Genesis 17:1
New International Version
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.

New Living Translation
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.

English Standard Version
When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,

Berean Standard Bible
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless.

King James Bible
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

New King James Version
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.

New American Standard Bible
Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless.

NASB 1995
Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless.

NASB 1977
Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened that when Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me and be blameless,

Amplified Bible
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; Walk [habitually] before Me [with integrity, knowing that you are always in My presence], and be blameless and complete [in obedience to Me].

Christian Standard Bible
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. Live in My presence and be blameless.

American Standard Version
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Contemporary English Version
When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to him again and said, "I am God All-Powerful. If you obey me and always do right,

English Revised Version
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to him. He said to Abram, "I am God Almighty. Live in my presence with integrity.

Good News Translation
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the Almighty God. Obey me and always do what is right.

International Standard Version
When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and announced, "I am God Almighty. Live in constant awareness that I'm always with you, and be blameless.

Majority Standard Bible
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, ?I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless.

NET Bible
When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the sovereign God. Walk before me and be blameless.

New Heart English Bible
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, God appeared to him, and said to him, "I am El Shaddai. Walk before me, and be blameless.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Abram was ninety and nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

World English Bible
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty. Walk before me and be blameless.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Abram is a son of ninety-nine years, and YHWH appears to Abram, and says to him, “I [am] God Almighty, habitually walk before Me, and be perfect;

Young's Literal Translation
And Abram is a son of ninety and nine years, and Jehovah appeareth unto Abram, and saith unto him, 'I am God Almighty, walk habitually before Me, and be thou perfect;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abram shall be the son of ninety years and nine years: Jehovah shall be seen to Abram and will say to him, I am God Almighty; walk thou before me, and be complete.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And after he began to be ninety and nine years old, the Lord appeared to him: and said unto him: I am the Almighty God: walk before me, and be perfect.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In truth, after he began to be ninety-nine years of age, the Lord appeared to him. And he said to him: “I am the Almighty God. Walk in my sight and become complete.

New American Bible
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said: I am God the Almighty. Walk in my presence and be blameless.

New Revised Standard Version
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
WHEN Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk well before me, and be faultless.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall give my covenant between me and you and I shall increase you greatly.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him: 'I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be thou wholehearted.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abram was ninety-nine years old, and the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, I am thy God, be well-pleasing before me, and be blameless.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Renaming of Abraham
1When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless. 2I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.”…

Cross References
Exodus 6:3
I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name the LORD I did not make Myself known to them.

Genesis 35:11
And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you.

Genesis 28:3
May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples.

Genesis 48:3
Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there He blessed me

Genesis 12:1-3
Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 15:1
After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Genesis 18:14
Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.”

Genesis 22:17
I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies.

Genesis 26:24
and that night the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.”

Genesis 46:3
“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.

Leviticus 26:12
I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people.

Deuteronomy 18:13
You must be blameless before the LORD your God.

2 Samuel 22:31
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Treasury of Scripture

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be you perfect.

A.

Genesis 16:16
And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.

the Lord.

Genesis 12:1
Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Almighty.

Genesis 18:14
Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Genesis 28:3
And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;

Genesis 35:11
And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

walk.

Genesis 5:22,24
And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: …

Genesis 6:9
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Genesis 48:15
And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,

perfect.

Genesis 6:9
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Deuteronomy 18:13
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.

Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

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Genesis 17
1. God renews the covenant with Abram,
5. and changes his name to Abraham, in token of a greater blessing.
9. Circumcision is instituted.
15. Sarai's name is changed to Sarah, and she is blessed.
17. Isaac is promised, and the time of his birth fixed.
23. Abraham and Ishmael are circumcised.














When Abram was ninety-nine years old
The age of Abram, ninety-nine, is significant in biblical numerology, symbolizing the completion of a cycle and the beginning of a new phase. Abram's advanced age underscores the miraculous nature of God's promises, as he was beyond the natural age for fathering children. This highlights God's sovereignty and power to fulfill His promises despite human limitations. Abram's age also reflects a lifetime of experiences and growth in faith, preparing him for the covenant God is about to establish.

the LORD appeared to him
The Hebrew word for "appeared" is "ra'ah," which means to see or to be visible. This divine appearance signifies a theophany, where God makes His presence known in a tangible way. It emphasizes the personal relationship between God and Abram, showing that God is not distant but actively involved in the lives of His people. The LORD's appearance is a pivotal moment, marking a direct communication and a deepening of the covenant relationship.

and said, 'I am God Almighty'
The phrase "God Almighty" is translated from the Hebrew "El Shaddai." This name of God conveys His ultimate power and sufficiency. "El" refers to might and strength, while "Shaddai" can imply nourishment and provision, suggesting that God is both powerful and nurturing. This revelation of God's character reassures Abram of His ability to fulfill His promises, no matter how impossible they may seem. It is a call to trust in God's omnipotence and faithfulness.

walk before Me
The command to "walk before Me" is an invitation to live a life of faith and obedience in the presence of God. The Hebrew word "halak" means to walk or to conduct oneself. This phrase implies a continuous, intimate relationship with God, where one's life is lived with an awareness of His presence and guidance. It is a call to integrity and righteousness, reflecting a life that honors God in every aspect.

and be blameless
The term "blameless" is derived from the Hebrew word "tamim," which means complete, whole, or perfect. It does not imply sinlessness but rather a wholehearted devotion to God. To be blameless is to live with integrity, aligning one's actions and heart with God's will. This call to blamelessness is a response to God's covenant, where Abram is to reflect God's holiness in his life. It is a reminder that God's people are set apart, called to live in a way that reflects His character to the world.

XVII.

CONFIRMATION OF THE COVENANT BY THE SACRAMENT OF CIRCUMCISION.

