Genesis 28:12

Translations

Modern

And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder.

Traditional

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Literal

And he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to the heavens. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

Latin

Viditque in somnis scalam stantem super terram, et cacumen illius tangens cælum: angelos quoque Dei ascendentes et descendentes per eam,

Original

Hebrew

English

And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder.

Notes

Genesis 28:12–13

ladder: This word occurs nowhere else in Scripture. The image may have reminded people at that time of a stairway or ramp on the front of a ziggurat (a large temple tower in ancient Mesopotamia). Such a structure was thought to connect heaven and earth (see study note on 11:4).
In this passage, God begins direct communication between heaven and earth to guide and protect Jacob, who carries his covenant (28:13–15; see Psalm 91:11–15).
Jesus later said that he himself is the way between heaven and earth (John 1:51).

Genesis 28:12–15

The vision showed that God and his angels were with Jacob on his journey. God reminded Jacob of the promises made to Abraham and Isaac. He promised Jacob land, descendants as numerous as dust (compare 13:16; 22:17), and blessings for all people through him (compare 12:2–3; 15:5, 18; 17:3–8; 22:15–18; 35:11–12). God also promised to be with Jacob and protect him until he returned.

Genesis 28:10–22

Even though Jacob used deceptive methods to get the blessing, God promised to protect and provide for him. The God of Abraham and Isaac was also the God of Jacob. This revelation greatly changed Jacob's perspective and brought faith into clearer focus.

Theme notes and profiles

Arameans Jacob Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

John 1:51
Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Genesis 32:1–2
Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
Numbers 12:6
He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.
Job 33:15–16
In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds,
Genesis 15:1
After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
Genesis 37:5–11
Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.
2 Timothy 4:16–17
At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.
Genesis 15:12
As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.
Hebrews 1:14
Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Daniel 7:1
In the first year of the reign of Belshazzar over Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he lay on his bed. He wrote down the dream, and this is the summary of his account.
Hebrews 1:1
On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.
Daniel 4:1–37
King Nebuchadnezzar, To the people of every nation and language who dwell in all the earth: May your prosperity be multiplied.

Glossary

Angel Bethel (Place), Bethelite Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Dreams Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of History of Israel Host, Host of Heaven Jacob Jacob’s Ladder Jeroboam Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Sleep

Topics

Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Jacob, in his Various Visions Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: The Place where Jacob Saw the Vision of the Ladder Dream of Jacob, Concerning the Ladder Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Jacob Gates: (Of Heaven) Access to God Jacob: His Vision of the Ladder Jacob: Prophecies Concerning Himself and his Descendants Ladder in Jacob's Vision Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Jacob The Jews: Promises Respecting Made to Jacob Types of Christ: Jacob's Ladder Vision of Jacob of the Ladder with Ascending and Descending Angels

Genesis 28:12

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