The Promise to Abraham

“In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” — Genesis 12:3

One of Scripture’s foundational covenant passages is presented in this master-crafted replica of Chester Beatty Biblical Papyrus IV, also catalogued as Rahlfs 961, Folio 4.

Dating to approximately AD 300–325, this ancient papyrus manuscript preserves part of the Greek Septuagint (LXX) text of Genesis. Folio 4 contains Genesis 12:3–14 on the recto and Genesis 12:15–13:7 on the verso, preserving the story of Abram at one of the most important turning points in the biblical narrative.

At the heart of the passage is God’s promise:

“I will bless those who bless you… and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” — Genesis 12:3

The manuscript follows Abram’s calling and journey, including God’s promise of blessing, his travels through the land, his altars at Shechem and Bethel, the episode in Egypt, and the growing households of Abram and Lot.

For Christians, Genesis 12:3 carries particular significance because the New Testament returns to this promise when explaining the gospel and its fulfillment in Christ. Galatians 3:8 and 3:16 explicitly connect God’s promise to Abraham with Christ and the blessing extended to the nations.

This ancient Greek witness therefore offers a remarkable visual connection between the Book of Genesis, the Abrahamic promise, and the later New Testament understanding of that promise.

About the Original Manuscript
Manuscript: Chester Beatty Biblical Papyrus IV
Catalog Number: BP IV · Rahlfs 961
Folio: 4
Date: c. AD 300–325
Material: Papyrus
Language: Greek — Septuagint (LXX)
Text: Genesis 12:3–14; 12:15–13:7
Discovered: Egypt
Repository: Chester Beatty Library, Dublin, Ireland

Frame: 8x10 black floating frame (mdf and glass) or

8x10 magnetic acrylic case

Customers have used these replicas for:
Sermon props
Bible studies
Classroom lessons
Seminary education
Personal collections
Church displays
Museum exhibits
Office or bookshelf displays

Each Sacred Text Replica begins with careful research and close study of the surviving ancient manuscript. The manuscript image is reproduced on premium Egyptian papyrus, reflecting the material of the original.

The papyrus fibers are carefully cut and worked to recreate the irregular edges, lacunae, holes, and other signs of deterioration visible in the surviving manuscript. Because this finishing is performed individually rather than by automated cutting, subtle variations occur naturally, making each completed replica unique.

Modern Replica Only: This item is a modern replica, created for artistic and educational purposes. It is not an ancient artifact. Adapted for this reproduction
Image courtesy of the Chester Beatty Library. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Adapted for this reproduction