Genesis 28:4

And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.

And give {H5414} thee the blessing {H1293} of Abraham {H85}, to thee, and to thy seed {H2233} with thee; that thou mayest inherit {H3423} the land {H776} wherein thou art a stranger {H4033}, which God {H430} gave {H5414} unto Abraham {H85}.

And may he give you the blessing which he gave Avraham, you and your descendants with you, so that you will possess the land you will travel through, the land God gave to Avraham."

And may He give the blessing of Abraham to you and your descendants, so that you may possess the land where you dwell as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham.”

and give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land of thy sojournings, which God gave unto Abraham.

Commentary

Genesis 28:4 KJV Commentary: The Enduring Blessing of Abraham

Context of Genesis 28:4

Genesis 28:4 is part of Isaac's farewell blessing to his son Jacob, as Jacob prepares to flee from his brother Esau's wrath. Isaac, under divine guidance, bestows upon Jacob the same covenant promises that God had made to Abraham and then reiterated to Isaac himself. This specific verse underscores the continuity of God's faithfulness and the transmission of the Abrahamic covenant through the chosen line.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Abrahamic Covenant's Continuity: This verse explicitly links Jacob's blessing directly to "the blessing of Abraham." It signifies that God's promises to Abraham regarding land, seed, and blessing to all nations are now being passed on to Jacob, confirming him as the heir of these divine assurances. It emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people through generations.
  • Generational Inheritance of Promise: The phrase "to thee, and to thy seed with thee" highlights the generational aspect of God's promises. The blessings are not just for Jacob personally but also for his future descendants, ensuring the continuation of the lineage through whom God's plan of salvation would unfold. This foreshadows the eventual formation of the nation of Israel and the coming of the Messiah through this line.
  • The Promised Land as an Inheritance: The verse emphasizes the inheritance of "the land wherein thou art a stranger." This refers to the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham. Even though Jacob is currently a "sojourner" (Hebrew: ger) or temporary resident, the promise assures him and his descendants of future possession and ownership. This theme of the inheritance of the land of Canaan is central to Israel's identity and history.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "blessing of Abraham" (Hebrew: birkat Avraham) carries significant weight. It's not merely a wish but a declaration of divine favor and the impartation of the covenant rights and promises. The term "seed" (Hebrew: zera) is crucial, referring to physical descendants but also carrying theological implications for the singular "Seed" (Christ) through whom the ultimate blessing would come, as later expounded in the New Testament (e.g., Galatians 3:16).

Practical Application

Genesis 28:4 reminds us of God's faithfulness to His promises across generations. It teaches us that God's plans are steadfast, even when circumstances seem uncertain (as Jacob's flight from Esau). For believers today, this verse offers assurance that God's covenant promises, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, are reliable and extend to all who are in Christ, who are considered the spiritual "seed of Abraham" by faith. It encourages patience and trust in God's timing for the fulfillment of His word in our lives.

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 3:14 (7 votes)

    That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

  • Genesis 12:7 (6 votes)

    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.

  • Ephesians 1:3 (5 votes)

    ¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

  • Genesis 15:18 (4 votes)

    In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

  • Genesis 15:21 (4 votes)

    And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

  • Galatians 3:8 (4 votes)

    And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed.

  • Psalms 72:17 (4 votes)

    His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.