Genesis 49:25
Genesis 49:25 in Multiple Translations
by the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you, with blessings of the heavens above, with blessings of the depths below, with blessings of the breasts and womb.
Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee, And by the Almighty, who shall bless thee, With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that coucheth beneath, Blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.
Even by the God of your father, who will be your help, and by the Ruler of all, who will make you full with blessings from heaven on high, blessings of the deep stretched out under the earth, blessings of the breasts and of the fertile body:
The God of your father will help you and the Almighty will bless you with blessings from the heavens above, with blessings from the depths below, with blessings for many children.
Euen by the God of thy father, who shall helpe thee, and by the almightie, who shall blesse thee with heauenly blessinges from aboue, with blessings of the deepe, that lyeth beneath, with blessings of the brestes, and of the wombe.
By the God of thy father who helpeth thee, And the Mighty One who blesseth thee, Blessings of the heavens from above, Blessings of the deep lying under, Blessings of breasts and womb; —
even by the God of your father, who will help you, by the Almighty, who will bless you, with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.
Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee, and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth beneath, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
The God of thy father shall be thy helper, and the Almighty shall bless thee with the blessings of heaven above, with the blessings of the deep that lieth beneath, with the blessings of the breasts and of the womb.
God, the one whom I worship, will help your descendants. God Almighty will bless them by sending them rain from the sky and by giving them water from deep/far below the ground. He will give them many cattle and children [MET] (OR, and their cattle will have many offspring).
Jacob kept on talking to Joseph. He said, “My God will help you. God has power over everything, and he will be good to you. He will make rain come down from the sky, and he will make water come up from springs under the ground, so that your land will grow really good food. You will have lots of kids and grand-kids, and your animals will have lots of babies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 49:25
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 49:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵ/אֵ֨ל
אָבִ֜י/ךָ
וְ/יַעְזְרֶ֗/ךָּ
וְ/אֵ֤ת
שַׁדַּי֙
וִ/יבָ֣רְכֶ֔/ךָּ
בִּרְכֹ֤ת
שָׁמַ֨יִם֙
מֵ/עָ֔ל
בִּרְכֹ֥ת
תְּה֖וֹם
רֹבֶ֣צֶת
תָּ֑חַת
בִּרְכֹ֥ת
שָׁדַ֖יִם
וָ/רָֽחַם
מֵ/אֵ֨ל
ʼêl
H410
god
Prep | N-ms
אָבִ֜י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/יַעְזְרֶ֗/ךָּ
ʻâzar
H5826
to help
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/אֵ֤ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Conj | Prep
שַׁדַּי֙
Shadday
H7706
Almighty
N-proper
וִ/יבָ֣רְכֶ֔/ךָּ
bârak
H1288
to bless
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
בִּרְכֹ֤ת
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
blessing
N-fp
שָׁמַ֨יִם֙
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
מֵ/עָ֔ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | N-ms
בִּרְכֹ֥ת
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
blessing
N-fp
תְּה֖וֹם
tᵉhôwm
H8415
abyss
N-cs
רֹבֶ֣צֶת
râbats
H7257
to stretch
V-Qal
תָּ֑חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
N-ms
בִּרְכֹ֥ת
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
blessing
N-fp
שָׁדַ֖יִם
shad
H7699
breast
N-md
וָ/רָֽחַם
racham
H7356
womb
Conj | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 49:25
מֵ/אֵ֨ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
אָבִ֜י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/יַעְזְרֶ֗/ךָּ
ʻâzar
H5826
"to help"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
וְ/אֵ֤ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
שַׁדַּי֙
Shadday
H7706
"Almighty"
N-proper
Shadday means Almighty, referring to God's great power. It is another name for the Lord, emphasizing His strength and might. This name is used in the Bible to describe God's power and authority.
Definition: Shaddai, the Almighty (God) Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) This name means almighty, most powerful
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Almighty. See also: Genesis 17:1; Job 22:25; Psalms 68:15.
וִ/יבָ֣רְכֶ֔/ךָּ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
בִּרְכֹ֤ת
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
"blessing"
N-fp
In the Bible, a blessing is a gift from God, bringing prosperity and praise. It appears in Genesis and Psalms, where people bless God and each other. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian traditions.
