Genesis 49:25

KJV

[Even] by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:

KJV (with Strong's)

Even by the God {H410} of thy father {H1}, who shall help {H5826} thee; and by {H854} the Almighty {H7706}, who shall bless {H1288} thee with blessings {H1293} of heaven {H8064} above {H5920}, blessings {H1293} of the deep {H8415} that lieth {H7257} under, blessings {H1293} of the breasts {H7699}, and of the womb {H7356}:

Complete Jewish Bible

by the God of your father, who will help you, by El Shaddai, who will bless you with blessings from heaven above, or: that says beautiful words. blessings from the deep, lying below, blessings from the breasts and the womb.

Berean Standard Bible

by the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you, with blessings of the heavens above, with blessings of the depths below, with blessings of the breasts and womb.

American Standard Version

Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee, And by the Almighty, who shall bless thee, With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that coucheth beneath, Blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 49:25 stands as a profound declaration within Jacob's final prophecies, specifically detailing the extraordinary divine favor and comprehensive provision promised to his beloved son, Joseph. It reveals God as both "the God of thy father," emphasizing His covenantal faithfulness and personal relationship with the patriarchs, and "the Almighty," highlighting His boundless power and all-sufficiency. This verse articulates a holistic outpouring of blessings encompassing meteorological provisions from the heavens, subterranean resources from the earth's depths, and abundant fertility in both human and animal life, underscoring God's personal help, unwavering commitment, and complete power to bless Joseph and his descendants in every sphere.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Genesis 49:25](/genesis/49-25 "Jacob's Blessing to Joseph") is nestled within Jacob's deathbed prophecies, a pivotal chapter where the dying patriarch pronounces a prophetic word over each of his twelve sons, shaping their tribal destinies and revealing God's sovereign plan for Israel. The blessings vary significantly, reflecting the character and future of each son. Joseph's blessing, spanning [Genesis 49:22-26](/genesis/49-22-26 "Jacob's Blessing on Joseph"), is uniquely extensive and overwhelmingly positive, standing in stark contrast to the more disciplinary or muted pronouncements given to his older brothers, Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. This extensive blessing for Joseph underscores his faithfulness, his endurance through immense suffering, and his pivotal role in preserving his family, culminating in the powerful and comprehensive divine promise articulated in this specific verse. It serves as the climax of Joseph's portion, emphasizing the divine source of his unparalleled prosperity and fruitfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jacob's blessings, delivered in ancient Egypt, draw upon the agrarian and pastoral realities of the ancient Near East. Blessings of "heaven above" (rain, dew) and "the deep that lieth under" (springs, subterranean water) were absolutely critical for survival and prosperity in a region heavily dependent on agriculture and livestock, where drought was a constant threat. Fertility, symbolized by "blessings of the breasts, and of the womb," was paramount, as large families and thriving herds were seen as direct signs of divine favor and essential for tribal strength, continuity, and defense. The concept of a "God of the father" was a common way to refer to the ancestral deity, emphasizing a personal, familial, and covenantal relationship passed down through generations. The title "Almighty" (El Shaddai) was particularly significant, often associated with God's power to make barren women fruitful and to fulfill covenant promises of numerous descendants, as seen in His interactions with Abraham and Isaac (e.g., [Genesis 17:1](/genesis/17-1 "God reveals Himself as El Shaddai to Abraham") and [Genesis 28:3](/genesis/28-3 "Isaac's blessing invoking El Shaddai")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, unequivocally attributing all forms of blessing and provision to God's active hand. The phrase "the God of thy father" reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which extend to their descendants. The comprehensive nature of the blessings—from sky, to earth, to fertility—underscores the theme of **Holistic Provision**, portraying God as the all-sufficient source of well-being in every aspect of life. Furthermore, the emphasis on fertility ("breasts" and "womb") is central to the theme of **Fruitfulness and Multiplication**, a foundational promise given to the patriarchs (e.g., [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate to Be Fruitful") and [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham of a Great Nation")), which is here applied specifically to Joseph's lineage, foreshadowing the immense growth of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This term, a shortened form of a word meaning "strength," denotes power and might. Here, it refers to the one true God, emphasizing His inherent strength and authority as the source of all blessing. When paired with "of thy father," it highlights the personal, covenantal relationship God maintains with His chosen people, extending His power and faithfulness across generations.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be mighty" or "to overpower," this divine name (El Shaddai) signifies God's absolute omnipotence and His sufficiency to fulfill His promises. It often carries connotations of God as the "All-Sufficient One" or the "Breasted One," implying abundant nourishment, provision, and the power to bring fruitfulness, particularly in contexts of barrenness or covenant fulfillment, making it highly appropriate for the blessings of fertility and abundance described in this verse.
