Genesis 9:7

9:7 But as for you, 1  be fruitful and multiply; increase abundantly on the earth and multiply on it.”

Genesis 15:8

15:8 But 2  Abram 3  said, “O sovereign Lord, 4  by what 5  can I know that I am to possess it?”

1 sn The disjunctive clause (conjunction + pronominal subject + verb) here indicates a strong contrast to what has preceded. Against the backdrop of the warnings about taking life, God now instructs the people to produce life, using terms reminiscent of the mandate given to Adam (Gen 1:28).

2 tn Here the vav carries adversative force and is translated “but.”

3 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Abram) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

4 tn See note on the phrase “sovereign Lord” in 15:2.

5 tn Or “how.”