Genesis 28:13

KJV

And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I [am] the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, the LORD {H3068} stood {H5324} above it, and said {H559}, I am the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Abraham {H85} thy father {H1}, and the God {H430} of Isaac {H3327}: the land {H776} whereon thou liest {H7901}, to thee will I give it {H5414}, and to thy seed {H2233};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then suddenly ADONAI was standing there next to him; and he said, "I am ADONAI, the God of Avraham your [grand]father and the God of Yitz'chak. The land on which you are lying I will give to you and to your descendants.

Berean Standard Bible

And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie.

American Standard Version

And, behold, Jehovah stood above it, and said, I am Jehovah, the God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 28:13 records the profound moment of divine revelation to Jacob during his flight, where the LORD, standing above a ladder connecting heaven and earth, unequivocally identifies Himself as the covenant God of Abraham and Isaac. This pivotal declaration reaffirms the ancestral promises, particularly the inheritance of the land to Jacob and his descendants, thereby assuring him of God's unwavering presence, continuity of the covenant, and sovereign plan amidst his vulnerability and uncertain journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 28:13 is the climax of Jacob's dream at Bethel, immediately following his vision of a ladder (or stairway) extending from earth to heaven, upon which angels of God are ascending and descending. This dream occurs as Jacob flees from his brother Esau, having recently deceived Isaac to secure the patriarchal blessing. Alone and vulnerable in the wilderness, Jacob's encounter with God here is a turning point, marking the direct transfer of the Abrahamic covenant promises to him. The preceding verses [Genesis 28:10-12](/genesis/28-10-12 "Jacob's journey and dream at Bethel") set the scene for this divine encounter, emphasizing Jacob's isolation and the extraordinary nature of God's uninvited appearance. The verses immediately following [Genesis 28:14-15](/genesis/28-14-15 "God's further promises to Jacob") elaborate on the promises given, including the expansion of his "seed," the blessing of all families through him, and the assurance of God's constant presence and safe return.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jacob's journey reflects the nomadic pastoralist lifestyle common in the ancient Near East. Travel was often dangerous, and being alone in the wilderness, as Jacob was, made one particularly vulnerable. The concept of a "ladder" or "stairway" (Hebrew: *sullam*) reaching to heaven might evoke images of Mesopotamian ziggurats, which were thought to be bridges between the divine and human realms, though here it is a divine construct, not a human one. The emphasis on land and "seed" (descendants) was paramount in ancient cultures, signifying continuity, prosperity, and divine favor. God's self-identification as the "God of Abraham" and "God of Isaac" would have immediately resonated with Jacob, grounding the promises in a known, established covenantal history, providing immense comfort and legitimacy to his claim as the heir.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **continuity of God's covenant promises** from Abraham and Isaac to Jacob, demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations despite human flaws. The theme of **divine presence and election** is central, as God sovereignly initiates this encounter with Jacob, assuring him of His unwavering commitment. The **promise of the land** is reiterated, underscoring its foundational role in the identity and future of Israel, a theme that echoes throughout [the book of Genesis](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abraham and the Promise of Land") and finds its eventual fulfillment in [the book of Joshua](/joshua/21-43 "The fulfillment of the land promise in Joshua"). Furthermore, the dream itself serves as a significant instance of **divine revelation**, a common means by which God communicates His will and reassures His patriarchs in moments of crisis, as seen in other patriarchal narratives.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Its use here signifies God's self-existent and eternal nature, but more importantly, His faithful commitment to His covenant promises. When God identifies Himself as "the LORD God of Abraham... and the God of Isaac," He invokes the history of His redemptive acts and His unwavering faithfulness to His chosen lineage, assuring Jacob that the same covenant-keeping God is now speaking to him.
* **stood (Hebrew, _nâtsab'_):** From H5324, meaning "to station," "to erect," or "to stand." This word emphasizes the active, intentional presence of God. He is not merely observing from a distance but is personally stationed "above it" (the ladder), signifying His transcendence and sovereignty, yet also His immanence as He directly engages with Jacob. The posture suggests authority, stability, and a deliberate act of revelation.
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** From H2233, this term literally means "seed" but figuratively refers to "posterity" or "descendants." In the context of the Abrahamic covenant, "seed" is a crucial element, promising a vast lineage that will inherit the land and through whom all nations will be blessed. God's reiteration of this promise to Jacob underscores the continuation of the covenant through his line, ensuring the future existence and blessing of the nation of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said,"**: This opening phrase immediately captures the reader's attention, signaling a momentous divine encounter. The "behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) functions as an exclamation, drawing focus to the extraordinary sight. The "LORD" (YHWH) standing "above" the ladder emphasizes His supreme authority and transcendence, yet His subsequent action of speaking directly to Jacob highlights His personal engagement and immanence, initiating a covenantal dialogue.
* **"I [am] the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac:"**: This self-identification is foundational. By invoking the names of Abraham and Isaac, God explicitly connects Jacob to the unbroken lineage of the Abrahamic covenant. This declaration serves as a powerful reassurance to Jacob, who is alone and uncertain, confirming that the divine promises made to his grandfather and father are now extended directly to him. It underscores God's faithfulness across generations and the continuity of His redemptive plan, independent of human merit.
* **"the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;"**: This clause reiterates a core component of the Abrahamic covenant: the promise of the land of Canaan. God's specific mention of "the land whereon thou liest" personalizes the promise, making it tangible and immediate to Jacob in his present circumstances. This is not merely a general blessing but a specific, territorial inheritance for Jacob and his future descendants, establishing the foundational claim of the future nation of Israel to the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Theophany** is central, as God Himself appears and speaks directly to Jacob, a visible manifestation of the divine. The phrase "**behold**" functions as an **exclamation** or **interjection**, drawing the reader's immediate attention to the miraculous nature of the event. The **repetition** of "God of Abraham... and the God of Isaac" serves as a powerful **anaphora** and **emphasis**, reinforcing the continuity and faithfulness of God's covenant across generations. Furthermore, the specific mention of "the land whereon thou liest" uses **synecdoche**, where a part (the specific spot Jacob is lying on) represents the whole (the entire land of Canaan promised to his descendants), making the abstract promise personally tangible and immediate for Jacob.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 28:13 is a cornerstone passage, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign election. Despite Jacob's recent deception and his vulnerable state, God initiates this encounter, reaffirming His covenant promises. This highlights that God's covenant is based on His gracious choice and commitment, not on human merit or performance. God's self-identification as the "God of Abraham... and... Isaac" underscores the continuity of His redemptive plan through a chosen lineage, assuring Jacob that he is the rightful heir to these promises. The reiteration of the land promise is crucial, establishing the future inheritance and identity of the nation of Israel, and pointing to God's ultimate intention to dwell with His people in a promised place.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's initial call and promises to Abraham")
* [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "God's self-identification to Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 28:13 offers profound assurance for believers today, reminding us that God's faithfulness transcends our circumstances and even our failures. Like Jacob, who was alone, vulnerable, and fleeing after his deception, we can find comfort in knowing that the God who established covenants with our spiritual forefathers is the same God who remains present with us. This passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan and His unwavering commitment to His people, knowing that His presence is with us always, just as He promised His disciples: "[lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world](/matthew/28-20 "Jesus' promise of His constant presence")". It calls us to recognize that even in our darkest, most uncertain moments, God sees us, knows us, and is actively working to fulfill His purposes in our lives, often revealing Himself in unexpected ways to provide comfort, direction, and confirmation of His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's self-identification as "the God of Abraham... and the God of Isaac" offer comfort and assurance to Jacob, and how can this same truth comfort us today?**
* **In what ways might God be "standing above" your current circumstances, reminding you of His sovereign presence and promises?**
* **How does this passage challenge the idea that God's blessings are contingent upon our perfect behavior?**
* **What "land" or inheritance has God promised you, and how does this verse encourage you to trust in its future fulfillment?**

