Genesis 28:15

KJV

And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep {H8104} thee in all places whither {H834} thou goest {H3212}, and will bring thee again {H7725} into this land {H127}; for I will not leave {H5800} thee, until {H834} I have done {H6213} that which I have spoken {H1696} to thee of.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look, I am with you. I will guard you wherever you go, and I will bring you back into this land, because I won't leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

Berean Standard Bible

Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

American Standard Version

And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee whithersoever thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 28:15 records God's profound assurance to Jacob during his transformative vision at Bethel, promising His unwavering presence, divine protection throughout his perilous journey, and an eventual, guaranteed return to the promised land. This pivotal verse underscores God's steadfast faithfulness to His covenant, declaring with absolute certainty that He will not abandon Jacob until every promise spoken to him is fully accomplished.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 28:15 stands as the climax of God's direct address to Jacob following his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. This divine encounter, detailed in [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel"), occurs immediately after Jacob's flight from Beer-sheba, necessitated by his deception of Isaac and the ensuing wrath of Esau ([Genesis 27:41-45](/genesis/27-41-45 "Esau's Hatred for Jacob")). The preceding verses ([Genesis 28:13-14](/genesis/28-13-14 "God Reaffirms Covenant to Jacob")) establish the reaffirmation of the Abrahamic covenant promises—land, descendants, and universal blessing—to Jacob personally. Verse 15 then shifts from the *what* of the promises to the *how* and *who* of their fulfillment, emphasizing God's personal commitment, presence, and protection as the guarantor of these promises for Jacob's immediate journey and ultimate destiny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jacob's journey to Haran was a perilous undertaking in the ancient Near East. Traveling alone through wilderness, he faced dangers from wild animals, bandits, and the harsh elements. The cultural norm of the time dictated that a man's future, including marriage and inheritance, was tied to his ancestral land and family. Jacob, stripped of his immediate family support and fleeing his homeland, was in a vulnerable and uncertain position. His dream at Bethel, a desolate place, provided not just spiritual comfort but also a divine legitimization of his lineage and a supernatural assurance of safety and return, counteracting the very real fears and dangers of his exile. This encounter also served to establish Bethel as a sacred site, a "house of God," for future generations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights God's **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to the promises made to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham") and [Isaac](/genesis/26-3-4 "God's Covenant with Isaac"), now personally extended to Jacob, ensuring the continuity of the chosen lineage. The theme of **Divine Presence and Providence** is central, assuring Jacob that God is not a distant deity but an active, accompanying, and protective force in his life, orchestrating events even in his exile to fulfill His purposes. Furthermore, it speaks to **Hope in Exile and Uncertainty**, providing profound comfort and direction to an individual facing a daunting and uncertain future, a theme that resonates with the experiences of Israel throughout its history, from the Egyptian bondage to the Babylonian exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." In this context, God's promise to "keep" Jacob signifies His active, vigilant guardianship over him. It implies a comprehensive protection that encompasses physical safety, spiritual preservation, and the safeguarding of Jacob's life and purpose against all harm, ensuring he remains on the path to fulfill God's will.
* **leave (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** From H5800, meaning "to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.; commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse." The powerful negation "I will not leave thee" underscores God's absolute commitment and unwavering constancy. It assures Jacob that God's presence and support are not temporary or conditional, but steadfast until His divine purposes are fully realized, emphasizing an unbreakable bond and covenant fidelity.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, meaning "perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue." This word highlights the authoritative and performative nature of God's word. What God "has spoken" is not merely a suggestion or a wish, but a divine decree that carries the power and certainty of its own fulfillment. It emphasizes God's integrity and His commitment to bring to pass every declaration He has made concerning Jacob and his descendants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, I [am] with thee":** This opening phrase, marked by the emphatic "behold" (וְהִנֵּה - *vəhinnēh*), immediately arrests Jacob's attention. The declaration "I am with thee" (אָנֹכִי עִמָּךְ - *ʾānōḵî ʿimmāḵ*) is a deeply personal and foundational assurance of God's intimate, active, and accompanying presence. For Jacob, a man isolated, vulnerable, and fleeing, this promise of divine companionship provides immediate comfort and profound courage, signaling that he is not alone in his exile.
* **"and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest":** God's intimate presence is immediately linked to His protective power. The promise to "keep" (שָׁמַר - *shamar*) implies guarding, preserving, and watching over. This comprehensive protection extends to "all places," assuring Jacob that no matter how far he travels or what dangers he encounters on his journey, God's protective hand will be upon him, covering both physical perils and spiritual challenges.
* **"and will bring thee again into this land":** This specific promise reiterates a core aspect of the Abrahamic covenant—the inheritance of the land of Canaan. Despite Jacob's immediate departure from the land, God guarantees his return. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over Jacob's destiny and His unwavering faithfulness to His long-term covenantal purposes, ensuring the continuity of the covenant line within the promised territory.
* **"for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of":** This concluding clause underscores God's absolute commitment and unwavering faithfulness. The phrase "I will not leave thee" (לֹא אֶעֱזָבְךָ - *loʾ ʾeʿezavəḵa*) is a strong negation, emphasizing divine constancy. God's presence and protection are not conditional or temporary; they are steadfast until His entire purpose for Jacob's life, and the covenant line through him, is fully realized. This promise guarantees the fulfillment of all previous declarations, including the multiplication of his descendants and the blessing of all families of the earth through them.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The opening interjection, **"And, behold,"** serves as a dramatic **emphasis**, drawing Jacob's (and the reader's) immediate and focused attention to the divine declaration that follows, highlighting its extraordinary significance. The entire verse functions as a direct **divine assurance** and **promise**, characteristic of covenant language, where God explicitly states His intentions and commitments. The comprehensive nature of God's promise, covering "all places" and lasting "until I have done that which I have spoken," demonstrates **hyperbole** or **totality**, emphasizing the completeness and unwavering scope of God's protective care and faithfulness. Finally, the repetition of the themes of presence, protection, and fulfillment throughout the verse, particularly the strong negative "I will not leave thee," creates a sense of **reiteration** and **reinforcement**, solidifying the certainty and unchangeable nature of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 28:15 is a profound theological statement, revealing God's character and His method of interacting with humanity within the framework of His covenant. It powerfully illustrates God's **immanence**—His willingness to be intimately involved in human affairs—and His **omnipresence**, affirming that no place is beyond His reach or care. The verse serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering **covenant faithfulness**, demonstrating His commitment to the promises made to His chosen people, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan through a specific lineage. Furthermore, it highlights God's active **sovereignty and providence**, showing His explicit control over Jacob's journey, his protection, and his guaranteed return to the land, illustrating God's orchestration of events to fulfill His predetermined purposes. This promise offers a profound theological truth: God's presence and protection are especially potent during times of fear, exile, and transition, offering comfort and assurance to those facing uncertain futures, and underscoring the **unconditional nature of God's promises**—they are guaranteed by His own character and power, not by human performance.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "God's Promise Never to Leave or Forsake")
* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "God's Promise to Joshua")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God Will Never Leave You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 28:15 offers enduring comfort and strength to believers navigating life's unpredictable journeys. Like Jacob, we often find ourselves in unfamiliar or challenging circumstances, facing uncertainty, fear, or a sense of isolation. This verse reminds us that God's promise to be "with thee" is a cornerstone of our faith, assuring us of His constant presence, protective care, and faithful guidance through every season. We can confidently trust that He will never abandon us, but will faithfully work to accomplish His purposes in our lives, bringing us to our ultimate promised destination, until all His good intentions for us are fulfilled. This divine assurance calls us to live with courage, knowing that even when we feel most alone, the Creator of the heavens and the earth is intimately present, guarding our steps and guiding our path toward the fulfillment of His perfect will. Our response should be one of trust and obedience, resting in the absolute reliability of His spoken word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel most uncertain or alone, and how might the promise "I am with thee" bring you comfort and courage?**
* **How does God's commitment to "keep thee in all places whither thou goest" influence your perspective on challenging circumstances or difficult transitions?**
* **What specific promises of God are you waiting to see fulfilled in your life, and how does the assurance "I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of" strengthen your faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "I am with thee" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "I am with thee" (אָנֹכִי עִמָּךְ) is a deeply personal and foundational promise of God's active, accompanying presence. In Jacob's vulnerable state, fleeing his brother and entering the unknown, this declaration signifies that he is not alone. It assures him of divine companionship, comfort, and active support, establishing a personal relationship between God and Jacob that underpins all subsequent promises. This promise is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, offering comfort to God's people in various challenging situations, as seen in [Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "God's Presence with Moses") and [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "God's Promise to Joshua").

