TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,
Complete Jewish Bible
Ya'akov said to Yosef, "El Shaddai appeared to me at Luz in the land of Kena'an and blessed me,
Berean Standard Bible
Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there He blessed me
American Standard Version
And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,
World English Bible Messianic
Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Iaakob sayde vnto Ioseph, God almightie appeared vnto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me.
Young's Literal Translation
And Jacob saith unto Joseph, `God Almighty hath appeared unto me, in Luz, in the land of Canaan, and blesseth me,
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In the KJVVerse 1,455 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Genesis 48 verses 1–7
1 ¶ And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
2 And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.
3 And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,
4 And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession.
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.
6 And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance.
7 And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.
Here, I. Joseph, upon notice of his father's illness, goes to see him; though a man of honour and business, yet he will not fail to show this due respect to his aged father, Gen 48:1. Visiting the sick, to whom we lie under obligations, or may have opportunity of doing good, either for body or soul, is our duty. The sick bed is a proper place both for giving comfort and counsel to others and receiving instruction ourselves. Joseph took his two sons with him, that they might receive their dying grandfather's blessing, and that what they might see in him, and hear from him, might make an abiding impression upon them. Note, 1. It is good to acquaint young people that are coming into the world with the aged servants of God that are going out of it, whose dying testimony to the goodness of God, and the pleasantness of wisdom's ways, may be a great encouragement to the rising generation. Manasseh and Ephraim (I dare say) would never forget what passed at this time. 2. Pious parents are desirous of a blessing, not only for themselves, but for their children. "O that they may live before God!" Joseph had been, above all his brethren, kind to his father, and therefore had reason to expect particular favour from him.
II. Jacob, upon notice of his son's visit, prepared himself as well as he could to entertain him, Gen 48:2. He did what he could to rouse his spirits, and to stir up the gift that was in him; what little was lift of bodily strength he put forth to the utmost, and sat upon the bed. Note, It is very good for sick and aged people to be as lively and cheerful as they can, that they may not faint in the day of adversity. Strengthen thyself, as Jacob here, and God will strengthen thee; hearten thyself and help thyself, and God will help and hearten thee. Let the spirit sustain the infirmity.
III. In recompence to Joseph for all his attentions to him, he adopted his two sons. In this charter of adoption there is, 1. A particular recital of God's promise to him, to which this had reference: "God blessed me (Gen 48:3), and let that blessing be entailed upon them." God had promised him two things, a numerous issue, and Canaan for an inheritance (Gen 48:4); and Joseph's sons, pursuant hereunto, should each of them multiply into a tribe, and each of them have a distinct lot in Canaan, equal with Jacob's own sons. See how he blessed them by faith in that which God had said to him, Heb 11:21. Note, In all our prayers, both for ourselves and for our children, we ought to have a particular eye to, and remembrance of, God's promises to us. 2. An express reception of Joseph's sons into his family: "Thy sons are mine (Gen 48:5), not only my grandchildren, but as my own children." Though they were born in Egypt, and their father was then separated from his brethren, which might seem to have cut them off from the heritage of the Lord, yet Jacob takes them in, and owns them for visible church members. He explains this at Gen 48:16, Let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers; as if he had said, "Let them not succeed their father in his power and grandeur here in Egypt, but let them succeed me in the inheritance of the promise made to Abraham," which Jacob looked upon as much more valuable and honourable, and would have them to prize and covet accordingly. Thus the aged dying patriarch teaches these young persons, now that they were of age (being about twenty-one years old), not to look upon Egypt as their home, nor to incorporate themselves with the Egyptians, but to take their lot with the people of God, as Moses afterwards in the like temptation, Heb 11:24-26. And because it would be a piece of self-denial in them, who stood so fair for preferment in Egypt, to adhere to the despised Hebrews, to encourage them he constitutes each of them the head of a tribe. Note, Those are worthy of double honour who, through God's grace, break through the temptations of worldly wealth and preferment, to embrace religion in disgrace and poverty. Jacob will have Ephraim and Manasseh to believe that it is better to be low and in the church than high and out of it, to be called by the name of poor Jacob than to be called by the name of rich Joseph. 3. A proviso inserted concerning the children he might afterwards have; they should not be accounted heads of tribes, as Ephraim and Manasseh were, but should fall in with either the one or the other of their brethren, Gen 48:6. It does not appear that Joseph had any more children; however, it was Jacob's prudence to give this direction, for the preventing of contest and mismanagement. Note, In making settlements, it is good to take advice, and to provide for what may happen, while we cannot foresee what will happen. Our prudence must attend God's providence. 4. Mention is made of the death and burial of Rachel, Joseph's mother, and Jacob's best beloved wife (Gen 48:7), referring to that story, Gen 35:19. Note, (1.) When we come to die ourselves, it is good to call to mind the death of our dear relations and friends, that have gone before us, to make death and the grave the more familiar to us. See Num 27:13. Those that were to us as our own souls are dead and buried; and shall we think it much to follow them in the same path? (2.) The removal of dear relations from us is an affliction the remembrance of which cannot but abide with us a great while. Strong affections in the enjoyment cause long afflictions in the loss.