TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.
Complete Jewish Bible
All these are the twelve tribes of Isra'el, and this is how their father spoke to them and blessed them, giving each his own individual blessing.
Berean Standard Bible
These are the tribes of Israel, twelve in all, and this was what their father said to them. He blessed them, and he blessed each one with a suitable blessing.
American Standard Version
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.
World English Bible Messianic
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them and blessed them. He blessed everyone according to his blessing.
Geneva Bible (1599)
All these are the twelue tribes of Israel, and thus their father spake vnto them, and blessed them: euery one of them blessed hee with a seuerall blessing.
Young's Literal Translation
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is that which their father hath spoken unto them, and he blesseth them; each according to his blessing he hath blessed them.
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 1,502 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Genesis 49 verses 28–33
28 ¶ All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.
29 And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,
30 In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.
31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.
32 The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth.
33 And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.
Here is, I. The summing up of the blessings of Jacob's sons, Gen 49:28. Though Reuben, Simeon, and Levi were put under the marks of their father's displeasure, yet he is said to bless them every one according to his blessing; for none of them were rejected as Esau was. Note, Whatever rebukes of God's word or providence we are under at any time, yet, as long as we have an interest in God's covenant, a place and a name among his people, and good hopes of a share in the heavenly Canaan, we must account ourselves blessed.
II. The solemn charge Jacob gave them concerning his burial, which is a repetition of what he had before given to Joseph. See how he speaks of death, now that he is dying: I am to be gathered unto my people, Gen 49:29. Note, It is good to represent death to ourselves under the most desirable images, that the terror of it may be taken off. Though it separates us from our children and our people in this world, it gathers us to our fathers and to our people in the other world. Perhaps Jacob uses this expression concerning death as a reason why his sons should bury him in Canaan; for, says he, "I am to be gathered unto my people, my soul must go to the spirits of just men made perfect: and therefore bury me with my fathers, Abraham and Isaac, and their wives," Gen 49:31. Observe, 1. His heart was very much upon it, not so much from a natural affection to his native soil as from a principle of faith in the promise of God, that Canaan should be the inheritance of his seed in due time. Thus he would keep up in his sons a remembrance of the promised land, and not only would have their acquaintance with it renewed by a journey thither on that occasion, but their desire towards it and their expectation of it preserved. 2. He is very particular in describing the place both by the situation of it and by the purchase Abraham had made of it for a burying-place, Gen 49:30, Gen 49:32. He was afraid lest his sons, after seventeen years' sojourning in Egypt, had forgotten Canaan, and even the burying-place of their ancestors there, or lest the Canaanites should dispute his title to it; and therefore he specifies it thus largely, and the purchase of it, even when he lies a-dying, not only to prevent mistakes, but to show how mindful he was of that country. Note, It is, and should be, a great pleasure to dying saints to fix their thoughts upon the heavenly Canaan, and the rest they hope for there after death.
III. The death of Jacob, Gen 49:33. When he had finished both his blessing and his charge (both which are included in the commanding of his sons), and so had finished his testimony, he addressed himself to his dying work. 1. He put himself into a posture for dying; having before seated himself upon the bed-side, to bless his sons (the spirit of prophecy bringing fresh oil to his expiring lamp, Dan 10:19), when that work was done, he gathered up his feet into the bed, that he might lie along, not only as one patiently submitting to the stroke, but as one cheerfully composing himself to rest, now that he was weary. I will lay me down, and sleep. 2. He freely resigned his spirit into the hand of God, the Father of spirits: He yielded up the ghost. 3. His separated soul went to the assembly of the souls of the faithful, which, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity: he was gathered to his people. Note, If God's people be our people, death will gather us to them.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 28–33. Public domain.
Copy as
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.
Copy as
Continue studying Genesis 49:28 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Genesis 49:28 serves as the poignant and definitive conclusion to Jacob's final, divinely inspired pronouncements, formally identifying his twelve sons as the foundational "twelve tribes of Israel." This verse underscores that each son received a distinct, prophetic blessing, meticulously tailored by their father to their individual character and the future destiny of their respective lineages, thereby solidifying the identity of God's chosen nation and the transmission of His covenant promises.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse acts as the concluding summary statement for the extensive prophetic poem of Genesis 49. Following Jacob's individual pronouncements to each of his twelve sons (beginning with Reuben in Genesis 49:3 and concluding with Benjamin in Genesis 49:27), verse 28 provides a formal summation. It transitions from the specific destinies of the individual tribes to their collective identity as the unified "tribes of Israel," setting the stage for Jacob's final instructions regarding his burial and his subsequent death in Genesis 49:29-33. This concluding verse emphasizes the authoritative and prophetic nature of Jacob's words, not merely as a father's farewell but as a divinely guided declaration shaping the future of a nation.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, a dying patriarch's words carried immense weight, often functioning as a legal will, a blessing, or a curse that determined the future inheritance and social standing of his descendants. Jacob's gathering of his sons on his deathbed (Genesis 49:1) aligns with this cultural practice, but his pronouncements transcend mere human wisdom, being imbued with divine foresight. The concept of "tribes" was the fundamental social and political unit among nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples, defining kinship, territory, and military organization. By formally designating his sons as the "twelve tribes of Israel," Jacob is not just acknowledging family lines but prophetically establishing the framework for the future nation that would inherit the land promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:7) and Isaac (Genesis 26:3). This act was crucial for the nascent nation's self-understanding and its future development in the land of Canaan.
