Genesis 35:11
And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it seems like a simple repetition of promises made to Abraham and Isaac, God here emphasizes that He is God Almighty, El Shaddai. This name, signifying His abundant power and provision, is a direct reassurance to Jacob, especially after the recent trauma and turmoil his family has endured, confirming His ability to fulfill these great promises through him.
After a period of significant personal upheaval, including the tragic defilement of his daughter Dinah and the vengeful actions of his sons Simeon and Levi, Jacob is divinely commanded to return to Bethel. There, he purifies his household, discards idols, and builds an altar to God, who had previously appeared to him there. This verse marks God's reaffirmation of His covenant promises to Jacob, assuring him of his future as the progenitor of a great nation and the recipient of the promised land.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, like you just don't have what it takes to face life's challenges? God reminds Jacob, and us, of who He is.
When God speaks to Jacob in Genesis 35:11, He introduces Himself with a powerful name: 'El Shaddai,' often translated as 'God Almighty' or 'God All-Sufficient.' This isn't just a title; it's a declaration of His character and capability.
More Than Just Power
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God's promises to Jacob aren't just about personal success; they stretch across generations and encompass vast peoples. What does this mean for us?
The promises God gives Jacob in Genesis 35:11 go far beyond a simple blessing. They reveal the unfolding, global scope of God's redemptive plan.
A Seed of Nations
This incredible promise shows that God's vision for humanity is expansive, moving from a single chosen man to a multitude of nations united under His rule.
Understand the original words
El Shaddai · Hebrew Noun/Adjective Phrase
A title for God emphasizing His omnipotence, sufficiency, and ability to fulfill covenant promises, often used in contexts of blessing and fruitfulness.
parah, rabah · Hebrew Verb
The imperative or enabling command from God to increase, flourish, and propagate, first given at creation and reiterated to patriarchs to signify covenant expansion.
This divine encounter at Bethel happens as Jacob returns to Canaan, having faced trials and family turmoil. The reiteration of the promises made to Abraham and Isaac, now specifically to Jacob as Israel, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant despite human failings and the immediate, challenging context of Jacob's life.
~1800 BC
Abraham Receives Covenant Promises
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants, land, and that kings would come from him. This foundational promise sets the stage for future generations.
~1750 BC
Isaac Receives Covenant Promises
God reiterates the covenant promises made to Abraham to Isaac, confirming that the lineage and land promises would continue through him.
~1720 BC
Jacob Flees to Paddan-Aram
Fearing his brother Esau, Jacob flees Canaan. On his journey, God appears to him at Bethel, promising protection and numerous descendants.
~1700 BC
Jacob's Time in Paddan-Aram
Jacob spends many years in Paddan-Aram, working for Laban and starting his family, though facing hardship and deception.
~1690 BC
Jacob Wrestles with God at Peniel
Jacob has a transformative encounter with God at Peniel, where he wrestles with the divine and receives the new name Israel, signifying his struggle and God's faithfulness.
~1680 BC
Jacob Returns to Canaan
Jacob, now named Israel, returns to the land of Canaan with his family and possessions, having made peace with Esau.
c. 1670 BC— this verse
God Reaffirms Covenant at Bethel
God appears to Jacob at Bethel, reaffirming the covenant promises of fruitfulness, nationhood, and kingship, and changing his name again to Israel. This occurs after Jacob has dealt with significant family issues and is preparing to settle.
This verse reiterates the promise of a multitude of nations and kings originating from Abraham, directly paralleling the promise given to Jacob here.
Genesis 28:3This passage shows God making a similar promise to Jacob about becoming a father of many nations and peoples, underscoring the continuity of God's covenant.
Exodus 19:5-6This passage speaks of Israel becoming God's special possession and a kingdom of priests, echoing the idea of kings and a distinct nation emerging from Jacob's lineage.
Romans 4:17Paul explains that Abraham was made 'father of all who believe,' which extends the concept of 'nations and company of nations' from Abraham and Jacob to all believers through faith.
Isaiah 41:10This verse speaks of God strengthening and upholding His chosen people, reflecting the 'God Almighty' aspect and His commitment to His people, just as He assures Jacob.
calvinGenesis 35:1-29: "And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother."
Et filii Zilpah ancillae Leah, Gad et Aser. Isti sunt filii Iahacob, qui nati sunt in Padan Aram.
And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.
Et venit Iahacob ad Ishac patrem suum in Mamre civitatem Arbah: h…
pooleGenesis 35:11: "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;"
A company of nations, tribes, for number and power, equal to so many nations, shall come out of thy loins, i.e. shall be begotten by thee, as this phrase is taken also in Genesis 46:26 1 Kings 8:19 Acts 2:30 .
While it seems like a simple repetition of promises made to Abraham and Isaac, God here emphasizes that He is God Almighty, El Shaddai. This name, signifying His abundant power and provision, is a direct reassurance to Jacob, especially after the recent trauma and turmoil his family has endured, confirming His ability to fulfill these great promises through him.
After a period of significant personal upheaval, including the tragic defilement of his daughter Dinah and the vengeful actions of his sons Simeon and Levi, Jacob is divinely commanded to return to Bethel. There, he purifies his household, discards idols, and builds an altar to God, who had previously appeared to him there. This verse marks God's reaffirmation of His covenant promises to Jacob, assuring him of his future as the progenitor of a great nation and the recipient of the promised land.
After a period of significant personal upheaval, including the tragic defilement of his daughter Dinah and the vengeful actions of his sons Simeon and Levi, Jacob is divinely commanded to return to Bethel. There, he purifies his household, discards idols, and builds an altar to God, who had previously appeared to him there. This verse marks God's reaffirmation of His covenant promises to Jacob, assuring him of his future as the progenitor of a great nation and the recipient of the promised land.
"And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body." — While it seems like a simple repetition of promises made to Abraham and Isaac, God here emphasizes that He is God Almighty, El Shaddai. This name, signifying His abundant power and provision, is a…
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