Definition: 1) blessing 2) (source of) blessing 3) blessing, prosperity 4) blessing, praise of God 5) a gift, present 6) treaty of peace
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: blessing, liberal, pool, present. See also: Genesis 12:2; 2 Kings 5:15; Psalms 3:9.
שָׁמַ֨יִם֙
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
מֵ/עָ֔ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בִּרְכֹ֥ת
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
"blessing"
N-fp
In the Bible, a blessing is a gift from God, bringing prosperity and praise. It appears in Genesis and Psalms, where people bless God and each other. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian traditions.
Definition: 1) blessing 2) (source of) blessing 3) blessing, prosperity 4) blessing, praise of God 5) a gift, present 6) treaty of peace
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: blessing, liberal, pool, present. See also: Genesis 12:2; 2 Kings 5:15; Psalms 3:9.
תְּה֖וֹם
tᵉhôwm
H8415
"abyss"
N-cs
Tehom refers to the deep waters of the ocean or sea, including the subterranean water supply. It can also describe the primeval ocean or the abyss.
Definition: 1) deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea 1a) deep (of subterranean waters) 1b) deep, sea, abysses (of sea) 1c) primeval ocean, deep 1d) deep, depth (of river) 1e) abyss, the grave
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: deep (place), depth. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 78:15; Psalms 33:7.
רֹבֶ֣צֶת
râbats
H7257
"to stretch"
V-Qal
To stretch or lie down, like an animal, and can imply resting or lurking, as in Exodus 23:5.
Definition: 1) to stretch oneself out, lie down, lie stretched out 1a) (Qal) to lie down, lie 1b)(Hiphil) to cause to lie down 1b1) laying (stones)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: crouch (down), fall down, make a fold, lay, (cause to, make to) lie (down), make to rest, sit. See also: Genesis 4:7; Isaiah 11:7; Psalms 23:2.
תָּ֑חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
בִּרְכֹ֥ת
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
"blessing"
N-fp
In the Bible, a blessing is a gift from God, bringing prosperity and praise. It appears in Genesis and Psalms, where people bless God and each other. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian traditions.
Definition: 1) blessing 2) (source of) blessing 3) blessing, prosperity 4) blessing, praise of God 5) a gift, present 6) treaty of peace
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: blessing, liberal, pool, present. See also: Genesis 12:2; 2 Kings 5:15; Psalms 3:9.
שָׁדַ֖יִם
shad
H7699
"breast"
N-md
The Hebrew word for breast, describing a woman's or animal's breast as swollen. It is used in the Bible to describe nursing or motherly care. The KJV translates it as 'breast' or 'pap'.
Definition: 1) breast, bosom, (female) breast 1a) breast (of woman) 1b) breast (of animal) 1c) breast (of both human and animal) Also means: shod (שֹׁד "breast" H7699B)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: breast, pap, teat. See also: Genesis 49:25; Isaiah 28:9; Psalms 22:10.
וָ/רָֽחַם
racham
H7356
"womb"
Conj | N-cs
This word refers to compassion or tender love, often describing God's feelings towards people. It can also mean the womb, symbolizing care and nurturing. The KJV translates it as compassion, mercy, or pity.
Definition: womb Another spelling of re.chem (רֶ֫חֶם "womb" H7358)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. See also: Genesis 43:14; Psalms 106:46; Psalms 25:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 49:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 49:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:25
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:25
- Sermons on Genesis 49:25
Context — Jacob Blesses His Sons
23The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility.
24Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,
25by the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you, with blessings of the heavens above, with blessings of the depths below, with blessings of the breasts and womb.
