Genesis 46:2
Genesis 46:2 in Multiple Translations
And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob.
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
And God said to Israel in a night-vision, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
During the night God spoke to Israel in a vision. “Jacob! Jacob!” he called. “I'm here,” he replied.
And God spake vnto Israel in a vision by night, saying, Iaakob, Iaakob. Who answered, I am here.
and God speaketh to Israel in visions of the night, and saith, 'Jacob, Jacob;' and he saith, 'Here [am] I.'
God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!” He said, “Here I am.”
And God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob: and he said, Here am I.
He heard him by a vision in the night calling him, and saying to him: Jacob, Jacob. And he answered him: Lo, here I am.
That night, God called to Jacob in a vision, saying, “Jacob! Jacob!” He replied, “I am here!”
That night, God talked to Jacob. God said, “Jacob, Jacob.” Jacob said, “Yes, I am listening.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 46:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 46:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
בְּ/מַרְאֹ֣ת
הַ/לַּ֔יְלָה
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
יַעֲקֹ֣ב
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
הִנֵּֽ/נִי
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/מַרְאֹ֣ת
marʼâh
H4759
vision
Prep | N-fp
הַ/לַּ֔יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹ֣ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הִנֵּֽ/נִי
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 46:2
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
בְּ/מַרְאֹ֣ת
marʼâh
H4759
"vision"
Prep | N-fp
A mirror or vision, like a reflection in a looking glass, used to describe a prophetic vision or a clear view of something.
Definition: 1) vision 1a) mode of revelation
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: looking glass, vision. See also: Genesis 46:2; Ezekiel 8:3; Daniel 10:16.
הַ/לַּ֔יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יַעֲקֹ֣ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הִנֵּֽ/נִי
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part | Suff
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
Study Notes — Genesis 46:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 46:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 46:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 46:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 46:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 46:2
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 46:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 46:2
- Sermons on Genesis 46:2
Context — Jacob’s Journey to Egypt
1So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
2And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob.
3“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 15:1 | After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” |
| 2 | Job 33:14–15 | For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices. In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, |
| 3 | Job 4:13 | In disquieting visions in the night, when deep sleep falls on men, |
| 4 | Numbers 24:4 | the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 26:5 | He sought God throughout the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. And as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success. |
| 6 | Daniel 2:19 | During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven |
| 7 | Acts 16:9 | During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” |
| 8 | Acts 9:10 | In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord,” he answered. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 3:10 | Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” |
| 10 | Genesis 22:1 | Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. |
Genesis 46:2 Summary
[In Genesis 46:2, God speaks to Jacob in a personal and direct way, calling him by his old name and getting his attention. This shows us that God cares about each of us individually and wants to communicate with us in a way that is unique to our circumstances. Just like Jacob, we can respond to God with a humble and submissive attitude, saying 'Here I am,' and being willing to listen and obey. As we see in Psalm 139:7-10, God is always with us and guides us, even when we are unsure of what to do.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God call Jacob by his old name instead of Israel?
God called Jacob by his old name to remind him of his humble beginnings and to show that He is the same God who has been with him throughout his life, as seen in Genesis 28:20 and Genesis 32:28.
What is the significance of God speaking to Jacob in a vision?
God speaking to Jacob in a vision signifies a direct and personal communication, emphasizing the importance of the message He is about to convey, similar to other instances in the Bible such as Genesis 15:1 and 1 Samuel 3:15.
How does Jacob's response, 'Here I am,' demonstrate his attitude towards God?
Jacob's response, 'Here I am,' shows his willingness to listen and obey God, demonstrating a humble and submissive attitude, similar to the response of Abraham in Genesis 22:1 and Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8.
What can we learn from God's personal and direct communication with Jacob?
We can learn that God desires a personal relationship with each of us, and He often communicates with us in ways that are unique to our individual circumstances, as seen in Genesis 46:2 and other passages like Psalm 23:4 and Jeremiah 33:3.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God speaks to me, whether through His Word or circumstances?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be still and listen for God's voice?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a humble and submissive attitude towards God, like Jacob did in this verse?
- How can I trust God's presence and guidance in my life, even when faced with uncertainty or challenging situations?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 46:2
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night,.... He appeared to Jacob as he lay upon his bed in the night season, and with an articulate voice spoke to him as follows: and said, Jacob,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 46:2
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. God spake unto Israel. Here is a virtual renewal of the covenant, and an assurance of its blessings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 46:2
In the visions of the night, i.e. in that way or manner of visions which God affordeth to men by night, and in their sleep. See ,16 Matthew 1:20 2:13,19 Acts 16:9 18:9, &c. Jacob, Jacob; he doubles the name both in token of his friendship and familiarity with him, and to raise Jacob’ s attention. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 46:2
Genesis 46:2 And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here [am] I.Ver. 2. Here am I.] Josephus tells us, he said, Who is there? He seems never seriously to have read the Bible; but only in transcursu, et quasi aliud agens. Is not that then a proper excuse for the Church of Rome’ s sacrilege, in robbing the common people of the Holy Scriptures, that she allows them to read Josephus, where they may find the history of the Old Testament more plainly and plentifully set forth than in the Bible! But Barclay, that made this apology, was of the mind, belike, of Walter Mapes, sometime archdeacon of Oxford, who, relating the gross simony (traffic in sacred things) of the Pope, for confirming the election of Reginald, bastard son to Jocelin, bishop of Sarum into the see of Bath, concludes his narration thus: Sit tamen domina materque nostra Roma baculus in aqua fractus, et absit credere quae vidimus; howbeit, far be it from us to believe our own eyes. Antiq., lib. i. Quod vero ad historiam Vet. Test. eam fuse et magis ex vulgi intellectu in Iosepho inveniunt. - Barcl. Paraen.
Dr Sanderson.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 46:2
2. in the visions of the night] A generic plural for the phenomena of dreams. The versions give the sing. For the word, cf. Numbers 12:6; 1 Samuel 3:15; Daniel 10:7-8. For revelations granted at night, cf. Genesis 20:3, Genesis 28:12 ff. Jacob, Jacob] The sentence, as it stands, is striking: “God said to Israel, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ ” The juxtaposition of the two names “Israel” and “Jacob” may indicate the fusion of the two narratives—J, which prefers “Israel,” and E, which prefers “Jacob.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 46:2
2. God spake unto Israel — “Jacob thought himself led by the hand of Providence, yet we may imagine him oppressed by sadness as he turns his back upon the land of promise — the land of his childhood
Sermons on Genesis 46:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 1 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Exodus and its connection to the previous events in the book of Genesis. The sermon begins by referencing a passage from Genesis |
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Genesis #25 Ch. 46-48 & 50 Jacob's & Joseph's Faith by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 46, 47, 48, and 50. He highlights the provision of God for His people, as seen in Pharaoh giving the land of Goshen to the |
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God Encourages Jacob by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes God's encouragement to Jacob, reminding him of his new identity as Israel, which means 'governed by God.' Despite Jacob's fears about going to Egypt, God rea |
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(Men Who Met God): Abraham by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being watchful and prayerful in order to be worthy of escaping the trials and tribulations that will come upon the earth. |
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Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker describes a visit to a trailer park filled with worldly people, but also discovers that there are 16 Christians living there. The speaker then discusses |
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The Abrahamic Faith (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the brevity of the scriptures and the depth of meaning they contain. The focus is on Genesis 15, where God promises Abram that his descendan |
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Trust in Christ Is Everything by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of trust in Christ. He begins by referencing Hebrews 11 and emphasizes that trust in Christ is everything. The speaker then hi |