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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Angel {H4397} which redeemed {H1350} me from all evil {H7451}, bless {H1288} the lads {H5288}; and let my name {H8034} be named {H7121} on them, and the name {H8034} of my fathers {H1} Abraham {H85} and Isaac {H3327}; and let them grow {H1711} into a multitude {H7230} in the midst {H7130} of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the angel who has rescued me from all harm, bless these boys. May they remember who I am and what I stand for, and likewise my fathers Avraham and Yitz'chak, who they were and what they stood for. And may they grow into teeming multitudes on the earth."

Berean Standard Bible

the angel who has redeemed me from all harm— may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.”

American Standard Version

the angel who hath 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 48:16 records Jacob's profound and final blessing upon Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, just prior to his death. In this pivotal moment, Jacob invokes the divine "Angel which redeemed me from all evil," formally adopts the boys into the direct covenant lineage of Abraham and Isaac, and prays for their prolific multiplication, thereby signifying the continuity of God's promises and the spiritual heritage of Israel for future generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the climactic narrative of Jacob's final days, specifically his blessings upon Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, in [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh"). Preceding this, Joseph brings his sons to Jacob, who, though old and infirm, is divinely empowered to bestow a significant blessing. Jacob's act of adopting Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons (Genesis 48:5-6) is crucial, elevating them to the status of direct heirs alongside Reuben and Simeon, thus granting Joseph a double portion of the inheritance. This sets the stage for the specific blessing in verse 16, where Jacob invokes divine protection and the continuation of the covenant name and promise of multiplication. The subsequent verses (Genesis 48:17-20) detail Jacob's controversial but prophetic decision to bless the younger Ephraim over the elder Manasseh, further emphasizing the sovereign nature of God's choice in the covenant line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the deathbed blessing of a patriarch held immense significance, often carrying prophetic weight and determining the future lineage and inheritance. Adoption was a recognized legal and social practice, allowing individuals to secure heirs or integrate others into their family structure, ensuring the continuation of a family name and its associated rights and responsibilities. Jacob's act of adoption here is unique, as it involves his grandsons, effectively granting Joseph a double portion of the inheritance—a privilege typically reserved for the firstborn. This reflects the cultural value placed on progeny and the transmission of legacy. The setting is Egypt, where the Israelite family had found refuge from famine, yet Jacob's focus remains firmly on the covenant promises made to his forefathers in the land of Canaan, underscoring the enduring nature of their identity and destiny as God's chosen people, even in a foreign land.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 48:16](/genesis/48-16 "Jacob's Blessing on Ephraim and Manasseh") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Divine Providence** is prominent, as Jacob recounts God's lifelong protection and redemption, highlighting God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people, a theme consistent from [Abraham's call](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Call of Abraham") through Jacob's journey (e.g., [Jacob's dream at Bethel](/genesis/28-10-15 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel")). The **Continuity of the Covenant** is central, as Jacob explicitly links Ephraim and Manasseh to the names of Abraham and Isaac, ensuring the transmission of the covenant promises across generations. This emphasizes the intergenerational nature of God's faithfulness and the importance of spiritual inheritance. Furthermore, the theme of **Fruitfulness and Multiplication** (e.g., [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate") and [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "God's Promise to Abraham")) is reiterated, as Jacob prays for the boys to "grow into a multitude," reinforcing God's unwavering commitment to building a great nation from Abraham's descendants. This verse also subtly introduces the theme of **God's Sovereign Choice**, as Jacob's subsequent blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh foreshadows God's often counter-cultural selection of individuals to fulfill His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Jacob's blessing in Genesis 48:16 is a profound theological statement, articulating key aspects of God's covenant faithfulness and the transmission of spiritual legacy.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel (Hebrew, _malʼâk'_):** From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy, this word denotes a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e., an angel. It can also refer to a prophet, priest, or teacher. In this context, Jacob's reference to "The Angel which redeemed me" is widely understood as a pre-incarnate manifestation of God Himself, often referred to as a Christophany or Theophany, who acted as a divine messenger and protector throughout Jacob's life.