26The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers. 27Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 28:13 | And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. |
| 2 | Genesis 35:11 | And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you. |
| 3 | Philippians 4:19 | And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 8:17 | You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 33:13–17 | Concerning Joseph he said: “May his land be blessed by the LORD with the precious dew from heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath, with the bountiful harvest from the sun and the abundant yield of the seasons, with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills, with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph and crown the brow of the prince of his brothers. His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.” |
| 6 | Genesis 43:23 | “It is fine,” said the steward. “Do not be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, gave you the treasure that was in your sacks. I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. |
| 7 | 1 Timothy 4:8 | For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 33:1 | This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 28:2–12 | And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock— the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and kneading bowl will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven. The LORD will decree a blessing on your barns and on everything to which you put your hand; the LORD your God will bless you in the land He is giving you. The LORD will establish you as His holy people, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. Then all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will stand in awe of you. The LORD will make you prosper abundantly—in the fruit of your womb, the offspring of your livestock, and the produce of your land—in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. The LORD will open the heavens, His abundant storehouse, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations, but borrow from none. |
| 10 | Genesis 27:28 | May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth— an abundance of grain and new wine. |
Genesis 49:25 Summary
Genesis 49:25 is a promise of God's blessing and help to His people, reminding us that He is our helper and sustainer, as seen in Psalm 46:1. This verse teaches us that God's blessings can come from many sources, including the natural world and our relationships, and that He desires to bless us with an abundance of good things, as promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. Just as Jacob blessed his son Joseph in Genesis 49:25, we can trust that God will bless us and provide for our needs. By trusting in God's help and blessing, we can live with confidence and hope, knowing that He is always with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean by 'the God of your father who helps you' in Genesis 49:25?
This phrase refers to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who is also the God of the Israelites, and it emphasizes His role as a helper to His people, as seen in Psalm 54:4 and Deuteronomy 33:29.
Who is the Almighty mentioned in Genesis 49:25?
The Almighty is another name for God, emphasizing His all-powerful nature, as seen in Genesis 17:1 and Job 5:17, where He is the one who blesses and sustains His people.
What are the 'blessings of the heavens above' and 'blessings of the depths below' in Genesis 49:25?
These blessings likely refer to the abundance and prosperity that come from God, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, where God promises to bless His people with an abundance of good things if they follow Him.
What is the significance of 'blessings of the breasts and womb' in Genesis 49:25?
This phrase is likely referring to the blessings of fertility and family, as seen in Genesis 1:28 and Psalm 127:3, where children are considered a blessing from God.
Reflection Questions
- How have you experienced God's help and blessing in your life, and how can you trust Him more fully for your needs?
- What are some ways you can seek to be a blessing to others, just as God has blessed you?
- How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the abundance and prosperity that God provides, and what are some ways you can use these blessings to glorify Him?
- What does this verse teach you about God's character, and how can you apply this to your relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:25
Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee,.... The same with the mighty God of Jacob, by whom his hands had been made strong, and he would be still helped, protected, and defended against
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:25
Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:25
Here he explains and determines that doubtful expression from these, by adding even by (or rather from as this particle mem properly signifies, and was just now used) the God of thy Father, i.e. who hath chosen and loved they father, and made a league with him, and blessed him with all manner of blessings. Blessings of heaven above, i.e. the sweet and powerful influences of the heavenly bodies, and the dews and rains which fall from heaven, whereby the fruits of the earth are produced in great plenty. See , . blessing of the deep, i.e. of the great sea of waters both above the earth, and in the earth, whence come those springs and rivers by which the earth is moistened and made fruitful. See 7:11, . Blessings of the breasts, and of the womb whereby both men and beasts shall be greatly multiplied, and abundantly supplied with all necessaries.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:25
Genesis 49:25 [Even] by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:Ver. 25. Who shall help thee.] God hath, God shall, - is an ordinary way of arguing; it is a demonstration of Scripture logic, as Psalms 85:1-4 2 Corinthians 1:10. Every former favour is a pledge of a future. With blessings of heaven above, &c.] God "shall hear the heaven, the heaven shall hear the earth; and the earth shall hear the corn, wine, and oil": the genealogy of all which is resolved into God. With blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.] Yet rather than "Ephraim shall bring forth children to the murderer," the prophet prays God to give them, as a blessing, as some think, "a miscarrying womb, and dry breasts." And our Saviour saith, "Woe be to such as are with child, and give suck in those days" of war and trouble.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:25
(25) Even by the God of thy father.—In the Hebrew this follows directly upon the preceding clause: “from the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel; from the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and from the Almighty,” &c. Blessings of heaven above are the rains and dew; those of “the deep” beneath are lakes, rivers, and springs; and those of “the breasts and womb” mean an abundant offspring both of men and cattle. (For the opposite curse see Hosea 9:14.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:25
Verse 25. The God of thy father] How frequently God is called the God of Jacob none needs be told who reads the Bible. God All-sufficient] Instead of את שדי ETH Shaddai, THE Almighty or All-sufficient; I read אל שדי El EL Shaddai, GOD All-sufficient; which is the reading of the Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, and Coptic, and of three reputable MSS. In the collections of Kennicott and De Rossi. The copies used by those ancient versions had evidently אל EL, God, and not את eth, THE, a mistake produced in later times. On the word אל שדי El Shaddai, See Clarke on Genesis 17:1. The blessing of the heavens from above] A generally pure, clear, serene sky, frequently dropping down fertilizing showers and dews, so as to make a very fruitful soil and salubrious atmosphere. Blessings lying in the deep beneath] Whatever riches could be gained from the sea or rivers, from mines and minerals in the bowels of the earth, and from abundant springs in different parts of his inheritance. Our translation of this line is excessively obscure: Blessings of the deep that lieth under. What is it that lies under the deep: By connecting ברכת bircoth, blessings, with רבצת robetseth, lying, all ambiguity is avoided, and the text speaks a plain and consistent sense.