### FAQ
**Why did God appear to Jacob in a dream at this specific moment?**

Answer: God appeared to Jacob in a dream at this critical juncture to provide profound reassurance, guidance, and reaffirmation of His covenant promises. Jacob was fleeing his brother Esau, alone, vulnerable, and uncertain about his future, having just deceived his father. The dream served as a powerful divine intervention, demonstrating God's personal presence and unwavering commitment to Jacob, despite his recent deceptive actions. This encounter strengthened Jacob's faith, confirmed his place as the heir to the covenant, and prepared him for the significant role he would play in God's redemptive plan. It was a moment of grace and divine initiative in Jacob's life.

**What is the significance of God identifying Himself as "the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac"?**

Answer: This self-identification is profoundly significant because it establishes Jacob's direct and undeniable link to the ancestral covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac. By invoking these names, God assures Jacob that he is the chosen heir through whom God's promises—including land, descendants, and blessing to all nations—will continue. It underscores the continuity, faithfulness, and generational nature of God's covenant relationship with His chosen people, demonstrating that God's plan is not thwarted by human weakness or circumstances. This declaration solidified Jacob's identity and destiny within God's unfolding redemptive history.

**Does "the land whereon thou liest" refer only to that specific spot?**

Answer: No, "the land whereon thou liest" is symbolic and representative of the broader land of Canaan, which God had already promised to Abraham and Isaac. While Jacob was literally lying on a specific piece of ground, God's promise encompassed the entire territory designated as the Promised Land. This specific phrasing personalizes the general promise, making it immediate and tangible for Jacob, assuring him of his future inheritance and that of his descendants. It was a concrete way for God to connect a vast, future promise to Jacob's present, vulnerable reality, reinforcing the certainty of the covenant's territorial aspect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 28:13, particularly the vision of Jacob's ladder and God's presence above it, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The ladder connecting heaven and earth finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the true and living bridge between God and humanity, as declared by Jesus Himself in [John 1:51](/john/1-51 "Jesus as the true ladder connecting heaven and earth"), where He speaks of angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. He is Emmanuel, "God with us," the ultimate embodiment of God's promised presence with His people, fulfilling the immanence of God seen in Jacob's dream. Furthermore, the land promise, while having a literal fulfillment for Israel, points to the broader spiritual inheritance and the new heavens and new earth secured through Christ for all believers. The "seed" promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob culminates in Christ, through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed, fulfilling the covenant's ultimate purpose of universal redemption, as highlighted in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed is Christ, through whom the promises are fulfilled").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 13:15

For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

Genesis 35:12

And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land.

Genesis 48:3

And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,

Genesis 26:24

And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I [am] the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I [am] with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

Genesis 12:7

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

Genesis 35:1

¶ And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

Hebrews 11:16

But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.