* **redeemed (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** This primitive root means to redeem according to the Oriental law of kinship, implying to be the next of kin and, as such, to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, or deliver from harm. Here, it beautifully illustrates God's role as Jacob's divine kinsman-redeemer, one who actively intervened to deliver and preserve Jacob from various "evils" and dangers throughout his tumultuous life.
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** A primitive root meaning to kneel; by implication, to bless God (as an act of adoration) and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit). It can also euphemistically mean to curse (God or the king, as treason). In this context, Jacob, as the patriarch, invokes God's favor and benefits upon his grandsons, acting as a channel for divine blessing and the continuation of the covenant promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Angel which redeemed me from all evil":** Jacob begins his blessing by invoking a divine figure, "The Angel," whom he credits with his lifelong protection and deliverance from every form of "evil" (Hebrew: _raʻ_ – bad, calamity, harm, trouble). This is not merely a general statement but a specific acknowledgment of God's active, personal, and redemptive involvement in Jacob's life, recalling encounters like the wrestling at Peniel ([Genesis 32:24-30](/genesis/32-24-30 "Jacob Wrestles with God")) or deliverance from Laban's schemes ([Genesis 31:24-42](/genesis/31-24-42 "Laban Pursues Jacob")). Jacob understands this "Angel" as his divine kinsman-redeemer, faithfully preserving him.
* **"bless the lads":** This is the direct petition of the blessing. Jacob, as the covenant patriarch, invokes God's favor and prosperity upon Ephraim and Manasseh. The blessing is not a mere wish but a prophetic declaration and prayer for their well-being, growth, and inclusion in the divine plan, flowing from the very Angel he has just acknowledged as his deliverer.
* **"and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac":** This clause signifies a formal and profound act of adoption and spiritual inheritance. By having his name, "Israel," "named on them," Jacob formally integrates Ephraim and Manasseh into the direct covenant line, making them his own sons for the purpose of inheritance. Crucially, he also names the names of "Abraham and Isaac," explicitly linking them to the foundational promises and identity of the Abrahamic covenant. This ensures their full participation in the blessings and responsibilities of God's chosen family, guaranteeing their place among the tribes of Israel.
* **"and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth":** This final petition directly echoes the foundational covenant promise of numerous descendants given to Abraham ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")), Isaac ([Genesis 26:4](/genesis/26-4 "God's Covenant with Isaac")), and Jacob himself ([Genesis 35:11](/genesis/35-11 "God Renews Covenant with Jacob")). Jacob prays for Ephraim and Manasseh to multiply exceedingly, becoming a vast population "in the midst of the earth," signifying their future prominence and the fulfillment of God's plan for a great nation that would fill the land. This demonstrates Jacob's faith in God's unwavering commitment to His promises of fruitfulness and national expansion.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Invocation** is prominent, as Jacob begins by calling upon "The Angel which redeemed me," setting a reverent and weighty tone for the blessing that follows. This figure functions as a form of **Theophany** or **Christophany**, a pre-incarnate manifestation of God, lending immense authority and divine backing to Jacob's words. The act of "naming" Jacob's name and the names of Abraham and Isaac upon Ephraim and Manasseh is a powerful use of **Symbolism** and **Metonymy**, where the name stands for the identity, heritage, and covenant rights associated with those patriarchs. It signifies the transfer of spiritual legacy and formal adoption. Furthermore, the entire blessing functions as a **Prophecy**, not merely a wish, as Jacob, empowered by God, declares a future of multiplication and prominence for the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, which is later fulfilled in Israel's history. The repetition of the theme of multiplication throughout Genesis, culminating in this prayer, also serves as a form of **Leitmotif**, reinforcing God's consistent promise of abundant progeny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 48:16 is a rich tapestry of theological truths, underscoring God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people and the intergenerational nature of His promises. Jacob's invocation of the "Angel which redeemed me from all evil" highlights the consistent theme of divine providence and redemption throughout the patriarchal narratives, demonstrating God's personal and powerful intervention to protect and deliver His chosen ones from all forms of adversity. This act of blessing and adoption solidifies the unbroken chain of the Abrahamic covenant, emphasizing that God's faithfulness extends across generations, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan through the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The formal naming of the patriarchs' names upon Ephraim and Manasseh underscores the profound value of spiritual inheritance and the privilege of being included in God's covenant family, a concept that transcends mere biological lineage to encompass a divine election and purpose. Jacob's prayer for multiplication reaffirms God's unwavering commitment to His promises of fruitfulness and national growth for Israel, demonstrating that the covenant promises are dynamic and ever-expanding.

