Genesis 17:4 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

As for me— The Almighty begins with setting forth his part of the covenant, with declaring what he would do for Abram; and in Genesis 17:9, &c. he sets forth Abram's part of it.—In token of that increase, which, in a temporal and spiritual sense, he would give to Abram, he changes his name to Abraham, the meaning of which name is also given, as is generally the case in Scripture: thy name shall be Abraham, for a father of many nations have I made thee. Abram, it is generally agreed, signifies mighty, or high father; as, Abraham, the father of a multitude, or of many nations. It was indeed usual with the Orientals, not only to give names of good omen to their children when born, but to change these names upon any particular event, whether happy or otherwise, which might befal them. Thus Jacob's name was changed into Israel; so Naomi's into Mara. See Ruth 1:20. In like manner Christ changed the name of Simon into Cephas, or Peter, Matthew 10:2; Matthew 16:18. So, in like manner, God here condescends to Abraham.