Genesis 48:16

Translations

Modern

…the angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.”

Traditional

The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

Literal

…the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, may he bless the boys. And let my name be called upon them, and the name of my fathers, Abraham and Isaac, and may they multiply like fish into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”

Latin

…angelus, qui eruit me de cunctis malis, benedicat pueris istis: et invocetur super eos nomen meum, nomina quoque patrum meorum Abraham et Isaac, et crescant in multitudinem super terram.

Original

Hebrew

English

…the angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.”

Notes

Genesis 48:15–16

When Jacob blessed Joseph, he used three titles to describe the God he trusted:

the God who was in covenant with his fathers Abraham and Isaac (28:13; 31:5, 42; 32:9; 46:3);
the God who had been his shepherd (one who guides and cares for his people; see 49:24; Exodus 6:6; Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 59:20); and
the angel (a messenger from God) who had rescued him from all harm.

Jacob prayed the same blessings for Joseph’s sons.

Genesis 48:1–22

When Jacob blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, he showed faith in God's promise to continue. He understood that God's ways differ from human ways. From Jacob's long life, the writer of Hebrews chose the blessing of Joseph's sons as his greatest act of faith (Hebrews 11:21). Jacob followed God's will by giving the main blessing to the younger son instead of the older one, without any trickery or negative outcomes.

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Isaac Jacob Joseph Blessing Symbolic Numbers The Priestly Blessing

Related verses

Psalm 34:22
The LORD redeems His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
Genesis 28:13–15
And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie.
Genesis 49:22
Joseph is a fruitful vine—a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall.
Genesis 48:5
And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here shall be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.
Joshua 17:17
So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You have many people and great strength. You shall not have just one allotment,
Acts 15:17
…so that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does these things
2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Numbers 26:28–37
The descendants of Joseph included the clans of Manasseh and Ephraim.
Psalm 121:7
The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul.
John 17:15
I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.
Amos 9:12
…that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name,” declares the LORD, who will do this.
Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people Isaac: Son of Abraham; father of Jacob and Esau

Glossary

Angel of the Lord Archaeology and the Bible Book of Exodus Genesis, Book of Jacob Joseph Joshua, Book of Laying on of Hands Manasseh (Person) Patriarchs, Period of the Presence of God

Topics

Adoption of Joseph's Sons Adoption: Illustrated: Joseph's Sons Birthright: Set Aside: That of Manasseh Blessing: Temporal, Prayer For Christ is God: Acknowledged by the Old Testament Saints Ephraim: Second Son of Joseph: Blessed Before Manasseh; Prophecies Concerning Firstborn: Birthright of The: Set Aside: That of Manasseh God: Preserver God: Saviour Intercession: Exemplified Jacob: His Benediction Upon Joseph and his Two Sons Jesus, the Christ: Divinity of Acknowledged by Old Testament Saints Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Angel Parents: Good - Exemplified: Joseph Parents: Paternal Blessings of Jacob Protection: Jacob Redemption is From: All Evil Thankfulness: Exemplified The First Born: Superseded: Manasseh Titles and Names of Christ: Angel Veneration for Parents

Genesis 48:16

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?