The Meaning of Genesis 15:14 Explained

Genesis 15:14

KJV: And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

YLT: and the nation also whom they serve I judge, and after this they go out with great substance;

Darby: But also that nation which they shall serve I will judge; and afterwards they shall come out with great property.

ASV: and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And also that nation,  whom they shall serve,  will I judge:  and afterward  shall they come out  with great  substance. 

What does Genesis 15:14 Mean?

Context Summary

Genesis 15:1-21 - Abram's Vision Of The Future
Abram had good reason to fear the vengeance of the defeated kings; but the divine voice reassured him. For all of us there is need of a shield, because the world hates us; and for each God will be our compensation for every sacrifice we have made. Refuse to take even the shoe-latchets of Sodom, and God will be your exceeding great reward. The patriarch addressed God as Adonai Jehovah, which occurs only twice more in the Pentateuch. While he was pouring out the bitterness of his soul, the stars came out. Count these, said his Almighty Friend; and he believed. For the first time that mighty word occurs in Scripture, and the Apostle makes much of it. See Romans 4:9; Galatians 3:6. It was as good as done. Henceforth the patriarch reckoned on God's faithfulness. In olden times covenants were ratified by the parties passing between the pieces of the sacrifice. To give strong consolation, the Almighty confirmed His word with an oath. See Hebrews 6:18. But God must wait until the hour for interposition is fully come. [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 15

1  God encourages Abram, who asks for an heir
4  God promises him a son, and a multiplying of his seed
6  Abram is justified by faith
7  Canaan is promised again,
9  and confirmed by a sign, and a vision,
18  prophetic of the condition of his posterity till brought out of Egypt

What do the individual words in Genesis 15:14 mean?

But - the nation whom they serve will judge I and afterward they shall come out with possessions great
וְגַ֧ם אֶת־ הַגּ֛וֹי אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַעֲבֹ֖דוּ דָּ֣ן אָנֹ֑כִי וְאַחֲרֵי־ כֵ֥ן יֵצְא֖וּ בִּרְכֻ֥שׁ גָּדֽוֹל

אֶת־  - 
Parse: Direct object marker
Root: אֹות 
Sense: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative.
הַגּ֛וֹי  the  nation 
Parse: Article, Noun, masculine singular
Root: גֹּוי 
Sense: nation, people.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר  whom 
Parse: Pronoun, relative
Root: אֲשֶׁר 
Sense: (relative part.).
יַעֲבֹ֖דוּ  they  serve 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, third person masculine plural
Root: עָבַד  
Sense: to work, serve.
דָּ֣ן  will  judge 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Participle, masculine singular
Root: דֹּון 
Sense: to judge, contend, plead.
כֵ֥ן  afterward 
Parse: Adverb
Root: כֵּן 
Sense: so, therefore, thus.
יֵצְא֖וּ  they  shall  come  out 
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, third person masculine plural
Root: יׄוצֵאת 
Sense: to go out, come out, exit, go forth.
בִּרְכֻ֥שׁ  with  possessions 
Parse: Preposition-b, Noun, masculine singular
Root: רְכוּשׁ  
Sense: property, goods, possessions.
גָּדֽוֹל  great 
Parse: Adjective, masculine singular
Root: גָּבֹול 
Sense: great.