Then Abram fell on his face: fell here has the sense of an intentional act. Abram did not simply stumble and fall down, as the English of Revised Standard Version may suggest to some readers. He threw himself down. By this act he is showing ritual respect and reverence for God. This expression is better translated in English by Good News Translation “bowed down … ground,” Revised English Bible “bowed low,” New Jerusalem Bible “bowed to the ground.” For similar ritual acts see verse 17; Num 14.5; Judges 13.20. Translators should use the form of religious action or ritual, if such is practiced or known, that shows greatest reverence and submission. In some languages the meaning of the action of bowing down may need to be stated; for instance, some translations say “Abraham bowed right down to the ground in respect for God.”

And God said to him introduces God’s second speech.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .