NKJV Word Study Bible

THE FIRST BOOK OF MOSES CALLED

GENESIS

THE FIRST PART OF GENESIS focuses on the beginning and spread of sin in the world and culminates in the devastating flood in the days of Noah. The second part of the book focuses on God’s dealings with one man, Abraham, through whom God promises to bring salvation and blessing to the world. Abraham and his descendants learn firsthand that it is always safe to trust the Lord in times of famine and feasting, blessing and bondage. From Abraham . . . to Isaac . . . to Jacob . . . to Joseph . . . God’s promises begin to come to fruition in a great nation possessing a great land. Genesis is a Greek word meaning “origin,” “source,” “generation,” or “beginning.” The original Hebrew title Bereshith means “In the Beginning.” The literary structure of Genesis is clear and is built around eleven separate units, all but the first including the word genealogy or history in a summary phrase: (1) Introduction to the Genealogies (1:1—­2:3); (2) Heaven and Earth (2:4—­4:26); (3) Adam (5:1—­6:8); (4) Noah (6:9—­9:29); (5) Sons of Noah (10:1—­ 11:9); (6) Shem (11:10–­26); (7) Terah (11:27—­25:11); (8) Ishmael (25:12–­18); (9) Isaac (25:19—­35:29); (10) Esau (36:1—­37:1); (11) Jacob (37:2—­50:26). WATCH WORDS ■ create (make something out of nothing)—­1:1 (also 1:27; 6:7) ■ family (kinsfolk, relatives)—­12:3 (also 10:32) ■ most high (the greatest, most supreme)—­14:18 (also 14:22) ■ believe (establish or confirm, express approval)—­15:6 ■ seed (offspring or descendants)—­22:18 (also 3:15; 13:15; 15:3)

The History of Creation ‌In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was a on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. 6 T hen God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it

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1:2 a Words in italic type have been added for clarity. They are not found in the original Hebrew or Aramaic.   ​

1:1 create (Heb. bara') (Gen. 1:27; 6:7; Is. 45:18; 65:17) H1254: God alone has the power to create everything out of nothing, whether it’s “the heavens

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and the earth” (Gen. 1:1), people (Gen. 1:27), or everything in between. Of course, God also has the power to destroy, as happens during the Flood (Gen. 6:7). The book of Isaiah is filled with references to the creative power of God (Gen. 40:26; 41:20; 42:5; 43:1, 7; 45:8, 12), emphasizing His uniqueness and superiority over all earthly gods. God promises that He will create a “new heavens and a new earth” for us to dwell in, a promise that is initiated with the birth of Jesus and finds its fulfillment in the prophecy in Revelation. 1:1 heavens  see Gen. 1:9. 1:1 earth  see Gen. 12:1. 1:2 was  see Gen. 27:1. 1:2 without form  see Is. 45:18. 1:2 darkness  see 1 Sam. 2:9. 1:3 say  see Is. 31:4. 1:4 good  see Ezek. 34:14. 1:4 divide  see Num. 16:9. 1:5 night  see Ps. 134:1. 1:5 evening  see Ps. 65:8.

