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,

GENESIS 28:20KJV
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Genesis 28:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 28:20 mean?

Genesis 28:20 describes Jacob making a promise to God, saying that if God stays with him, protects him on his journey, and provides him with food and clothing, then Jacob will respond in a certain way. Jacob is expressing his dependence on God’s care as he faces an uncertain future.

Jacob is speaking aloud after his dream at Bethel, where he saw a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. He is alone, leaving his home for the first time, and unsure of what lies ahead. Jacob’s vow shows both his hope for God’s help and his awareness of his own need for basic things like safety, food, and clothing.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 28:20

  • "Vowed" (נָדַר, nadar) and "vow" (נֶדֶר, neder): The Hebrew words here point to a solemn promise or commitment, not just a casual statement. Jacob is making a binding pledge before God.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, often used to emphasize God’s power and authority, which fits Jacob’s request for protection and provision.
  • "Way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means "road" or "journey," highlighting that Jacob is asking for guidance and safety as he travels into the unknown.
  • "Raiment" (שִׂמְלָה, simlah): This word means clothing or garment, showing that Jacob’s request is for the most basic needs—food and something to wear.

Why Genesis 28:20 matters

  • Genesis 28:20 shows that Jacob’s relationship with God is still developing; he is not yet fully confident, but he is willing to trust God with his needs.
  • The verse helps clarify that biblical vows were serious and specific, often tied to real-life needs and situations, not just spiritual promises.
  • This moment connects to the wider story of Jacob, setting up how God’s faithfulness will be proven as Jacob’s journey unfolds and his faith grows.

Where else these words appear

“vowed” Hebrew H5087 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Deuteronomy 12:17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:
  • Psalms 76:11 Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

“vow” Hebrew H5088 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 30:6 And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul;
  • 2 Samuel 15:8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.

“on” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)
  • Isaiah 49:18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.