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 48:3 captures Jacob, on his deathbed in Egypt, recounting to Joseph a foundational divine encounter at Luz (Bethel). This pivotal moment, where God Almighty appeared and blessed him, served to reaffirm the Abrahamic covenant promises of land, numerous descendants, and God's enduring presence. Jacob's solemn recollection underscores God's unwavering faithfulness throughout his life, establishing the spiritual bedrock for his subsequent adoption of Joseph's sons and the prophetic blessings he bestows upon his descendants, ensuring the continuity of God's covenant with His chosen people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In Genesis 48:3, Jacob's opening statement to Joseph is a powerful testament to God's personal revelation and covenant faithfulness. He declares, "God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me." This declaration serves as the bedrock for all that follows in Jacob's final instructions and blessings.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
This verse employs several significant literary devices. Recapitulation is central, as Jacob recounts a past, foundational event from his life, emphasizing its enduring significance for the present moment and future generations. This act of remembering serves as a powerful Testimony, a personal witness to God's unwavering faithfulness and the reality of His covenant promises. The verse also functions as a Framing Device, setting the theological and spiritual stage for Jacob's subsequent adoption of Joseph's sons and the pronouncement of his final prophetic blessings. Furthermore, the specific use of the divine name El Shaddai (God Almighty) at this critical juncture serves as a form of Divine Name Emphasis, highlighting God's omnipotence and sufficiency as the ultimate guarantor of the covenant, reinforcing the absolute certainty of Jacob's words.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's recollection in Genesis 48:3 is a profound theological statement, anchoring his final acts in the unwavering faithfulness of God. It underscores that the blessings and promises he is about to impart are not merely his own desires, but a continuation of God's revealed will and covenant purposes. This verse highlights the personal nature of God's revelation, His commitment to His covenant, and His power to fulfill His word across generations, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises. It is a testament to the enduring reality of God's presence and His active involvement in the lives of His people, providing a secure foundation for their hope and future.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's profound act of recalling God's past faithfulness serves as a powerful model for believers today. Like Jacob, we are called to intentionally remember and recount God's interventions and promises in our own lives and in the broader history of His people. This practice of spiritual remembrance strengthens our faith, particularly during times of uncertainty, weakness, or transition, reminding us that God is faithful to His word and His character remains unchanging. Jacob's deep trust in God's blessing, even as he faced death in a foreign land, encourages us to rest in God's sovereign plan, knowing that His purposes will ultimately prevail, often in ways that extend beyond our immediate comprehension. Furthermore, by sharing this foundational experience with Joseph and his grandsons, Jacob transmitted a vital spiritual heritage, emphasizing the crucial role of parents and elders in diligently teaching younger generations about God's enduring truth and covenant faithfulness, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:7.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Jacob recalling this specific encounter at Luz (Bethel)?
Answer: The encounter at Luz (later Bethel) was Jacob's first direct and personal divine revelation after fleeing from Esau (Genesis 28:10-22). At this pivotal moment, God personally reaffirmed the Abrahamic covenant promises to him—land, numerous descendants, and God's unwavering presence. By recalling this foundational event at the end of his life, Jacob underscores the continuity and unwavering nature of God's covenant with his family, linking his present blessings and future hopes directly to God's original, unconditional promises. It provides the theological basis for his authority to bless Joseph's sons and his own descendants.
Why does Jacob use the name "God Almighty" (El Shaddai) in this context?
Answer: Jacob uses El Shaddai (H410 and H7706) to emphasize God's omnipotence, all-sufficiency, and His power to fulfill promises related to fruitfulness, multiplication, and the establishment of a nation, even when human circumstances seem impossible or when the patriarchs themselves faced barrenness or exile. It highlights God's absolute capability to bring His covenant promises to fruition, providing a strong and certain foundation for the blessings he is about to impart, particularly concerning the growth of his descendants into a multitude.
Does Jacob's statement imply that God had a physical appearance or a beginning?
Answer: No, Jacob's statement "appeared unto me" (H7200) refers to a divine manifestation or revelation, not a physical form or a beginning for God. God is Spirit (John 4:24) and eternal (Psalm 90:2). The appearance was a theophany, a way for God to communicate and interact with Jacob in a tangible, personal manner, revealing His presence and confirming His covenant promises to Jacob without implying a physical body or a temporal origin for the immutable God.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's recollection of God Almighty's appearance and blessing at Luz finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The covenant promises made to Jacob—of land, numerous descendants, and God's enduring presence—are realized in Christ, who is the true "seed" through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed (Galatians 3:16). The promise of God's presence, symbolized by the "house of God" at Bethel where Jacob encountered God, culminates in Emmanuel, "God with us," in the person of Jesus (Matthew 1:23). Furthermore, the comprehensive blessing Jacob received points forward to the spiritual blessings in Christ, including redemption, adoption into God's family (Ephesians 1:3-6), and an eternal inheritance in the new heavens and new earth, where God's people will dwell eternally in His presence (Revelation 21:3-4). Christ is the faithful One who perfectly fulfills every promise and brings the Abrahamic and Jacobic covenants to their glorious completion, extending their blessings to all who believe.