King James Version

What Does Genesis 28:3 Mean?

Genesis 28:3 in the King James Version says “And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; a mul...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; a multitude: Heb. an assembly of people”

Genesis 28:3 · KJV

Context

1

And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.

2

Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother.

3

And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; a multitude: Heb. an assembly of people

4

And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. wherein: Heb. of thy sojournings

5

And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's and Esau's mother.

Read Genesis 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multit... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How should this truth about Stone Pillar shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְאֵ֤ל1 of 9

“And God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

שַׁדַּי֙2 of 9

“Almighty”

H7706

the almighty

יְבָרֵ֣ךְ3 of 9

“bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֹֽתְךָ֔4 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְיַפְרְךָ֖5 of 9

“thee and make thee fruitful”

H6509

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

וְיַרְבֶּ֑ךָ6 of 9

“and multiply”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וְהָיִ֖יתָ7 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִקְהַ֥ל8 of 9

“thee that thou mayest be a multitude”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

עַמִּֽים׃9 of 9

“of people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 28:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 28:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 48:3Genesis 35:11Genesis 1:28Genesis 22:17-18Genesis 13:16Genesis 17:1-6

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