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Genesis 1:7 2 7 divide the waters from the waters.”  T hus the earth, each according to its kind”; and God made the firmament, and divided the it was so. 25And God made the beast of the waters which were under the firmament earth according to its kind, cattle according from the waters which were above the firma- to its kind, and everything that creeps on the ment; and it was so. 8And God called the earth according to its kind. And God saw firmament Heaven. So the evening and the that it was good. 26 T hen God said, “Let Us make man in morning were the second day. 9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the Our image, according to Our likeness; let heavens be gathered together into one place, them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, 10And God called the dry land Earth, and the over alla the earth and over every creeping gathering together of the waters He called thing that creeps on the earth.” 27So God Seas. And God saw that it was good. created man in His own image; in the image 11 T hen God said, “Let the earth bring of God He created him; male and female He forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and 1:26 a Syriac reads all the wild animals of.   ​ the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; 1:8 heaven   see Gen. 1:9. and it was so. 12And the earth brought forth 1:9 heavens grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose (Heb. shamayim) (Gen. 1:1, 8; Ps. 2:4) H8064: The seed is in itself according to its kind. And Hebrew word for heavens may refer to either the God saw that it was good. 13So the evening physical heavens, the sky or the atmosphere of earth (Gen. 2:1, 4, 19), or to the dwelling place of and the morning were the third day. 14 T hen God said, “Let there be lights in God (Ps. 14:2), the spiritual heaven. The expression is probably derived from a word meaning “to the firmament of the heavens to divide the be high, lofty.” To describe God as living in the day from the night; and let them be for signs heavens is to describe His exalted position over and seasons, and for days and years; 15and all people. The physical heavens testify to God’s let them be for lights in the firmament of glorious position and also to His creative genius the heavens to give light on the earth”; and (Ps. 19:1, 6). 16 it was so.  Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser 1:10 earth   see Genv. 12:1. light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 1:10 sea   see 2 Chr. 4:2. 17God set them in the firmament of the heav1:14 sign   see Is. 55:13. 1:14 seasons   see Num. 9:2. ens to give light on the earth, 18and to rule 1:16 two   see 2 Kin. 2:9. over the day and over the night, and to divide 1:16 great   see Gen. 21:18. the light from the darkness. And God saw 1:16 rule   see Ps. 114:2. that it was good. 19So the evening and the 1:21 living thing   see Ezek. 1:5. morning were the fourth day. 1:22 fill   see Jer. 23:24. 20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and 1:26 man let birds fly above the earth across the face (Heb. 'adam) (Gen. 2:7; 3:8; 4:1) H0120: Although of the firmament of the heavens.” 21So God man was created before woman, and although the created great sea creatures and every living word sometimes refers distinctly to men, 'adam thing that moves, with which the waters is most often used to refer to all humans (Gen. abounded, according to their kind, and every 5:2). As if to emphasize his status as someone winged bird according to its kind. And God created by God, 'adam was made out of 'adamah (“the ground”). Nevertheless, 'adam was made in saw that it was good. 22And God blessed God’s image, exalted above all other creatures, them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and and made to “have dominion over” all creation fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multi(Gen. 1:28). The word also refers to the first man, 23 ply on the earth.” So the evening and the Adam, father of Cain and Abel (Gen. 3:8; 4:1). morning were the fifth day. 24 T hen God said, “Let the earth bring 1:27 create   see Gen. 1:1. forth the living creature according to its 1:27 male   see Num. 1:2. kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of 

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created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and

God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. ‌Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 T hen God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. 4 T his is the history a of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lor d God made the earth and the heavens, 5before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the Lor d God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; 6but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground. 7And the Lor d God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

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Life in God’s Garden 8 T he Lor d God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9And out of the ground the Lor d God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. 11 The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the

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Genesis 2:15 whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there. 13 The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river is Hiddekel;a it is the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. 15 Then the Lor d God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and 2:4 a Hebrew toledoth, literally generations   ​2:14 a Or Tigris  ​

1:28 fruitful  see Gen. 28:3. 1:28 multiply  see Ex. 11:9. 1:28 subdue  see Neh. 5:5. 1:28 dominion  see Ps. 72:8. 2:1 host  see Is. 10:16. 2:2 seventh  see Lev. 23:8. 2:2 work  see Ex. 31:3. 2:2 rest  see Ex. 16:30.

2:7 form (Heb. yatsar) (Jer. 1:5; Lam. 4:2; Zech. 12:1) H3335: The basic meaning of this verb is “to shape or form.” It implies a degree of craftsmanship. God formed the earth (Is. 45:18), animals and man (Gen. 2:7, 8, 19), and, more abstractly, light (Is. 45:7), summer and winter (Ps. 74:17), and His divine plans (Is. 46:11; Jer. 18:11). Humans form idols (Is. 44:9–­12) as well as evil to harm others (Ps. 94:20). The most frequent object of this verb is pottery, with the analogy applied to God’s working with humanity (Jer. 19:1–­10). This imagery sits well with God forming man from the ground here in Genesis 2. 2:7 man  see Gen. 1:26. 2:7 dust  see Num. 23:10. 2:7 breath  see Ps. 150:6. 2:8-­10 garden  see 2 Kin. 21:18. 2:8 Eden  see Gen. 2:15. 2:9 knowledge  see Mal. 2:7. 2:9 evil  see Deut. 4:25. 2:10 river  see 1 Chr. 1:48.

2:15 Eden (Heb. `eden) (Gen. 2:8; Ezek. 36:35; Joel 2:3) H5731: This word is a proper noun designating the place where God planted a garden for Adam and Eve (Gen. 2:8). It is probably based on a word indicating luxury, delight, pleasure, and bliss. This base word expresses the feelings of Sarah at the prospect of finally bearing a child (Gen. 18:12), as well other pleasures that come from God (Ps. 36:8). Economically, it denotes Continued

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Genesis 2:16 4 16 keep it. And the Lor d God commanded eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to you may freely eat; 17but of the tree of the her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eyes of both of them were opened, and they eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves surely die.” 18And the Lor d God said, “It is not good coverings. 8And they heard the sound of the Lor d that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19Out of the God walking in the garden in the cool of the ground the Lor d God formed every beast day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves of the field and every bird of the air, and from the presence of the Lor d God among brought them to Adam to see what he would the trees of the garden. 9 Then the Lor d God called to Adam and call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20So Adam said to him, “Where are you?” 10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; there was not found a helper comparable to and I hid myself.” 11And He said, “Who told you that you him. 21And the Lor d God caused a deep sleep were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took which I commanded you that you should not one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its eat?” place. 22 Then the rib which the Lor d God had taken from man He made into a woman, Continued and He brought her to the man. ­luxurious clothing and other delicacies (2 Sam. 23And Adam said:

“This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and

mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. The Temptation and Fall of Man ‌Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lor d God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 T hen the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the

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1:24). While the expression Garden of Eden is prevalent, Ezekiel speaks of the “trees of Eden” four times (Ezek. 31:9–­18). It truly was a “Garden of Bliss.” 2:16 command  see Num. 5:2. 2:21 sleep  see Ps. 4:8. 2:21 take  see 1 Sam. 8:14. 2:21 one  see Deut. 6:4. 2:22 woman  see Judg. 21:11. 2:24 father  see Ps. 68:5. 2:25 ashamed  see Ezek. 16:63.

3:6 pleasant (Heb. ta'avah) (Ps. 38:9; 78:29) H8378: This Hebrew word is a noun designating a desire, longing, or craving. It appears most frequently in the poetic books. Proverbs declares the desire of the righteous is only for good and that the Lord will grant it (Prov. 10:24; 11:23). In addition to referring to desire itself, this word can also refer to the thing desired (Gen. 3:6; Job 33:20; Prov. 13:12, 19). Desire can cross the line into covetousness, especially when one “desires a desire” (Num. 11:4; Prov. 21:26). As in English, desire is associated with the heart (Ps. 10:3, 17; 21:2). 3:7 fig  see 2 Kin. 20:7. 3:8 Adam  see Gen. 1:26. 3:10 hear  see 1 Sam. 3:10. 3:11 tell  see Is. 3:9.

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You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” 13And the Lor d God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14So the Lor d God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” 16 To the woman He said:

“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” 17 T hen

to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” 20And

Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21Also for Adam and his wife the Lor d God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. 22 Then the Lor d God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”—­23therefore the Lor d God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the

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Genesis 4:7 ground from which he was taken. 24So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. Cain Murders Abel N ‌ ow Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lor d.” 2 Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lor d. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lor d respected Abel and his offering, 5but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6 So the Lor d said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

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3:13 deceive  see Is. 36:14. 3:15 enmity  see Ezek. 35:5. 3:15 seed  see Gen. 22:18.

3:15 head (Heb. rosh) (Gen. 40:20; Ex. 6:14; 1 Sam. 10:1; 17:51) H7218: The Hebrew word rosh often means the literal head of a person, as when Samson described his strength residing in the hair on his head (Judg. 16:17), or when Samuel anointed Saul as king of Israel by pouring oil on his head (1 Sam. 10:1). However, while both Pharaoh’s baker and butler would have their heads “lifted up”—­for one this meant restoration but for the other it meant being hanged (Gen. 40:20). The word rosh can also refer to the leader of a group or tribe, or even to a mountaintop (Gen. 8:5; Ex. 19:20). 3:19 bread  see 1 Sam. 21:3. 3:22 put out  see Ps. 144:7. 3:24 cherubim  see Ex. 25:18. 3:24 sword  see Josh. 19:47. 4:1 Adam  see Gen. 1:26. 4:1 know  see Ex. 3:7. 4:4 fat  see Gen. 45:18. 4:4 offering  see Num. 29:6.

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Genesis 4:8 6 8Now Cain talked with Abel his brothFor I have killed a man for wounding me, Even a young man for hurting me. er;a and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his 24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-­sevenfold.” brother and killed him. 9 T hen the Lor d said to Cain, “Where is A New Son Abel your brother?” 25And Adam knew his wife again, and she He said, “I do not know. Am I my brothbore a son and named him Seth, “For God er’s keeper?” 10And He said, “What have you done? The has appointed another seed for me instead of 26 voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me Abel, whom Cain killed.” And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named 11 from the ground. So now you are cursed a Then men began to call on the him Enosh. from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your name of the Lor d. hand. 12 W hen you till the ground, it shall The Family of Adam no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive ‌T his is the book of the genealogy of and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.” Adam. In the day that God created man, 13And Cain said to the Lor d, “My punishHe made him in the likeness of God. 2He ment is greater than I can bear! 14Surely You created them male and female, and b ­ lessed have driven me out this day from the face of them and called them Mankind in the day the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; they were created. 3And Adam lived one I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in earth, and it will happen that anyone who his own likeness, after his image, and named finds me will kill me.” him Seth. 4 After he begot Seth, the days of 15And the Lor d said to him, “Therefore,a Adam were eight hundred years; and he had whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken a Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate on him sevenfold.” And the Lor d set a mark 4:8  add “Let us go out to the field.”   ​4:15 a Following Masoretic on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill Text and Targum; Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read Not so.   ​4:26 a Greek Enos   ​ him.

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The Family of Cain 16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lor d and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. 17And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son—­E noch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech. 19 T hen Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. 20And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. 22And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-­Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-­Cain was Naamah. 23 Then Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech!

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4:8 brother  see Ps. 133:1. 4:8 kill  see 2 Chr. 22:8. 4:9 keeper  see Job 10:12. 4:13 bear  see 1 Sam. 25:28. 4:15 kill  see Gen. 19:11. 4:16 land  see Gen. 12:1. 4:17 city  see Deut. 20:10. 4:21 harp  see 1 Sam. 16:16. 4:22 bronze  see 2 Chr. 2:7. 4:23 hurt  see Is. 53:5.

4:25 appoint (Heb. shith) (Ps. 3:6; 90:8; 110:1) H7896: The basic meaning of this word is “to put, place, or set.” It is a rather exotic, poetic, and formal word. One may “place” a variety of objects, such as place one’s hand on someone to confer a blessing (Gen. 48:14), place a child into a woman’s lap (Ruth 4:16), or place a penalty upon a person (Ex. 21:22). God also places various things including boundary limits (Ex. 23:31) and a person into a position of power (1 Kin. 11:34; Ps. 132:11). The most frequent object of placing is one’s heart—­ said once of God Himself (Job 7:17; Jer. 31:21). In the current passage, this word is a pun upon the sound of the name “Seth.”

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sons and daughters. all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years; and he died. 6 Seth lived one hundred and five years, and begot Enosh. 7After he begot Enosh, Seth lived eight hundred and seven years, and had sons and daughters. 8So all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years; and he died. 9Enosh lived ninety years, and begot Cainan. a 10After he begot Cainan, Enosh lived eight hundred and fifteen years, and had sons and daughters. 11So all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years; and he died. 12Cainan lived seventy years, and begot Mahalalel. 13After he begot Mahalalel, Cainan lived eight hundred and forty years, and had sons and daughters. 14So all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years; and he died. 15Mahalalel lived sixty-­f ive years, and begot Jared. 16After he begot Jared, Mahalalel lived eight hundred and thirty years, and had sons and daughters. 17So all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety-­ five years; and he died. 18Jared lived one hundred and sixty-­t wo years, and begot Enoch. 19After he begot Enoch, Jared lived eight hundred years, and had sons and daughters. 20 So all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-­t wo years; and he died. 21Enoch lived sixty-­f ive years, and begot Methuselah. 22After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. 23So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-­f ive years. 24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. 25Methuselah lived one hundred and eighty-­s even years, and begot Lamech. 26After he begot Lamech, Methuselah lived seven hundred and eighty-­t wo years, and had sons and daughters. 27So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-­ nine years; and he died. 28Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-­ two years, and had a son. 29And he called his name Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lor d has cursed.” 30After he begot Noah, Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-­f ive

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Genesis 6:2 years, and had sons and daughters. 31So all the days of Lamech were seven hundred and seventy-­seven years; and he died. 32And Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah begot Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The Wickedness and Judgment of Man ‌Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, 2that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.

