Genesis 28:20

Translations

Modern

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear,

Traditional

And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

Literal

And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I am going and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear,

Latin

Vovit etiam votum, dicens: Si fuerit Deus mecum, et custodierit me in via, per quam ego ambulo, et dederit mihi panem ad vescendum, et vestimentum ad induendum,

Original

Hebrew

English

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear,

Notes

Genesis 28:20–22

In view of what God would do for him, Jacob vowed to do certain things for God. He believed the Lord’s words and responded in gratitude. Jacob’s vow influenced Israel’s way of making commitments to God in worship.

Genesis 28:16–22

The second part of the passage describes Jacob's response to God's revelation. He felt reverence and awe in God's presence. His acts of devotion became models for Israel's worship.

When God graciously visits his people and promises to be with them and make them a blessing to the world, his people respond in faith with reverence, worship, offerings, and vows. They preserve their faith in memory for future worshipers.

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 Vows to God

Related verses

1 Timothy 6:8
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
2 Samuel 15:8
For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: ‘If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.’”
Genesis 31:13
I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and made a solemn vow to Me. Now get up, leave this land at once, and return to your native land.’”
Psalm 66:13
I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You—
John 1:16
From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.
Psalm 116:18
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people,
Psalm 119:106
I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
Psalm 132:2
…how he swore an oath to the LORD, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
Psalm 61:8
Then I will ever sing praise to Your name and fulfill my vows day by day.
Acts 23:12–15
When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.
Psalm 56:12
Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.
Psalm 116:14
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Bethel (Place), Bethelite Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of History of Israel Jacob Jacob’s Ladder Jeroboam Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Sanctuary Vow, Vows Worship

Topics

Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: The Place where Jacob Saw the Vision of the Ladder Blessing: Temporal, from God Blessing: Temporal, Prayer For Consecration: Conditional Covenant of Man with God: Jacob Decision: Jacob Garments: Called: Raiment God: Providence of Jacob: God Confirms the Covenant of Abraham To Jacob: His Vision of the Ladder Paying a Late Tithe Prayer for Temporal Blessings Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Jacob Stones: Memorial Pillars of The Providence of God: Saints should Pray to be Guided By Vows of Jacob Vows: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Genesis 28:20

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