(1) Abram was ninety years old and nine.--Thirteen years, therefore, had passed by since the birth of Ishmael, who doubtless during this time had grown very dear to the childless old man, as we gather from the wish expressed in Genesis 17:18.

I am the Almighty God.--Heb., El shaddai. The word is Archaic, but there is no doubt that it means strong so as to overpower. Besides its use in Genesis we find it employed as the name of Deity by Balaam (Numbers 24:4; Numbers 24:16); by Naomi (Ruth 1:20); and in the Book of Job, where it occurs thirty-one times. We may thus regard it as "one of the more general worldwide titles of the Most High" (Speaker's Commentary). In Exodus 6:3 it is said, with evident reference to this place, that El shaddai was the name of God revealed to the patriarchs, but that He was not known to them by His name Jehovah. Here, nevertheless, in a passage said by commentators to be Elohistic, we read that "Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said to him I am El shaddai." But the very gist of the passage is the identification of Jehovah and El shaddai, and the great object of the manifest care with which Moses distinguishes the Divine names seems to be to show, that though Jehovah became the special name of Elohim in His covenant relation to Israel after the Exodus, yet that the name was one old and primeval (Genesis 4:26), and that the God of revelation, under various titles, was ever one and the same. And so is it now, though we, by following a Jewish superstition, have well-nigh forfeited the use of the name Jehovah, so greatly prized of old (Genesis 4:1). . . .

Verse 1. - And when Abram was ninety years old and nine - consequently an interval of thirteen years had elapsed since the birth of Ishmael; the long delay on the part of God being probably designed as chastisement for Abram's second nuptials (Calvin), and at least corresponding with Abram's undue haste (Lange) - the Lord appeared to Abram - lest he should regard Ishmael's birth as a complete fulfillment of the promise (Menochius), and be satisfied with Hagar's child as the expected seed (Calvin) - and said to him, I am the Almighty God - El Shaddai, found six times in Genesis and thirty-one times in Job, composed of El, God, and Shaddai; not a nomen compositum (from שֶׁ = אֲשֶׁר and דַּי) signifying qui sufficiens est (Aquinas, Symmachus, Theodoret, Saadias, Maimonides, Calvin), but either a pluralis excellentiae., from the singular שַׁר, powerful - root ךשׁדַד, to be strong (Gesenius, Rosenmüller, Wordsworth), or a singular from the same root with the substantive termination יַ, as in הַגַּי, the festal, יְשִׁישַׁי, the old man, סִינַי, the thorn-grown (Keil, Oehler, Lange); descriptive of God as revealing himself violently in his might, hence correctly rendered παντοκράτωρ by the LXX. in Job (Oehler); distinguishing Jehovah, the God of salvation, from Elohim, the God who creates nature so that it is and supports it that it may stand, as "the God who compels nature to do what is contrary to itself, and subdues it to bow and minister to grace" (Delitzsch); characterizing Jehovah the covenant God, "as possessing the power to realize his promises, even when the order of nature presented no prospect of their fulfillment, and the powers of nature were insufficient to secure it" (Keil); perhaps, like Elohim and Adonai, one of the world-wide titles of the Most High since it was known to Balaam (Numbers 24:4, 16), and is constantly used in Job ('Speaker's Commentary'). Said in Exodus 6:2, 3 to have been the name by which God was known to the patriarchs, it is regarded by the partitionists as characteristic of the Elohist (Tuch, Blcek, Colenso, Davidson, Ewald), and accordingly to that writer the present chapter is assigned, and the Jehovah of this verse expiated as an alteration of the original Elohist's narrative; but the πρῶτον ψεῦδος of this criticism lurks in the identification of El-Shaddai with Elohim, whereas it is not Elohim, but Jehovah, who reveals himself as E1 Shaddai not alone in the Pentateuch, but in the historical and prophetical books as well (cf. Ruth 1:20, 21; vide Keil's Introduction, pt. § 2; div. 1. § 25). Walk before me. Literally, set thyself to walk, as inch. 13:17, in my presence, as if conscious of my inspection and solicitous of my approval; not behind me, as if sensible of shortcomings, and desirous to elude observation. The phrase intimates a less exalted piety than the corresponding phrase used of Enoch (5. 24) and Noah (Genesis 6:9). And be thou perfect. Tamim, ἄμεμπτοις (LXX.), used of Noah in Genesis 6:9, and rendered τέλειος (LXX.), while perhaps retrospectively glancing at Abram's sin in marrying Hagar, indicates that absolute standard of moral attainment, viz., completeness of being in respect of purity, which the supreme Lawgiver sets before his intelligent creatures (cf. Matthew 5:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When Abram
אַבְרָ֔ם (’aḇ·rām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 87: Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham

was
וַיְהִ֣י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

ninety-nine
תִּשְׁעִ֥ים (tiš·‘îm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 8673: Ninety

years
שָׁנִ֑ים (šā·nîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8141: A year

old,
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

the LORD
יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

appeared
וַיֵּרָ֨א (way·yê·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

him
אַבְרָ֗ם (’aḇ·rām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 87: Abram -- 'exalted father', the original name of Abraham

and said,
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“I
אֲנִי־ (’ă·nî-)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am God
אֵ֣ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

Almighty.
שַׁדַּ֔י (šad·day)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7706: The Almighty

Walk
הִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ (hiṯ·hal·lêḵ)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

before Me
לְפָנַ֖י (lə·p̄ā·nay)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440: The face

and be
וֶהְיֵ֥ה (weh·yêh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

blameless.
תָמִֽים׃ (ṯā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8549: Entire, integrity, truth


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OT Law: Genesis 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old Yahweh (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 16:16
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