**Why does God specifically promise to "bring thee again into this land"?**

Answer: This promise is crucial because it directly reiterates and reaffirms a key component of the Abrahamic covenant: the inheritance of the land of Canaan. Despite Jacob's immediate departure, God assures him of his return, demonstrating His sovereign control over Jacob's destiny and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His long-term covenantal purposes, which included establishing a nation in that specific territory through Jacob's descendants. This particular promise ensures the continuity of the covenant lineage within the promised land, a vital element for the future unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Israel and, ultimately, for all nations.

**How does God's promise "I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of" demonstrate His character?**

Answer: This powerful statement reveals God's absolute faithfulness, unwavering commitment, and divine integrity. It emphasizes that God's promises are not conditional on human performance but are guaranteed by His own character and power. It highlights His steadfastness, ensuring that He will see His purposes through to completion, never abandoning those to whom He has made a covenant until every word spoken is fully realized. This aspect of God's character, His unchangeable faithfulness to His word, is a cornerstone of biblical theology, providing immense assurance to believers across all generations, as echoed in passages like [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is Not a Man That He Should Lie") and [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Will Not Return Empty").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine promise of unwavering presence and ultimate fulfillment in Genesis 28:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God promised to be *with* Jacob, in Christ, God became *Immanuel*—"God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Prophecy of Immanuel")). Jesus's incarnation is the supreme expression of God's promise never to leave or forsake His people ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God Will Never Leave You")), providing not just a physical presence but a spiritual indwelling through the Holy Spirit. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ secured a New Covenant, guaranteeing not merely a return to a physical land, but eternal life and entrance into the heavenly Jerusalem, the true promised land, for all who believe ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "The Heavenly Jerusalem")). His ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit ensure His continued presence with believers "always, even unto the end of the world" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission")), fulfilling God's commitment to complete all He has spoken for His people, bringing them into their eternal inheritance in Him.

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

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

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.

Psalms 121:5

The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.

Psalms 121:8

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.