* [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "God's Promise to Redeem Israel")
* [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Spirit of Adoption")
* [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to the Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 48:16 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of God's unwavering faithfulness and His active presence in our lives, protecting and guiding us through various "evils." Just as Jacob recounted the "Angel which redeemed me from all evil," we are called to recognize and trust in God's constant divine providence, acknowledging His past deliverances as a basis for future hope. This passage also powerfully highlights the profound value of spiritual legacy—the critical importance of intentionally passing on faith, biblical values, and the knowledge of God to future generations. Our responsibility is not just to live out our faith but to actively disciple and mentor the young people in our lives, ensuring that the "name" of Christ and the heritage of the gospel are "named on them." Finally, Jacob's blessing serves as a model for intercessory prayer, demonstrating the power of a patriarch's or spiritual elder's invocation of God's promises and favor upon those who are part of His covenant family. This encourages us to pray fervently and strategically for the spiritual well-being, growth, and multiplication of the next generation, recognizing our vital role in transmitting the faith and seeing God's kingdom expand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced God as "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil" in your own life, protecting you from harm or delivering you from adversity?**
* **How are you intentionally "naming" the spiritual heritage of Christ and His gospel upon the next generation in your family, church, or community?**
* **What specific prayers can you offer for the spiritual growth and multiplication of young people in your sphere of influence, aligning with God's promises of fruitfulness?**

### FAQ
**Who is "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil" mentioned by Jacob?**

Answer: This "Angel" (Hebrew: _malʼâk_), often referred to as the "Angel of the Lord" in other Old Testament passages, is widely understood by theologians as a pre-incarnate manifestation of God Himself, a Christophany or Theophany. This divine figure is seen throughout the Old Testament interacting directly with patriarchs, such as the Angel of the Lord who wrestled with Jacob at [Peniel](/genesis/32-30 "Jacob Names the Place Peniel") or appeared to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:2-6](/exodus/3-2-6 "The Burning Bush")). Jacob attributes his lifelong deliverance from dangers and evils to this personal, divine presence, recognizing God's active and redemptive involvement in his life.

**Why did Jacob adopt Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons?**

Answer: Jacob adopted Ephraim and Manasseh to grant Joseph a double portion of the inheritance, a privilege typically reserved for the firstborn son. This act elevated Joseph's sons to the status of direct heirs alongside Jacob's other sons (e.g., Reuben, Simeon, Judah), ensuring that Joseph's lineage would be represented by two distinct tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh) rather than just one. This not only honored Joseph's faithfulness, suffering, and pivotal role in preserving the family during the famine but also formally integrated his sons into the direct covenant line of Abraham and Isaac, securing their full participation in the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant. This decision also foreshadowed the future prominence of Ephraim among the tribes of Israel.

**What is the significance of Jacob's name being "named on them" in this blessing?**

Answer: To have Jacob's name (Israel) "named on them" signified a formal act of legal and spiritual adoption and inclusion into the covenant family of Israel. It meant that Ephraim and Manasseh would inherit the covenant promises, identity, and tribal rights directly from Jacob, just as his biological sons would. This act ensured their full participation in the blessings and responsibilities of the Abrahamic covenant, making them foundational tribes of the nation of Israel. It underscored the transmission of spiritual heritage and the continuity of God's covenant promises through Jacob's chosen lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "Angel which redeemed me from all evil" finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The pre-incarnate divine figure who faithfully protected and delivered Jacob throughout his tumultuous life is fully revealed in the person of Christ, who is the ultimate Redeemer. Just as the Angel delivered Jacob from physical and relational evils, Christ delivers humanity from the ultimate evil of sin, death, and the power of the devil through His atoning work on the cross ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption Through Christ")). Furthermore, Jacob's act of adoption, bringing Ephraim and Manasseh into the covenant family and granting them full inheritance, powerfully foreshadows the New Covenant reality where believers, through faith in Christ, are adopted as sons and daughters of God ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Adoption as Sons Through Christ")). We become co-heirs with Christ in a spiritual lineage that transcends earthly ties, inheriting eternal life and all the blessings of God's kingdom ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")). The promise of multiplication, initially given to Abraham and echoed in Jacob's prayer for Ephraim and Manasseh to "grow into a multitude," finds its grandest fulfillment in the vast spiritual multitude of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language, gathered into God's eternal family through the redemptive work of Christ ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "A Great Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

Psalms 34:22

The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Genesis 49:22

¶ Joseph [is] a fruitful bough, [even] a fruitful bough by a well; [whose] branches run over the wall:

Genesis 48:5

And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, [are] mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.

Joshua 17:17

And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, [even] to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou [art] a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot [only]:

2 Timothy 4:18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Numbers 26:28

The sons of Joseph after their families [were] Manasseh and Ephraim.

Numbers 26:37

These [are] the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These [are] the sons of Joseph after their families.