Genesis 15:11 kjv

And when the fowls came down upon the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

Genesis 15:11 nkjv

And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

Genesis 15:11 niv

Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.

Genesis 15:11 esv

And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

Genesis 15:11 nlt

Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses, but Abram chased them away.

Genesis 15 verses

Genesis 15 11 Meaning

Genesis 15:11 describes a significant moment during the solemn covenant ceremony between God and Abram. As Abram waited upon the prepared sacrifice, "birds of prey" descended upon the animal pieces laid out for the covenant. Abram's immediate and vigilant response was to drive these birds away, thus safeguarding the integrity and purity of the sacred ritual. This act symbolizes a necessary protection against forces that seek to defile or disrupt God's divine work and promises.

Genesis 15 11 Context

Genesis chapter 15 records a profound interaction between God and Abram following Abram's military victory and his rejection of material reward from the king of Sodom. God appears to Abram, promising to be his "shield" and "exceeding great reward," reaffirming the promise of numerous descendants, despite Abram and Sarai's advanced age and barrenness. Abram expresses his concern about not having an heir, and God reiterates His promise, declaring that Abram's descendants will be as countless as the stars. It is in response to this promise that "he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness" (Gen 15:6).

To solemnize this incredible, unilateral promise, God instructs Abram to prepare a covenant ceremony involving split animals, a common ANE practice where covenanting parties would walk between the halves. However, a significant deviation occurs: only God, represented by a "smoking firepot and a flaming torch," passes between the pieces, signifying a divinely initiated and guaranteed covenant. Genesis 15:11 occurs in the crucial interlude after the animals are prepared but before God manifests His presence to seal the covenant, highlighting Abram's role in waiting and safeguarding the sacred preparation.

Genesis 15 11 Word analysis

• And when the fowls came down (וַיֵּרֶד הָעַיִט, vayyéred hā`ayít):

  • וַיֵּרֶד (vayyéred): From the verb יָרַד (yarad), "to come down, descend." Here, it describes a sudden, aggressive, and perhaps predatory movement. It implies an intrusion.
  • הָעַיִט (hā`ayít): "the fowls" or "birds of prey" (with the definite article 'ha-'). The Hebrew word `ayít (עַיִט) specifically refers to carnivorous birds, vultures, or other birds of prey. These were considered unclean animals under Mosaic Law (Lev 11:13-19, Deut 14:12-18). Their appearance on sacrificial animals suggests defilement, opposition, or a test of Abram's vigilance. In some ancient cultures, birds of prey could be seen as symbols of divine judgment, but here they appear to be a disruptive force to be resisted.

• upon the carcases (עַל־הַפְּגָרִים, ‘al-happəgārîm):

  • הַפְּגָרִים (happəgārîm): "the carcasses" (definite plural). These refer to the already split animal halves (heifer, goat, ram, turtledove, pigeon) specified in Gen 15:9-10. These were not merely dead animals but consecrated elements of a sacred, blood-covenant ritual. Their desecration by unclean birds would nullify the solemnity and effectiveness of the covenant ceremony.

• Abram drove them away (וַיַּשֵּׁב אֹתָם אַבְרָם, vayyaššēḇ ’ōṯām ’aḇrām):

  • וַיַּשֵּׁב (vayyaššēḇ): From the Hiphil imperfect of the root יָשַׁב (yashab), which typically means "to sit" or "dwell." However, in this causative Hiphil stem, it means "to cause to sit down" or "cause to cease/restrain" or here, in this context, "to cause to go back," thus "drive away," "repel," or "chase back." This signifies Abram's immediate, active, and effective intervention. It was not a passive observation but an forceful action to protect the sacred elements.
  • אֹתָם (’ōṯām): "them" (the birds of prey).
  • אַבְרָם (’aḇrām): "Abram." The individual directly involved, highlighting his personal responsibility and active role in upholding the sanctity of the divine process.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "But birds of prey came down on the carcasses": This phrase introduces an external, unexpected, and undesirable intrusion into a sacred setting. The "birds of prey" represent destructive forces that seek to undermine, defile, or exploit the divine work. Their focus on the "carcasses" (the consecrated elements of the covenant) underscores the specific target of disruption – the very basis of God's promise. This imagery foreshadows that divine blessings often face opposition.
  • "and Abram drove them away": This second part of the verse reveals Abram's immediate and determined response. It highlights his vigilance and active participation in safeguarding the sacred covenant preparations. His action signifies the human responsibility to resist and expel evil or corrupting influences that threaten God's purposes, even when God is the primary actor in the covenant. It underscores the importance of protecting the integrity of spiritual undertakings.

Genesis 15 11 Bonus section

• Anticipation and Vigilance: The period between the cutting of the animals and the passing of the divine presence (vv. 12-17) is one of anticipation. Abram is waiting on God. His action in verse 11 highlights that waiting on God does not equate to passivity but requires active vigilance and protection of the space God is operating in.
• A Test of Faith: Some scholars suggest this incident could be a subtle test of Abram's faith and endurance. Would he remain steadfast during the seemingly mundane, yet crucial, preparatory stage? His swift response indicates a heart devoted to God's process.
• Practical Analogy: This act offers a powerful analogy for believers today. When God reveals a promise or begins a work, there will be "birds of prey" – distractions, doubts, temptations, spiritual attacks, or negative influences – that try to snatch away or defile what God is doing. Believers are called to actively "drive them away" through prayer, adherence to God's Word, and spiritual discipline.

Genesis 15 11 Commentary

Genesis 15:11 is a seemingly small detail in a monumental chapter, yet it carries significant symbolic weight. Abram's action of driving away the birds of prey illustrates several profound truths. First, it underscores that even in the midst of a divine covenant, there can be disruptive, defiling forces at play. These birds, being unclean scavengers, represent forces of opposition, chaos, or spiritual darkness that seek to undermine God's work. Their descent upon the covenant pieces is an attempt to desecrate a holy act. Second, Abram's immediate and diligent response signifies the necessary human responsibility in upholding and protecting God's sacred truths and promises. Though the covenant itself is unilaterally initiated and guaranteed by God, Abram is not a passive spectator. He actively engages in preserving the integrity of the process. This act of vigilance is an extension of his faith, demonstrating his commitment to the divine relationship.

Furthermore, this incident serves as a foreshadowing of the constant battle faced by those aligned with God's purposes. Just as birds sought to snatch away the sacrificial offering, so too would forces attempt to thwart God's plans for Abram's descendants (e.g., Pharaoh in Egypt, later enemies of Israel, and metaphorically, the devil snatching the "seed" of the Word in the parable of the sower). Abram's successful expulsion of the birds highlights the importance of spiritual diligence and watchfulness, affirming that active resistance against spiritual attacks is crucial, even when ultimate victory rests with God.