Genesis 12:9 kjv

And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.

Genesis 12:9 nkjv

So Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.

Genesis 12:9 niv

Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.

Genesis 12:9 esv

And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.

Genesis 12:9 nlt

Then Abram continued traveling south by stages toward the Negev.

Genesis 12 verses

Genesis 12 9 Meaning

Genesis 12:9 states, "And Abram journeyed on, going on still toward the Negeb." This verse describes Abram's continued southward movement within the land of Canaan, emphasizing the persistent and progressive nature of his obedience to God's call. It signifies his ongoing pilgrimage and reliance on divine guidance as he traverses a new, and at times, challenging terrain.

Genesis 12 9 Context

Genesis chapter 12 marks a pivotal moment in biblical history with God's unconditional call to Abram (v. 1-3), promising him land, progeny, and blessing to be a blessing to all nations. Abram immediately responds in obedience, leaving his homeland (v. 4-5). His journey through Canaan begins with a stop at Shechem (v. 6), then to a place between Bethel and Ai (v. 8), where he builds altars and worships. Genesis 12:9 immediately follows these initial encampments and acts of worship, demonstrating that Abram's journey into the promised land was not a static settlement but a dynamic, continuous, and progressive movement deeper into the territory and further into God's plan. He is not merely present in Canaan, but actively moving through it, guided by God, even as he heads toward the semi-arid Negeb. This constant movement underlines Abram's faith as an itinerant pilgrim.

Genesis 12 9 Word analysis

• And (וְ, wə): This conjunctive particle links the verse to the previous narrative, indicating a continuation of Abram's journey. It implies a seamless flow of events, demonstrating that his journey was not isolated stops but an ongoing process.
• Abram (אַבְרָם, ’Avram): Meaning "exalted father" or "father of Aram," this is Abram's original name before God changed it to Abraham ("father of a multitude") in Genesis 17. It highlights that he is in the early stages of his relationship with God, his faith still developing as he undertakes this divinely commanded journey.
• journeyed on (נָסַע, nasa‘): This Hebrew verb means "to pull up stakes," "to set out," "to depart." It denotes an active, purposeful movement, specifically breaking camp and moving to a new location. It underscores the transient, pilgrim nature of Abram's existence at this time.
• going on still (וַיֵּלֶךְ הָלוֹךְ, vayeleḵ haloch): This is a key Hebrew construct, an infinitive absolute (haloch) following a finite verb (vayeleḵ, "and he went"). This grammatical emphasis stresses the persistence, continuation, and progression of his journey. It means "going and going," "keeping on going," or "moving continually." It signifies a determined, uninterrupted advance, indicating that Abram was constantly in motion, moving further and further.
• toward the Negeb (הַנֶּגְבָּה, hannegba):
  • Negeb (נֶּגֶב, negev): This geographical term literally means "south" and also denotes a specific semi-arid desert region south of the central highlands of Judah.
  • Significance: Abram's movement to the Negeb indicates his continued southward direction, further into the promised land but also towards its drier, less hospitable reaches. It foreshadows the challenges, like the impending famine, that will drive him even further south to Egypt (Gen 12:10), serving as a test of his developing faith in divine provision even in difficult environments. It underscores that God's guidance led him not just to prosperity but also through barrenness, building his reliance on the Giver rather than the gifts.

Genesis 12 9 Bonus section

• The progression of Abram's journey: Ur -> Haran -> Shechem -> Bethel/Ai -> Negeb -> Egypt. Each stage represents a step further into God's plan and deeper into his personal walk of faith, often encountering new challenges or revelations.
• The significance of the Negeb being a dryer, more challenging region foreshadows the impending famine in Gen 12:10, suggesting that obedience does not always lead to immediate comfort but prepares one for future trials, and potentially missteps (like going to Egypt).
• Abram's journey underscores a recurring biblical theme of a 'pilgrim people' – from Abraham, to Israel in the wilderness, to the Church as sojourners and exiles (1 Pet 2:11). This verse sets the stage for understanding the entire Christian life as a continuous, forward-moving journey of faith and obedience towards an ultimate destination.
• The movement "towards the Negeb" indicates a direction, not necessarily an immediate settling point. This continuous sense of "going" or "walking" becomes a metaphor for walking with God throughout the Bible (e.g., Enoch, Noah, Israel in the wilderness).

Genesis 12 9 Commentary

Genesis 12:9 concisely reveals the continuous and progressive nature of Abram's journey of faith. Following his initial stops and worship at altars, this verse highlights that Abram's obedience was not a one-time event but an ongoing process of movement directed by God. The Hebrew "going on still" emphasizes the sustained, persistent progress, portraying Abram as a perpetual sojourner. His trajectory towards the Negeb, a dry and challenging region, signifies that God's leading doesn't always take believers to comfort but often through difficult terrains where faith is deepened and tested. This consistent movement, in spite of geographical challenges, profoundly illustrates Abram's reliance on divine instruction and his pilgrim identity, setting the pattern for future generations of believers who are called to walk by faith, constantly moving forward in their spiritual journey. It teaches that the journey with God is dynamic and progressive, requiring ongoing trust and willingness to move according to His will.