And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,

GENESIS 48:3KJV
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Genesis 48:3 (KJV)

What does Genesis 48:3 mean?

Genesis 48:3 records Jacob telling his son Joseph that God Almighty appeared to him at Luz, in the land of Canaan, and blessed him. Jacob is reminding Joseph of a significant moment when God personally revealed Himself and gave Jacob a blessing.

In this verse, Jacob (also known as Israel) is speaking to Joseph as he nears the end of his life. The setting is intimate: Jacob is recalling a key spiritual experience—God’s appearance at Luz (another name for Bethel)—to set the stage for the blessings he is about to give Joseph’s sons. This memory emphasizes the importance of God’s promises and faithfulness to Jacob’s family.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 48:3

  • "God" (אֵל, 'El): This word is a general term for God, often used to highlight God's power and might.
  • "Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, Shaddai): This title, often rendered "Almighty," stresses God’s supreme power and ability to bless and protect. Jacob uses this name to remind Joseph of God’s authority and sufficiency.
  • "Appeared" (רָאָה, ra’ah): This verb means "to see" or "to appear." Here, it points to a direct, personal encounter between God and Jacob, not just a dream or a message.
  • "Blessed" (בָּרַךְ, barak): This word means "to bless," and in this context, it refers to God’s act of giving favor, promises, and well-being to Jacob.

Why Genesis 48:3 matters

  • Genesis 48:3 sets the foundation for the blessings Jacob is about to give to Joseph’s sons by recalling God’s earlier promise and blessing to himself.
  • The mention of "God Almighty" connects this moment to earlier encounters with God in Genesis, showing continuity in God’s relationship with the patriarchs.
  • By referencing Luz (Bethel), Jacob reminds Joseph of the specific place and context where God’s promises were made, grounding the coming blessings in God’s faithfulness to past generations.

Where else these words appear

“Luz” Hebrew H3870 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 28:19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.
  • Joshua 16:2 And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,
  • Judges 1:23 And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel.(Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

“Almighty” Hebrew H7706 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
  • Job 11:7 Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?
  • Job 29:5 When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;

“Canaan” Hebrew H3667 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 9:18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
  • Genesis 45:17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
  • Numbers 35:14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.