Old Testament

Genesis 48:4

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Genesis 48:4, Jacob recounts a promise made to him by God.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

He told me, 'I will make you fruitful and increase your numbers. I will make you into a great assembly of peoples, and I will give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.'

KJVKing James Version

And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Genesis 48:4, Jacob recounts a promise made to him by God. This promise includes three main elements: first, that Jacob's descendants will be fruitful and multiply, indicating a significant growth in their numbers. Second, God assures Jacob that his descendants will form a great assembly of peoples, suggesting a diverse and influential nation. Lastly, God promises to give the land to Jacob's descendants as an everlasting possession, emphasizing the permanence of this inheritance. This passage highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of lineage and land in the biblical narrative. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where blessings are passed down through generations, reinforcing the idea of divine favor and purpose in their lives. Explore related gods.

How to apply Genesis 48:4 to your life

This verse encourages us to trust in God's promises for our lives and the lives of our descendants. It reminds us that God has a plan for our families and that we should nurture faith and values that can be passed down through generations, ensuring a legacy of faithfulness and blessing.

Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Genesis 48:4 mean?

Genesis 48:4 recounts God's promise to Jacob that his descendants will be fruitful and form a great nation. It emphasizes the assurance of land as an everlasting possession for his lineage, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant.

What is the significance of 'fruitful and multiply' in Genesis 48:4?

The phrase 'fruitful and multiply' in Genesis 48:4 signifies God's blessing on Jacob's descendants, indicating they will grow in number and influence. It reflects the biblical theme of growth and prosperity as part of God's covenant.

What is the promise made to Jacob in Genesis 48:4?

In Genesis 48:4, God promises Jacob that his descendants will become a great assembly of peoples and that they will inherit the land as an everlasting possession. This promise underscores the importance of lineage and divine favor.

How does Genesis 48:4 relate to the concept of inheritance?

Genesis 48:4 relates to inheritance by assuring Jacob that the land will be given to his descendants forever. This highlights the biblical theme of generational blessings and the significance of land in God's covenant with His people.

The Book of Genesis
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Genesis summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.