Key Themes: Genesis 49 is rich with theological themes that this concluding verse encapsulates. A primary theme is Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge, demonstrated by Jacob's ability to foresee and declare the future character and destiny of each tribe, including their strengths, weaknesses, and geographical inheritances. Another key theme is Covenant Continuity, as Jacob, now "Israel," passes on the promises made to Abraham and Isaac to his descendants, ensuring the lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold. The Formation of a Nation from a family is also central; the transition from twelve individuals to "the twelve tribes of Israel" highlights the divine process of nation-building. Finally, the theme of Individualized Blessing and Responsibility is prominent, as "every one according to his blessing he blessed them" underscores that while unified, each tribe had a unique role and destiny within God's overarching plan, reflecting the diverse ways God works through His people. These blessings, though varied, collectively contribute to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness to His chosen people, Israel.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Repetition is prominent, particularly with the verb "blessed" (Hebrew: bârak), which appears twice in the latter half of the verse ("and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them"). This repetition serves to emphasize the profound significance and authoritative nature of Jacob's actions, underscoring that these were not casual remarks but deliberate, divinely inspired pronouncements. Inclusio (or a form of it) is also present, as the verse acts as a concluding summary that brings the entire prophetic chapter to a formal close, echoing the initial gathering in Genesis 49:1 and confirming the identity of the recipients. Furthermore, the verse uses Metonymy by referring to "the twelve tribes of Israel," where "tribes" (originally meaning a rod or staff) stands for the entire lineage and collective identity of the nation. This device succinctly encapsulates the transition from a family unit to a divinely ordained national entity, each with its unique "staff" or tribal identity.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 49:28 encapsulates the culmination of the patriarchal era, marking a crucial transition from a family unit to the foundational structure of a nation. It powerfully affirms the ongoing nature of God's covenant promises, demonstrating His faithfulness in establishing a people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. The individualized blessings, while varied, collectively point to God's sovereign hand in shaping human destiny, revealing His meticulous care and foreknowledge in orchestrating the future of His chosen people, Israel. This verse solidifies the identity of Israel as a unified nation with a shared divine purpose, even amidst the diversity of its constituent tribes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 49:28 offers profound insights into God's character and His dealings with humanity. Just as God had a unique, tailored plan for each of Jacob's sons and their future tribes, so too does He have a specific purpose and calling for each individual believer today. This verse reminds us that our identity in Christ is both corporate (as part of the Church, the spiritual Israel) and individual, with unique gifts, callings, and paths. It encourages us to embrace our distinct "blessing" or calling, understanding that our individual contributions, however varied, are essential to the larger tapestry of God's kingdom work. Recognizing God's meticulous care in shaping the destiny of the tribes should inspire confidence in His sovereign guidance over our own lives, assuring us that His plans for us are good, even when they involve challenges or require unique paths. This foundational understanding of God's personal involvement in the lives of His people helps us appreciate the intricate development of His covenant history, which ultimately culminates in the supreme blessing found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promises made to Abraham and his descendants.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the nation identified as "the twelve tribes of Israel" rather than "the twelve tribes of Jacob"?
Answer: The identification as "the twelve tribes of Israel" is profoundly significant because "Israel" is the new name God gave to Jacob after he wrestled with God at Peniel (Genesis 32:28). This name, meaning "prince with God" or "he strives with God," signifies a transformed identity and a new, covenantal relationship with God. By naming the tribes after "Israel," the text emphasizes their corporate identity as God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes, and inheritors of the divine covenant, rather than simply being descendants of a man named Jacob. It elevates their identity from a mere family lineage to a divinely designated nation, reflecting God's sovereign hand in their formation and destiny. This name change marks a pivotal moment in salvation history, establishing the people through whom God's redemptive plan would unfold.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The formation of the "twelve tribes of Israel" through Jacob's blessings, as summarized in Genesis 49:28, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jacob's words established the earthly lineage and destiny of a physical nation, Christ is the true "seed" of Abraham (Galatians 3:16) through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed. He is the ultimate "blessing" promised to humanity, bringing spiritual inheritance and eternal life to all who believe. The unity of the twelve tribes, though often fractured in Israel's history, is perfectly realized in the Church, which is the spiritual Israel, composed of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation (Revelation 7:9). In Christ, the diverse "blessings" or spiritual gifts given to believers (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) are harmonized for the building of His kingdom, fulfilling the ancient promise of a people gathered to Shiloh, the Messiah (Genesis 49:10). He is the true King who gathers His people, uniting them not by bloodline but by faith in His atoning work (Ephesians 2:11-22), thereby establishing a new covenant community that transcends the boundaries of the original twelve tribes.