Genesis 26:3 kjv

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

Genesis 26:3 nkjv

Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.

Genesis 26:3 niv

Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham.

Genesis 26:3 esv

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father.

Genesis 26:3 nlt

Live here as a foreigner in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. I hereby confirm that I will give all these lands to you and your descendants, just as I solemnly promised Abraham, your father.

Genesis 26 verses

Genesis 26 3 Meaning

Genesis 26:3 records God's command to Isaac to remain in the land of Gerar, despite the prevailing famine. It serves as a direct reiteration and confirmation of the Abrahamic covenant with Isaac. God assures His divine presence and promises blessing, reaffirming that He will bestow "all these lands" to Isaac and his offspring. This verse emphasizes the unconditional nature of God's sworn oath to Abraham, demonstrating divine faithfulness across generations and contingent upon obedience.

Genesis 26 3 Context

Genesis 26:3 is situated during a time of famine in the land of Canaan, echoing an earlier famine that drove Abraham to Egypt (Gen 12:10). Isaac, Abraham's son and covenant heir, is poised to follow the familiar pattern of seeking refuge and provision in Egypt (Gen 26:1). However, before he departs, the LORD appears to him in Gerar, specifically commanding him not to go to Egypt (Gen 26:2). This divine directive sets the stage for verse 3, where God provides the reasons and promises for Isaac's obedience. The historical context is the patriarchal age, characterized by nomadic or semi-nomadic life, reliance on direct divine revelation, and the foundational establishment of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His chosen lineage. Literarily, this passage highlights divine initiative, faithfulness to covenant, and the theme of trusting God's provision even in scarcity, distinguishing God's covenant from the unstable political or agricultural reliance on surrounding nations. It subtly asserts Yahweh's sovereignty over the land and life, challenging any belief that survival depends on leaving the promised land for Egypt.

Genesis 26 3 Word analysis

• Sojourn (גּוּר, gur): This verb means to "reside temporarily," "live as a foreigner," or "dwell for a limited time." It implies a status of being an outsider, dependent on the goodwill of the native inhabitants or, profoundly, on God's provision. It reflects Isaac's status as a pilgrim in a land not yet fully his, relying solely on God's word rather than on his own resources or strategies to mitigate famine. This act of "sojourning" under God's command signifies active obedience and trust.
• in this land: Refers specifically to the territory where Isaac is currently dwelling, which is Gerar, within the land of the Philistines. The specific command to remain here contrasts sharply with the common survival strategy of the time—going to Egypt. It tests Isaac's faith and obedience, demanding he trust God's provision in the face of famine in an unfamiliar place.
• and I will be with you: A profound promise of divine presence, ʾehyeh immahkha. This promise, foundational throughout the Bible, guarantees divine protection, guidance, and active support. It implies that God's presence provides safety, even amidst drought and potential hostility. This is more significant than any material blessing alone, ensuring success and well-being.
• and will bless you: (בָּרַךְ, barakh) Encompasses multifaceted well-being: prosperity, fruitfulness, favor, and security. It directly connects to the covenant blessing promised to Abraham and reiterated now to Isaac. God's blessing is not merely prosperity, but His active favor and provision that enables Isaac to thrive in the midst of adversity (as seen in Gen 26:12-14).
• For to you and to your offspring: Highlights the covenant's lineal continuation and corporate nature. The promises are not solely for Isaac but extend generationally, ensuring the perpetuation of God's redemptive plan through his descendants. It underscores the multi-generational impact of divine promise.
• I will give all these lands: The land promise (אֶרֶץ, eretz) is central to the Abrahamic Covenant. "All these lands" indicates a sweeping territorial claim, not merely the immediate vicinity but the whole region previously shown to Abraham. This promise gives Isaac a future hope and an enduring claim, even as he "sojourns" there. It speaks to God's ultimate ownership and generous gifting.
• and I will establish (קוּם, qum): Means to "raise up," "confirm," "make to stand," or "fulfill." It denotes the firmness and certainty of God's intentions. His word is reliable and powerful to bring His promises to fruition. It reassures Isaac of the unchanging nature of the covenant.
• the oath that I swore: This refers to the binding, solemn promise God made to Abraham, sealed by His own divine character (Gen 22:16-18; Heb 6:13). It highlights the covenant's unconditional nature, dependent on God's fidelity rather than human performance.
• to Abraham your father: Directly links Isaac to the patriarch Abraham, reinforcing the continuity and inheritance of the covenant. It reminds Isaac that he is a beneficiary of a pre-existing divine commitment, not just an individual receiving new promises.

Genesis 26 3 Bonus section

• The instruction to "sojourn in this land" highlights a critical aspect of faithful living: walking by faith, not by sight. While others might seek greener pastures, God calls His servant to stay and trust His provision in the present location. This theme resonates with later biblical admonitions for believers to live as "strangers and exiles" (1 Pet 2:11), trusting in God's ultimate promised inheritance rather than relying on earthly securities.
• God's reiteration of the Abrahamic covenant to Isaac, specifying the land, seed, and blessing, showcases His consistent character and covenant fidelity. It establishes a divine pattern of renewing promises to subsequent generations, emphasizing that salvation and inheritance are not contingent on individual merit alone but on God's unwavering faithfulness to His sovereign oath.
• The immediate test presented to Isaac was a severe famine. God's command not only preserved Isaac but taught him (and future generations) that true security is found not in external circumstances or conventional solutions (like Egypt) but in direct obedience to God's revealed will and His promise of presence. This episode prefigures numerous instances in Scripture where God demonstrates His power and provision in challenging circumstances to prove His faithfulness.

Genesis 26 3 Commentary

Genesis 26:3 is a pivotal moment for Isaac, marking his direct and personal entrance into the Abrahamic covenant. Facing a severe famine, his initial inclination was likely to flee to Egypt, a known refuge during such times. However, God's preemptive command to remain in Gerar, accompanied by powerful promises, transformed this potential act of survival into a test of faith and an opportunity for divine demonstration. The emphasis on "sojourning" while God "will be with you" underscores a profound theological principle: God's presence is not limited by geography or material conditions. He can sustain His people anywhere, even in a foreign land during a famine, if they remain in obedience to His word.

The verse essentially re-confirms the tripartite covenant of presence, blessing, and land. The promise "I will be with you" (Gen 26:3a) is foundational; God's intimate presence ensures the other blessings will materialize. It transcends mere physical accompaniment, signifying active intervention and care. The "blessing" (Gen 26:3a) encompasses more than prosperity, extending to the comprehensive well-being and fruitfulness experienced later in Isaac's narrative. Crucially, the "land" promise (Gen 26:3b) is reaffirmed as the physical inheritance for Isaac and his descendants, highlighting God's faithfulness to His sworn word despite immediate circumstances.

This divine declaration emphasizes the stability and certainty of God's oath to Abraham. God doesn't just "remember" the oath; He actively "establishes" it, bringing it to pass for Isaac's generation. This reiteration serves to bolster Isaac's faith, assure his descendants of God's fidelity, and underline the unconditional nature of the covenant promises. Isaac's subsequent prosperity in Gerar (Gen 26:12-14) stands as a powerful testament to the truth of this promise, showcasing God's ability to provide abundantly even in adversity for those who obey His commands. It's a reminder that true security and blessing stem from trust in God's covenant word rather than human expediency.