are often translated as ‘exceedingly’ or ‘greatly’. But Abram is ninety-nine years old! How can this be? 17:3–5. Then Abram fell on his face. And God spoke with him, saying, ‘As for me, behold, my covenant is with you: you will be a father of many nations. And your name will no longer be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham because I will make you a father of many nations.’ Change of name in ancient Near-Eastern cultures often signified a change of status, role, or function. A name frequently