Old Testament
Genesis 35:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
God also said to him, "I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a group of nations will descend from you, and kings will come from your body."
Compare translations
And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;
What Genesis 35:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God reveals His powerful identity as 'God Almighty' to Jacob, emphasizing His authority and capability. He encourages Jacob to be fruitful and multiply, promising that his descendants will form a great nation. This is not just about numbers; it signifies the importance of legacy and influence. God assures Jacob that kings will arise from his lineage, highlighting the significance of his family in history. This promise is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the potential within each person to impact the world. Jacob's journey is a testament to the unfolding of God's plans through generations, showing that our lives can contribute to something much larger than ourselves. The call to be fruitful is both a personal and communal challenge, inviting us to nurture relationships and create a lasting impact. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to embrace our roles in our families and communities, knowing that we are part of a divine purpose that extends beyond our immediate circumstances.
How to apply Genesis 35:11 to your life
Consider how you can be fruitful in your own life. This might mean nurturing relationships, pursuing personal growth, or contributing to your community. Reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind and how your actions today can shape future generations. Embrace your role in a larger story of purpose and impact. Remember, you have the potential to influence others positively and create lasting change in the world around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jacob's story: Back to Bethel (Genesis 35:1–15)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jacob
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 35:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 35:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does God mean by 'be fruitful and multiply' in Genesis 35:11?
In Genesis 35:11, when God tells Jacob to 'be fruitful and multiply,' He is encouraging Jacob to have many descendants. This command signifies not just physical reproduction but also the importance of building a legacy and nurturing relationships. It emphasizes the role of family and community in God's plan, suggesting that Jacob's lineage will have a significant impact on future generations.
What is the significance of God calling Himself 'God Almighty'?
When God identifies Himself as 'God Almighty' in Genesis 35:11, He is asserting His supreme power and authority. This title highlights His ability to fulfill promises and accomplish His will. It reassures Jacob of God's capability to bless him and his descendants, reinforcing the idea that God's plans are unstoppable and that He is fully capable of bringing about the great nation and kings He promises.
How does Genesis 35:11 relate to the concept of legacy?
Genesis 35:11 speaks directly to the idea of legacy by promising Jacob that his descendants will form a great nation and that kings will come from him. This highlights the importance of one's family and the impact they can have on history. It encourages readers to consider their own legacies and how their actions and values can influence future generations, reminding us that our lives can contribute to a larger purpose.
What can we learn about leadership from Genesis 35:11?
Genesis 35:11 illustrates that leadership often comes with responsibility and the potential to influence many. God's promise to Jacob that kings will arise from his lineage suggests that true leadership is about nurturing and guiding others. It encourages us to embrace our roles in our families and communities, recognizing that our actions can shape the future and inspire others to lead as well.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.