What did God mean when He told Abram, "I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt."?
Genesis 12:3
YLT - 3 And I bless those blessing thee, and him who is disesteeming thee I curse, and blessed in thee have been all families of the ground.
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Tim Maas
As indicated in the various translations and discussion of this verse that can be found at the web address https://www.biblehub.com/genesis/12-3.htm, God was telling Abraham that Abraham would find such great favor in God's eyes by faithfully obeying the instructions that God would give him that the way other people would subsequently treat Abraham would be, in God's eyes, the same as if those other people had acted that way toward God Himself. This favor was so great that if a person would bless Abraham, God, in turn, would bless that person. By contrast, if someone were to show contempt for Abraham (even to the point of cursing him), God Himself would then subsequently curse that person in return. God made those statements because, as He told Abraham on multiple occasions, all families of the earth would be blessed because of him, since it was going to be through Abraham's descendants that God Himself would subsequently be incarnated in the person of Christ.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible