Old Testament
Genesis 48:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Genesis 48:16, Jacob is blessing his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
the Angel who has redeemed me from every harm—may he bless these boys. May my name and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac live on through them, and may they multiply greatly across the earth."
The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Genesis 48:16, Jacob is blessing his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh. He acknowledges the Angel, likely a reference to God or a divine messenger, who has protected him throughout his life. Jacob desires that his grandsons carry on his legacy and the legacy of their great-grandfathers, Abraham and Isaac. By invoking their names, he emphasizes the importance of family heritage and faith. Jacob's blessing is not just a wish for prosperity but also a prayer for their spiritual growth and influence. He hopes they will thrive and multiply, becoming a significant part of the world. This moment highlights the importance of blessings in family and the desire for future generations to uphold the values and faith of their ancestors. Explore related protection.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 48:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the blessings in our lives and to pass on our values and faith to future generations. It reminds us to pray for the well-being and spiritual growth of our children and grandchildren, ensuring that our legacy continues.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 48:16 mean?
Genesis 48:16 describes Jacob blessing his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, while acknowledging the divine protection he has received throughout his life. He expresses a desire for his family's legacy to continue through them, emphasizing the importance of faith and heritage.
What is the significance of the Angel in Genesis 48:16?
In Genesis 48:16, the Angel represents a divine messenger or God who has protected Jacob from harm. This acknowledgment highlights Jacob's gratitude for the guidance and safety he has experienced throughout his life.
What does Jacob wish for his grandsons in Genesis 48:16?
Jacob wishes for his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to be blessed, to carry on his name and the names of their great-grandfathers, Abraham and Isaac, and to multiply greatly on the earth, ensuring the continuation of their family legacy.
How does Genesis 48:16 relate to family legacy?
Genesis 48:16 emphasizes the importance of family legacy by showing Jacob's desire for his grandsons to inherit not only his name but also the faith and values of their ancestors, Abraham and Isaac, ensuring that their family heritage continues.

The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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