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.

GENESIS 48:16KJV
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Genesis 48:16 (KJV)

What does Genesis 48:16 mean?

Genesis 48:16 is a blessing spoken by Jacob (also called Israel) over his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, asking that the Angel who has delivered him from all harm would bless the boys, that his own name and the names of Abraham and Isaac would be carried on through them, and that they would become a great multitude in the land. Jacob is expressing a hope for God's continued protection and favor for his descendants.

Jacob is speaking to Joseph’s sons as he nears the end of his life, recalling how God (referred to as "the Angel") has rescued him from trouble in the past. By invoking the names of Abraham and Isaac, Jacob is connecting the boys to the promises God made to their ancestors. The blessing looks forward to the growth and prosperity of Ephraim and Manasseh’s descendants within the broader family of Israel.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 48:16

  • "Angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh): This word can mean "messenger" and is often used for a divine messenger or representative of God. Here, Jacob refers to the Angel as the one who "redeemed" him, suggesting a special encounter or ongoing divine protection.
  • "Redeemed" (גָּאַל, ga’al): This word means to rescue, deliver, or act as a kinsman-redeemer. Jacob credits the Angel with saving him from "all evil," highlighting a personal sense of being rescued from danger or harm.
  • "Grow" (דָּגָה, dagah): This verb is rare and carries the sense of multiplying or becoming numerous, often used of fish. Jacob’s wish is for Ephraim and Manasseh to increase greatly, emphasizing abundance and fruitfulness.
  • "Multitude" (רֹב, rov): This word means a great number or abundance. Jacob’s blessing is not just for survival, but for flourishing and expansion in the land.

Why Genesis 48:16 matters

  • Genesis 48:16 clarifies that Jacob sees God’s protection in his life as personal and ongoing, not just a distant promise to his ancestors.
  • The verse connects Ephraim and Manasseh directly to the covenant line of Abraham and Isaac, showing that they are fully included in the family’s spiritual heritage.
  • The blessing anticipates the significant roles Ephraim and Manasseh will play in Israel’s history, as their tribes become prominent among the twelve tribes of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“redeemed” Hebrew H1350 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 6:6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
  • Joshua 20:5 And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.
  • Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

“Isaac” Hebrew H3327 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
  • Genesis 26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.
  • Genesis 35:27 And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.

“multitude” Hebrew H7230 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
  • Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.