Definition: And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important passage from Genesis 17. It's a really significant verse about God’s relationship with humanity! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says God is making a special promise – a covenant – with the whole of humankind. Let's unpack that: “I will establish my covenant…” – This is a fancy word for a binding agreement. God is setting something down as a deal between Him and humanity. “…between me and thee…” – This refers to all of us, meaning every person on Earth. It’s not just you or I; it's everyone God has created. "...and thy seed after thee” - This is crucial! It means that this covenant applies to everyone who comes after us – our descendants, our children, and all future generations. It’s a promise that extends beyond just the first humans. “for an everlasting covenant…” – This is really important! “Everlasting” means it's not just for a short time; it's designed to last forever. It’s a promise that will continue through all of time. "...to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee." - This is the core of the promise. God promises to be God – meaning He’s the ultimate authority, the source of everything – to each person in their generation. And He will make this covenant with their descendants (their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.). So, what does this verse mean practically? It means that God created humanity and established a relationship with them, promising to be involved in the lives of everyone who comes after us. It’s a promise of blessing, protection, and guidance for generations to come. In short, it's a foundational promise of God's love and faithfulness that continues through all of time. Why is this important? This covenant is seen as the basis for our relationship with God – it’s the foundation of our faith and our understanding of how we are to live. It speaks of God’s eternal love and commitment to humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific aspect of Jewish or Christian belief? Give you a bit more context about the meaning of the Old Testament?