Genesis 49:25

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

מֵאֵ֨ל

H410

Even by the God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אָבִ֜יךָ

of thy father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְיַעְזְרֶ֗ךָּ

H5826

who shall help

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

וְאֵ֤ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שַׁדַּי֙

H7706

the Almighty

the almighty

וִיבָ֣רְכֶ֔ךָּ

H1288

who shall bless

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

בִּרְכֹ֥ת

H1293

blessings

benediction; by implication prosperity

שָׁמַ֙יִם֙

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

מֵעָ֔ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

בִּרְכֹ֥ת

H1293

blessings

benediction; by implication prosperity

#11

תְּה֖וֹם

H8415

of the deep

an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)

#12

רֹבֶ֣צֶת

H7257

that lieth

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

#13

תָּ֑חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#14

בִּרְכֹ֥ת

H1293

blessings

benediction; by implication prosperity

#15

שָׁדַ֖יִם

H7699

of the breasts

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

#16

וָרָֽחַם׃

H7356

and of the womb

compassion (in the plural)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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