Genesis 12:2-3
Genesis 12 :2 -3
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
— NIV
Context
God's covenant promises to Abraham, the foundation of the Abrahamic faiths.
Genesis 12:2-3
The Abrahamic Covenant—God’s foundational promises to Abraham that shape all three Abrahamic faiths.
The Three Promises
- A Great Nation - Abraham’s descendants will become numerous
- A Great Name - Abraham will be renowned
- A Blessing to All Nations - Through Abraham, all peoples will be blessed
In Jewish Tradition
This covenant establishes the special relationship between God and the Jewish people. The promise of land, descendants, and blessing forms the basis of Jewish identity and the claim to the Land of Israel.
In Christian Tradition
Christians see this promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ, through whom “all peoples on earth” are blessed. Paul argues in Galatians 3 that those who have faith are children of Abraham and heirs of the promise.
In Islamic Tradition
Islam affirms Abraham (Ibrahim) as a prophet and patriarch. The promise is seen as fulfilled through both Ishmael (ancestor of the Arabs and Muhammad) and Isaac (ancestor of the Israelite prophets).