Genesis 13:16

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 13:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: So that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then may thy seed also be numbered.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: So that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then may thy seed also be numbered.
Genesis 13:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: So that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then may thy seed also be numbered.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth, etc.] An hyperbolical expression denoting the great multitude of Abram’s posterity, as they were in the days of Solomon, and as they will be in the latter day; and especially as this may respect all the spiritual seed of Abram, Jews and Gentiles, and as they will be in the spiritual reign of Christ, (see <280110>Hosea 1:10,11); so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, [then] shall thy seed be numbered; but as it is impossible to do the one, so the other is not practicable, (see <042310>Numbers 23:10).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Abram and Lot Separate 7. פרזי perı̂zı̂y, Perizzi, “descendant of Paraz.” פרז pārāz, “leader,” or inhabitant of the plain or open country. 10. ככר kı̂kar, “circle, border, vale, cake, talent;” related: “bow, bend, go round, dance.” ירדן yardēn, Jardan, “descending.” Usually with the article in prose. צער tso‛ar, Tso‘ar, “smallness.” 18. ממרא mamrē', Mamre, “fat, strong, ruler.” חברון chebrôn, Chebron, “conjunction, confederacy.” Lot has been hitherto kept in association with Abram by the ties of kinmanship. But it becomes gradually manifest that he has an independent interest, and is no longer disposed to follow the fortunes of the chosen of God. In the natural course of things, this…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification