Genesis 46:3

KJV

And he said, I [am] God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, I am God {H410}, the God {H430} of thy father {H1}: fear {H3372} not to go down {H3381} into Egypt {H4714}; for I will there make {H7760} of thee a great {H1419} nation {H1471}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "I am God, the God of your father. Don't be afraid to go down to Egypt. It is there that I will make you into a great nation.

Berean Standard Bible

“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.

American Standard Version

And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Genesis 46:3, God appears to Jacob at Beersheba, profoundly reassuring him with the command to "fear not to go down into Egypt." He identifies Himself as "God, the God of thy father," thereby reaffirming His personal covenant faithfulness across generations. This divine encounter dispels Jacob's apprehension about leaving the Promised Land and explicitly promises that God will make of his descendants a great nation in Egypt, confirming His sovereign direction for this pivotal journey and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a critical turning point in the Genesis narrative, immediately following Joseph's revelation to his brothers and his invitation for Jacob and his entire household to relocate to Egypt due to the severe famine gripping Canaan. Jacob, now an old man, has heard the astonishing news that Joseph is alive and ruler in Egypt ([Genesis 45:26-28](/genesis/45-26-28 "Joseph is Alive!")) and has decided to go. However, as he journeys south to Beersheba, on the very border of the Promised Land, he pauses. This pause, before crossing into a foreign land, suggests a moment of profound spiritual discernment and perhaps apprehension. God's direct intervention here provides the divine impetus and reassurance necessary for Jacob to proceed with confidence, framing the move to Egypt not as an act of desperation but as a divinely ordained step in the covenant plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was frequently subject to famine, making Egypt, with its Nile-fed agriculture, a common refuge during such crises. However, for Jacob, leaving Canaan held immense spiritual weight. Canaan was the land promised by God to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise to Abraham")), Isaac ([Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac")), and Jacob himself ([Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")). To voluntarily depart from this sacred land, even for survival, could have been perceived as a breach of faith or a forfeiture of the divine promise. Beersheba itself was a significant site, a place where Abraham and Isaac had worshipped and encountered God, reinforcing its spiritual importance as a threshold. The move to Egypt, a powerful and pagan empire, also carried the risk of assimilation and loss of identity for Jacob's family, underscoring the need for divine assurance.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 46:3 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's active and sovereign control over human events, even using a famine to orchestrate the relocation of His chosen family for their preservation and future growth. The verse also underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God reiterates His identity as "the God of thy father" and reaffirms the promise of a "great nation," directly echoing the [Abrahamic Covenant](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant"). This encounter also speaks to the theme of **Guidance and Assurance**, as God directly addresses Jacob's fears, providing comfort and clear direction in a moment of uncertainty. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Growth in Adversity**, foreshadowing how the family will multiply in Egypt, despite the future hardships, preparing them for their eventual return as a distinct people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This term (H410) signifies strength, might, and power, often referring to the Almighty God, but also used of other deities. Here, in the context of God's self-identification, it emphasizes His supreme authority and omnipotence. When God declares, "I am God," He is asserting His absolute sovereignty and unique identity as the one true, mighty deity, capable of fulfilling His promises and guiding Jacob through any circumstance.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** The primitive root (H3372) means "to fear," but also "to revere" or "to be afraid." In this context, "fear not" (a common divine imperative) directly addresses Jacob's apprehension and anxiety about the unknown, particularly leaving the Promised Land. God is not merely commanding Jacob to suppress his emotions but is providing a divine basis for confidence and trust, promising His presence and the fulfillment of His plan, thereby removing the legitimate grounds for fear.
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) primarily refers to a foreign nation or Gentile people, but can also denote a large group or troop. In the context of the Abrahamic covenant, "great nation" consistently refers to the numerous descendants that God promised Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. The use of "nation" here emphasizes the numerical growth and distinct identity that Jacob's family will attain while in Egypt, fulfilling a key aspect of God's covenant promise for the formation of His chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, I [am] God, the God of thy father:"** This opening declaration is a profound statement of divine self-revelation and covenantal continuity. God's identification as "God" (ʼêl) underscores His absolute power and authority, while the addition "the God of thy father" (ʼĕlōhîym ʼâb) explicitly links Him to the covenant established with Abraham and Isaac. This assures Jacob that the same faithful God who guided and blessed his ancestors is actively present and committed to him, affirming the enduring nature of His promises across generations. It serves as a personal reassurance that Jacob is not venturing into the unknown alone, but under the guidance of the unchanging, covenant-keeping God.
* **"fear not to go down into Egypt;"** This direct divine command addresses Jacob's deepest apprehension about leaving the Promised Land. The phrase "fear not" (al-tira') is a recurring motif in Scripture, always accompanied by a reason for confidence rooted in God's presence or a specific promise. Here, it highlights God's intimate awareness of Jacob's anxieties and His readiness to provide specific, counter-intuitive direction. It implies that Jacob's hesitation was known to God, and this command provides the necessary divine endorsement for a journey that might otherwise seem to contradict the covenant promise of the land.
* **"for I will there make of thee a great nation:"** This promise is the divine rationale for the command to "fear not." It directly echoes and reaffirms the Abrahamic covenant's promise of numerous descendants ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). It assures Jacob that even in the foreign land of Egypt, God's plan for multiplying his family would not only continue but flourish. This reveals that Jacob's move to Egypt is not merely a consequence of famine but a divinely ordained step in God's larger redemptive plan. Egypt would serve as the crucible where Jacob's descendants would grow into a mighty nation, preparing them for their eventual return to the Promised Land as a distinct and numerous people.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 46:3 is rich with significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Theophany**, the visible manifestation of God to humankind, as God directly appears and speaks to Jacob. This direct divine encounter underscores the gravity and importance of the message. The phrase "fear not" functions as a **Divine Command** or **Divine Imperative**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture where God directly addresses human apprehension, always followed by a reason for courage rooted in His character or promises. The identification "God, the God of thy father" is a powerful example of **Covenant Language** and **Allusion**, explicitly linking this encounter to the prior covenants with Abraham and Isaac, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the continuity of His redemptive plan. Finally, the promise "I will there make of thee a great nation" contains a subtle element of **Paradox** or **Divine Irony**, as God designates Egypt—a land that would later become a place of severe oppression for Israel—as the very place where His promise of numerical growth would be fulfilled. This foreshadows God's ability to use seemingly adverse circumstances to achieve His ultimate purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:3 is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, sovereign providence, and intimate care for His people. It reveals a God who is not distant but personally intervenes in the lives of His chosen, addressing their deepest fears and guiding them through seemingly illogical paths to fulfill His grand redemptive purposes. This verse underscores that God's covenant promises are not contingent on human circumstances or geographical location, but on His eternal character and power. He is the God who initiates, sustains, and brings to completion His divine plan, using even the most challenging circumstances as instruments for the growth and formation of His people.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:3 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating life's uncertainties. Just as Jacob faced the daunting prospect of leaving his ancestral land for the unknown, we too encounter moments of significant transition, fear, or doubt about God's direction. This verse reminds us that our God is intimately aware of our apprehensions; He sees our hesitations and directly addresses them with His reassuring presence and unfailing promises. When faced with decisions that require a leap of faith or a step into unfamiliar territory, we are called to remember that God's purposes often unfold in ways we don't immediately comprehend. He may lead us into "Egypts" – places or circumstances that seem counter-intuitive or even challenging – but always with a sovereign plan for our ultimate good and the fulfillment of His kingdom purposes. Our response, like Jacob's, should be one of trust and obedience, knowing that the God who was faithful to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the same faithful God who guides and sustains us today, ensuring that His promises for our lives will come to fruition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Egypts" or seemingly counter-intuitive paths might God be calling you to embark on in your life right now?**
* **How does God's self-identification as "the God of thy father" (or your spiritual ancestors) strengthen your trust in His faithfulness today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to hear God's "fear not" command, and what promises does He offer to ground your confidence?**
* **How can you discern God's sovereign hand at work, even in circumstances that appear adverse or confusing?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jacob hesitant to go to Egypt?**

Answer: Jacob was hesitant to leave Canaan because it was the land God had promised to his forefathers Abraham and Isaac, and subsequently to him, as the covenant land. Moving to a foreign land like Egypt, even to escape famine, would have felt like abandoning God's promise and venturing into the unknown, potentially endangering the future of his family as the chosen lineage and the inheritors of the covenant. His pause at Beersheba, a site of ancestral divine encounters, underscores his need for direct divine confirmation before proceeding.

**What is the significance of God identifying as "the God of thy father"?**

Answer: This identification is profoundly significant as it emphasizes God's personal, generational faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to the covenant established with Abraham and Isaac. By invoking the patriarchs, God reassures Jacob that the same God who guided and blessed his ancestors is the one now guiding him. This affirms the continuity and reliability of God's promises and His ongoing relationship with His chosen people, dispelling Jacob's fears about the implications of leaving the Promised Land.

**How does this verse connect to the Abrahamic Covenant?**

Answer: The promise "for I will there make of thee a great nation" directly echoes the core promise given to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "The Abrahamic Covenant") that his descendants would become a great nation. This verse confirms that even in Egypt, God's plan for the numerical growth of His people—a key component of the Abrahamic Covenant—would continue to unfold. It demonstrates God's sovereign ability to fulfill His promises regardless of geographical location or immediate circumstances, using the move to Egypt as a strategic step in the covenant's progression.

**Why would God lead His people into Egypt, a place of future bondage?**

Answer: God's plans often involve paradoxical paths. While Egypt would indeed later become a place of severe oppression and bondage for the Israelites, it was initially a place of preservation and immense growth. The time in Egypt allowed Jacob's relatively small family to multiply into a vast nation, fulfilling God's promise of numerous descendants, before they were ready to return to Canaan as a distinct and numerous people. It served as a necessary crucible for their formation and identity as God's chosen nation, preparing them for the Exodus and the establishment of the nation of Israel. God's ultimate purpose transcends immediate comfort, working through challenging circumstances for greater redemptive ends.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 46:3 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, which culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God preserved and multiplied Jacob's family in Egypt, ensuring the continuation of the covenant line through which the Messiah would come, so too does God sovereignly guide all circumstances to bring forth His Son. Christ is the ultimate "great nation" in a spiritual sense, as He gathers all who believe—from every tribe, tongue, and nation—into His kingdom, transcending physical boundaries and fulfilling the promise of a people for God ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Furthermore, Christ embodies the "God of thy father," being the very Son who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus is the Way to the Father")) and fulfills all covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed")). He is the one who leads His people through all uncertainties and "Egypts" of life, assuring them with His constant presence, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")), guiding 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

Genesis 12:2

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Deuteronomy 26:5

And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish [was] my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:

Isaiah 43:1

¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Genesis 26:2

And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:

Genesis 26:3

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 35:11

And God said unto him, I [am] God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;