Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 17:4

"As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations." — Genesis 17:4 (ASV)

Of many nations. —This is a feeble rendering of a remarkable phrase. Literally the word signifies a confused noise like the din of a populous city. Abram is to be the father of a thronging crowd of nations. And so in Genesis 17:5.