The blessings of the breasts and of the womb.] A numerous offspring, and an abundance of cattle. The progeny of Joseph, by Ephraim and Manasseh, amounted at the first census or enumeration (Num. i.) to 75,900 men, which exceeded the sum of any one tribe; Judah, the greatest of the others, amounting to no more than 74,600. Indeed, Ephraim and Manasseh had multiplied so greatly in the days of Joshua, that a common lot was not sufficient for them. See their complaint, Joshua 17:14.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:25
25. Even by the God of thy father] This verse continues the subject of the two previous clauses, the Divine source of help for Joseph. For “the God of thy father,” cf. Genesis 31:5, Genesis 50:17. And by the Almighty] Lit. “and with (êth = ‘with the help of,’ see Genesis 4:2) the Almighty.” The Hebrew, however, for “by” is most probably due to an error in the transcription of one letter (êth for êl). Read “and God Almighty.” “Êl” was read by LXX, Sam., and Syr. Pesh. “Almighty,” i.e. Shaddai, see note on Genesis 17:1, Genesis 35:11. who shall bless thee] Rather a prayer, = “and may he bless thee.” The next words should be compared with the blessing of Joseph in Deuteronomy 33:13, “blessed of the Lord be his land; for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath, &c.” Here three types of blessing are invoked, those of the sky, the waters, and the human race, as three sources of fruitfulness. blessings of] Either continuing the sentence, “May he bless thee with blessings,” or beginning a new sentence, “May there be to thee, &c.” heaven above] The blessings of rain and dew. Cf. Genesis 27:28. the deep that coucheth beneath] Cf. the identical words of Deut. quoted above.
For “the deep that coucheth beneath” (Lat. abyssi jacentis deorsum), see note on Genesis 1:9. “The deep,” Heb. tehôm (Genesis 1:2), the great subterranean reservoir of water from which, according to Israelite ideas, the springs, fountains, and rivers welled up, and gave fertility to the soil. the breasts] For the converse of this blessing, see Hosea 9:14. The fruitfulness of a family was deemed a proof of Divine blessing.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:25
25. The Almighty — Hebrews Shaddai, who had appeared so often to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Comp. Genesis 17:1; Genesis 28:3; Genesis 35:11; Genesis 43:14; Genesis 48:3.
Sermons on Genesis 49:25
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(Genesis) Genesis 49:22-27 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the blessings and prophecies given by Jacob to his sons before his death. He starts by discussing Joseph, who was described as a fruitful bo |
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It All Began With a Thirsty Woman by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of business people and initially intends to talk about the needs of orphans in Africa. However, he feels compelled to discuss a debt t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young couple who came forward every Sunday seeking all that God had for them. However, they were expecting a sensational and mom |
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How God Broke Jacob by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the book of Genesis. Jacob, who had done wrong things and was running away, had a vision of a ladder from heaven to e |
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The Need for Spiritual Leadership by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the Lord Jesus uses two parables to convey a message to his disciples. The first parable is about sheep and a shepherd, emphasizing that the sheep are harassed and |
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K-530 Jacob Wrestling by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the demanding nature of worshiping God. He criticizes the indifference and casualness with which people treat God, while they invest time and |
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An Encounter With God by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of dreams and visions. He mentions that while most dreams are just dreams, there are also visions of God that are given as dreams. T |