* **blessings (Hebrew, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** From the root _bârak_ (to kneel, to bless), this noun encompasses benediction, prosperity, and a divine bestowal of favor. In this context, it refers to tangible manifestations of God's goodness and favor, encompassing material abundance, natural provisions, and the gift of life and progeny. The repetition of "blessings" underscores the comprehensive and overflowing nature of what God promises to Joseph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source of Joseph's prosperity. It links the blessing to the ancestral God, emphasizing His personal relationship with the patriarchs and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. The promise that God "shall help thee" signifies His active, protective, and supportive involvement in Joseph's life and the future of his descendants, providing assistance and strength against all odds.
* **"and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee":** This second divine appellation, "the Almighty" (El Shaddai), reinforces God's boundless power and all-sufficiency. It assures that the blessings are not merely wishes but guaranteed by an omnipotent God capable of bringing them to pass. The declaration that He "shall bless thee" serves as the overarching promise, setting the stage for the specific categories of blessings that follow.
* **"with blessings of heaven above,":** This refers to the meteorological provisions essential for life and agriculture. It encompasses rain, dew, sunlight, and favorable climatic conditions that ensure fertile ground and bountiful harvests. It symbolizes God's control over the celestial realm and His provision from above.
* **"blessings of the deep that lieth under,":** This denotes subterranean provisions, including abundant springs, underground water sources, and perhaps even mineral wealth. In an arid land, access to reliable water from beneath the earth was crucial for sustaining life, livestock, and crops. It signifies God's provision from the hidden depths of the earth.
* **"blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:":** This final category specifically addresses fertility and procreation. "Breasts" refers to the nourishment of offspring (both human and animal), while "womb" signifies the capacity for bearing children. Together, these symbolize abundant human descendants and thriving herds, ensuring the continuation, growth, and strength of Joseph's lineage and, by extension, the nation of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Jacob's blessing on Joseph in [Genesis 49:25](/genesis/49-25 "Jacob's Blessing to Joseph") employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the repeated structure of "blessings of..." followed by a source (heaven, deep, breasts/womb), which emphasizes the comprehensive and diverse nature of God's provision. A significant use of **Merism** is found in the pairing of "heaven above" and "deep that lieth under." This rhetorical device uses two contrasting parts to represent the whole, indicating that God's blessings encompass everything from the highest heavens to the deepest parts of the earth, signifying total and complete provision. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is rich throughout the verse. "Heaven above" symbolizes divine favor and meteorological abundance; "the deep that lieth under" symbolizes subterranean resources and hidden sustenance; and "breasts" and "womb" powerfully symbolize fertility, life, and the continuation of generations. These symbolic elements paint a vivid picture of God's all-encompassing care and His desire for the flourishing of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 49:25](/genesis/49-25 "Jacob's Blessing to Joseph") profoundly reveals God as the singular, all-sufficient source of every good gift, demonstrating His active involvement in the physical and material well-being of His people, not just their spiritual lives. The dual identification of God as "the God of thy father" and "the Almighty" underscores His relational faithfulness across generations and His boundless power to fulfill His covenant promises, particularly those related to fruitfulness and prosperity. This verse teaches that true blessing originates from God's benevolent hand, encompassing all aspects of life—from the natural environment to human and animal reproduction—and is a testament to His unwavering commitment to His people. It foreshadows the comprehensive nature of God's grace and provision throughout salvation history.

