Jews that Hashem’s relationship with them is eternal, reinforcing faith and commitment to Jewish tradition.
Q: What does 'everlasting covenant' mean in Genesis 17:7?
A: An 'everlasting covenant' (brit olam) means that Hashem’s promise to Avraham and his descendants is permanent and unbreakable. The Talmud (Yevamot 64a) discusses how this covenant continues through all generations, ensuring that the Jewish people will always have a unique relationship with Hashem.
Q: Who is included in 'your seed after you' in Genesis 17:7?
A: According to traditional Jewish interpretation, 'your seed after you' refers to the Jewish people—the descendants of Avraham through Yitzchak (Isaac) and Yaakov (Jacob). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that this excludes other lineages, emphasizing the unique spiritual inheritance of the Jewish nation.