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5:9 a Hebrew Qenan   ​

5:5 die  see 2 Sam. 19:6.

5:21 Methuselah (Heb. methushelach) (Gen. 5:22; 1 Chr. 1:3) H4968: Methuselah’s name can perhaps be interpreted as “man of the javelin,” or “man of the canal,” but there are several other suggestions. If the first suggestion is correct, then his name might indicate a wish or hope that he would grow up to be skillful in the use of this weapon. “Man of a canal” would probably relate to the location of his birth. It is also possible that he was given this name to honor a close family member (Luke 1:59–­61). Apart from Genesis 5, his name does not occur elsewhere in the Bible outside of being listed in two later genealogies—­one, a genealogy of Jesus (1 Chr. 1:3; Luke 3:37). 5:22 Methuselah  see Gen. 5:21.

5:24 walk (Heb. halak) (Gen. 6:9; Deut. 13:4; Ps. 128:1; Mic. 6:8) H1980: The basic meaning of the Hebrew verb translated here as walk is “to go” or “to travel.” The word is used often in the Old Testament to signify merely a simple act of motion (Gen. 13:17; 2 Sam. 11:2). In Genesis 6:9 and other passages, the word possesses connotations of a habitual manner of life or a constant relationship with God. Thus the word describes Noah, Enoch, and other people of faith as living in a close relationship with their God and in obedience to His commands. Throughout Scripture, believers are called to walk with God daily, abiding in Him completely (Gal. 5:16; 1 John 2:6). 5:32 Shem  see Gen. 10:22. 5:32 Japheth  see 1 Chr. 1:5. 6:1 earth  see Jer. 35:15

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Genesis 6:3 8 3And the Lor d said, “My Spirit shall not thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every strivea with man forever, for he is indeed sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred they shall be male and female. 20Of the birds and twenty years.” 4 T here were giants on after their kind, of animals after their kind, the earth in those days, and also afterward, and of every creeping thing of the earth after when the sons of God came in to the daugh- its kind, two of every kind will come to you ters of men and they bore children to them. to keep them alive. 21And you shall take for Those were the mighty men who were of old, yourself of all food that is eaten, and you men of renown. shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food 5 T hen the Lor d a saw that the wicked- for you and for them.” 22 T hus Noah did; according to all that ness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was God commanded him, so he did. only evil continually. 6And the Lor d was sorry that He had made man on the earth, The Great Flood and He was grieved in His heart. 7So the T ‌ hen the Lor d said to Noah, “Come Lor d said, “I will destroy man whom I have into the ark, you and all your household, created from the face of the earth, both man because I have seen that you are righteous and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, before Me in this generation. 2 You shall take for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8But with you seven each of every clean animal, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lor d. 6:3 a Septuagint, Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate read abide.   ​

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Noah Pleases God 9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. 10And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. The Ark Prepared 13And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. 15And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. 17And behold, I Myself am bringing f loodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. 18But I will establish My cov­en­ant with you; and you shall go into the ark—­you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19And of every living

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6:5 a Following Masoretic Text and Targum; Vulgate reads God; Septuagint reads Lord God.   ​

6:3 Spirit  see Joel 2:28. 6:3 strive  see Deut. 32:36. 6:5 intent  see Gen. 8:21. 6:7 create  see Gen. 1:1. 6:8 grace  see Zech. 12:10. 6:9 just  see Lam. 1:18. 6:9 perfect  see Judg. 9:16. 6:9 walk  see Gen. 5:24.

