Genesis 48 16

Genesis 48:16 kjv

The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

Genesis 48:16 nkjv

The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."

Genesis 48:16 niv

the Angel who has delivered me from all harm ?may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly on the earth."

Genesis 48:16 esv

the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."

Genesis 48:16 nlt

the Angel who has redeemed me from all harm ?
may he bless these boys.
May they preserve my name
and the names of Abraham and Isaac.
And may their descendants multiply greatly
throughout the earth."

Genesis 48 verses

Genesis 48 16 meaning

Genesis 48:16 presents Jacob’s prophetic blessing over Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph’s sons. It invokes the divine "Angel" who delivered Jacob from adversity to bestow blessing upon the lads, placing them under the direct covenantal identity and protection associated with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob himself. This adoption effectively grants them the status of Jacob's own sons, ensuring their participation in the covenant promises of numerous descendants and flourishing.

Genesis 48 16 Context

Genesis chapter 48 details Jacob’s final blessing of Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, whom he elevates to the status of his own direct sons. This decision significantly impacts the tribal structure of Israel, as Joseph's portion becomes a double portion, represented by these two tribes. The patriarch, near death, reflects on his life and the faithfulness of God, particularly the God who has accompanied him and redeemed him through all his adversities. His blessing is a prophetic declaration that intertwines past divine intervention with future inheritance and destiny for his descendants. It highlights the transmission of the covenant promises from Abraham and Isaac, through Jacob, to the next generation, establishing their rightful place within the chosen people.

Genesis 48 16 Word analysis

• The Angel who has redeemed me:

  • The Angel (מַלְאָךְ - mal'akh): This Hebrew term primarily means "messenger." However, in this specific context, especially linked with "redeemed" and identified with God (as seen in Hos 12:4-5, "even the LORD God of hosts is His name"), it strongly points to a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, or at least a unique manifestation of God Himself. Jacob had similar encounters in Gen 31:11-13 (Angel of God who is "the God of Bethel") and Gen 32:24-30 (wrestling with God/Angel). This is not merely a created celestial being, but a divine agent who exercises divine power.
  • redeemed (גָּאַל - ga'al): This powerful verb signifies "to buy back," "to deliver," or "to act as a kinsman-redeemer." It implies deliverance from danger, death, or evil through the agency of a strong, often relative figure. For Jacob, it encapsulates God's saving acts throughout his tumultuous life, from Laban's deception to Esau's threat, and enduring famine. It foreshadows God's redemptive act for Israel from Egypt (Ex 6:6) and ultimately, Christ's redemption from sin and evil.
  • from all evil (מִכָּל־רָע - mikkol-ra'): "Evil" here refers broadly to distress, calamity, danger, trouble, or anything detrimental to well-being. It signifies Jacob's tumultuous journey and the comprehensive deliverance he experienced. The "Angel" delivered him not just from one instance of harm but from every kind of adversity he faced. This speaks to God's omnipresent protection.

• bless the lads:

  • bless (יְבָרֵךְ - y'varekh): To bestow divine favor, prosperity, and protection. Jacob, as patriarch, has the authority to pronounce this spiritual inheritance. The blessing is not merely a wish but a performative act.
  • the lads (הַנְּעָרִים - hanna'arim): Referring to Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, emphasizing their youth and potential, and Jacob’s tender regard for them.

• and let my name be named upon them:

  • let my name be named upon them (יִקָּרֵא בָהֶם שְׁמִי - yiqqare' vahem shmi): This phrase indicates adoption and identity transfer. It means Jacob is taking them as his own sons, thereby including them directly in the covenant promises and tribal inheritance associated with his name, "Israel" (Gen 32:28). This grants them the same inheritance rights as his biological sons, giving Joseph a double portion in Israel. This practice of naming implied ownership, belonging, and inclusion in a specific lineage.

• and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac:

  • This extends the blessing beyond Jacob, linking Ephraim and Manasseh directly to the foundational patriarchal covenant. It means they are heirs to the promises given to Abraham (Gen 12:2-3, land, numerous descendants, blessing to all nations) and Isaac, reinforcing the divine lineage of blessing and purpose. It underscores the continuity of God's covenant through generations.

• and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth:

  • grow into a multitude (יִדְגּוּ לָרֹב - yidgu larov): Literally "fish abound into a multitude." "Yidgu" from a root meaning to "be abundant like fish," conveying vigorous and prolific increase. It's a prayer for rapid and significant demographic growth, reflecting the covenant promise of countless descendants.
  • in the midst of the earth (בְּקֶרֶב הָאָרֶץ - b'kerev ha'aretz): Can refer to "in the midst of the land" (Canaan) implying prosperity within the Promised Land, or "among the peoples of the earth," indicating prominence and spread among nations. It speaks to their significant future presence and influence within their allotted inheritance and among humanity.

Genesis 48 16 Bonus section

The adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh gave Joseph, who had already displayed exemplary faithfulness and wisdom, a double portion inheritance among the tribes, effectively dividing Joseph into two major tribes of Israel. This prefigured the later prominence of these two tribes, particularly Ephraim, often used in later prophecy to refer to the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jacob’s explicit mention of the "Angel who redeemed me" echoes his earlier encounter at Penuel where he wrestled with God/Angel and received the name Israel, connecting past divine deliverances to the current act of blessing and future promise. The comprehensive nature of the "evil" from which Jacob was redeemed signifies the multifaceted challenges and dangers of a faithful life, testifying to God's all-encompassing care and redemption.

Genesis 48 16 Commentary

Genesis 48:16 stands as a profound theological statement wrapped in a dying patriarch's blessing. Jacob's invocation of "The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil" is a powerful testimony to divine faithfulness. This Angel is no mere messenger; His capacity to redeem and protect "from all evil" strongly identifies Him with God Himself, hinting at a Christophany—the pre-incarnate Christ. This highlights the Lord’s direct involvement in the lives of His covenant people. By adopting Ephraim and Manasseh and conferring his name, along with those of Abraham and Isaac, Jacob firmly roots them within the lineage of the Abrahamic covenant. This act ensures their share in God's promises of numerous descendants and abundant prosperity, reinforcing the themes of divine election, covenant faithfulness, and the continuous flow of God’s redemptive plan through generations. The blessing not only shapes the future tribal distribution but also proclaims God’s sovereign ability to deliver from all adversity and multiply His chosen line.