* [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24-26 "The Priestly Blessing")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 121:1-2](/psalms/121-1-2 "God Our Helper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 49:25](/genesis/49-25 "Jacob's Blessing to Joseph") serves as a powerful reminder of God's comprehensive and unfailing provision for His people. Just as He promised and delivered holistic blessings to Joseph—encompassing the heavens, the earth's depths, and abundant fertility—He continues to be our all-sufficient provider. This verse invites us to cultivate a deep trust in God's ability to meet our every need, not just spiritually, but also physically and materially. It challenges us to recognize His sovereign hand in the natural world, in the resources available to us, and in the very gift of life and fruitfulness. Understanding God as "the God of thy father" encourages us to reflect on His faithfulness throughout history and in our own lives, fostering gratitude for His generational blessings. When we face scarcity or uncertainty, this passage calls us to look to the Almighty, who is capable of providing from unexpected sources and in abundant measure, inspiring us to live in reliance on His generous and faithful character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need to trust God's comprehensive provision, as described in this verse?**
* **How does understanding God as "the God of thy father" (a God of covenant faithfulness) impact your trust in His promises for your own life?**
* **Considering the "blessings of the breasts, and of the womb," how can we appreciate and steward the gift of life and fruitfulness God provides, whether physically or spiritually?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the specific blessings mentioned in Genesis 49:25?**

Answer: The blessings—"of heaven above," "of the deep that lieth under," and "of the breasts, and of the womb"—are profoundly significant because they represent a comprehensive and holistic provision for all aspects of life and prosperity in the ancient world. "Blessings of heaven above" refers to the essential meteorological provisions like rain and dew, crucial for agricultural abundance and a thriving land. "Blessings of the deep that lieth under" signifies the abundance of subterranean water sources (springs, wells) and potentially mineral wealth, vital for sustaining life and prosperity even in arid regions. "Blessings of the breasts, and of the womb" points to fertility in both humans and livestock, ensuring the continuation, growth, and strength of the family and tribe. Together, these categories symbolize God's complete and all-encompassing provision, covering everything from the natural environment to the propagation of life, ensuring a thriving and fruitful people.

**Why is God referred to as 'the God of thy father' and 'the Almighty' in this verse?**

Answer: These two distinct yet complementary titles for God emphasize crucial aspects of His character and His relationship with His people. "The God of thy father" (referring to Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham) highlights God's personal, covenantal relationship with the patriarchs. It underscores His unwavering faithfulness across generations and the continuity of His promises, linking Joseph's blessing directly to the established covenant. This title assures Joseph that the blessing comes from a God who is intimately involved with His people's history and destiny. "The Almighty" translates the Hebrew *El Shaddai*, which signifies God's absolute power, all-sufficiency, and His unique ability to fulfill His promises, particularly those related to fruitfulness and provision. The combination of these names assures Joseph that the blessing is from a God who is both intimately relational and infinitely powerful, fully capable of delivering on His comprehensive and abundant promises. This dual naming reinforces the divine authority and certainty behind Jacob's prophetic words.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The comprehensive and abundant blessings promised to Joseph in [Genesis 49:25](/genesis/49-25 "Jacob's Blessing to Joseph") find their ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Joseph, through his suffering, exaltation, and role as a provider for his family, serves as a powerful type of Christ, who endured immense suffering to become the ultimate source of life, provision, and spiritual blessing for all humanity. In Christ, believers receive not merely temporal or material blessings, but every spiritual blessing "from heaven above," as Paul declares in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ"), including redemption, forgiveness of sins, adoption as sons and daughters, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit. The "blessings of the deep that lieth under" and "blessings of the breasts, and of the womb" can be seen as foreshadowing the inexhaustible spiritual resources found in Christ—He is the source of "living water" that springs up to eternal life ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "Jesus, the Living Water")), and through abiding in Him, believers bear abundant spiritual fruit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness")). God's covenant faithfulness, invoked by "the God of thy father," is perfectly realized in the new covenant established through Christ's blood, where all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Thus, the holistic provision promised to Joseph is spiritually magnified and eternally secured for all who are in Christ, the true and greater Joseph, through whom all true and lasting blessings flow.

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 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;

Genesis 28:13

And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I [am] the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 8:17

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth.

Deuteronomy 33:13

And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD [be] his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,

Deuteronomy 33:17

His glory [is like] the firstling of his bullock, and his horns [are like] the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they [are] the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they [are] the thousands of Manasseh.

Genesis 43:23

And he said, Peace [be] to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.