6:10 beget (Heb. yalad) (Gen. 16:1; Num. 1:18; Is. 51:18) H3205: This word indicates production—­ normally of offspring. It is used of both male and female human beings (Gen. 17:17) and even of animals, including birds (Jer. 17:11; Ezek. 31:6). One not only produces immediate successors, but more distant generations as well (Deut. 4:25). Thus, genealogies sometimes skip over insignificant individuals. In certain forms, this word can indicate “do the duties of a midwife” (Ex. 1:16). The wicked produce iniquity (Is. 59:4), and the rain causes the earth to produce grain (Is. 55:10). As for God, He produced drops of dew (Job 38:28), the mountains (Ps. 90:2), Israel (Deut. 32:18; Is. 66:8, 9), and His own royal Son (Ps. 2:7). 6:11 violence  see Hab. 1:9. 6:15 cubit  see Ezek. 41:8. 6:16 door  see Ps. 24:7. 6:17 floodwaters  see Is. 43:2. 6:18 covenant  see 2 Sam. 3:12. 6:21 gather  see Gen. 35:29.

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a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; 3also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth. 4For after seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and I will destroy from the face of the earth all living things that I have made.” 5And Noah did according to all that the Lor d commanded him. 6Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters were on the earth. 7So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood. 8Of clean animals, of animals that are unclean, of birds, and of everything that creeps on the earth, 9two by two they went into the ark to Noah, male and female, as God had commanded Noah. 10And it came to pass after seven days that the waters of the flood were on the earth. 11In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. 12And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights. 13On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark—­ 14they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. 15And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. 16So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lor d shut him in. 17Now the flood was on the earth forty days. The waters increased and lifted up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. 18 The waters prevailed and greatly increased on the earth, and the ark moved about on the surface of the waters. 19And the waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth, and all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered. 20 The waters prevailed fifteen cubits upward, and the mountains were covered. 21And all f lesh died that moved on the earth: birds and cattle and beasts and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man. 22All in whose nostrils was the

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Genesis 8:5

breath of the spirita of life, all that was on the

dry land, died. 23So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive. 24 And the waters prevailed on the earth one hundred and fifty days. Noah’s Deliverance ‌Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. 2 T he fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were also stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained. 3And the waters receded continually from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters decreased. 4 Then the ark rested in the seventh month, the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat. 5And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month. In the tenth

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7:22 a Septuagint and Vulgate omit of the spirit.   ​

7:4 destroy  see Gen. 7:23. 7:11 day  see Mal. 4:5. 7:12 rain  see Lev. 26:4. 7:13 Shem  see Gen. 10:22. 7:13 enter  see Num. 34:8. 7:14 bird  see Is. 31:5. 7:19 prevail  see Ex. 17:11. 7:20 mountain  see Deut. 9:9.

7:23 destroy (Heb. machah) (Gen. 7:4; Prov. 6:33) H4229: This verb denotes both wiping off and wiping out. It is used literally of wiping tears from one’s face (Is. 25:8), wiping off a plate (2 Kin. 21:13), and wiping off words from a scroll (through a washing or scraping process) (Num. 5:23). This latter imagery is used by Moses to ask God to wipe his name from God’s book if God does not forgive the Israelites (Ex. 32:32, 33). It may also be behind the thought of blotting out transgression (Is. 43:25). While the meaning “to wipe out” may refer to merely human actions (Judg. 21:17), far more often divine judgment is involved (Deut. 9:14; 25:19; 2 Kin. 21:13). 8:1 living thing  see Ezek. 1:5. 8:3 recede  see Ezek. 14:6. 8:4 rest  see Ex. 33:14.

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Genesis 8:6 10 month, on the first day of the month, the tops 22 “While the earth remains, of the mountains were seen. Seedtime and harvest, 6 So it came to pass, at the end of forty Cold and heat, days, that Noah opened the window of the Winter and summer, ark which he had made. 7 Then he sent out And day and night a raven, which kept going to and fro until Shall not cease.” the waters had dried up from the earth. 8He ‌So God blessed Noah and his sons, and also sent out from himself a dove, to see if said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, the waters had receded from the face of the and fill the earth.a 2And the fear of you and 9 ground. But the dove found no resting place the dread of you shall be on every beast of for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that the ark to him, for the waters were on the face move on the earth, and on all the fish of the of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and sea. They are given into your hand. 3Every took her, and drew her into the ark to himself. 10And he waited yet another seven days, and moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green again he sent the dove out from the ark. 4 11 Then the dove came to him in the evening, herbs. But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5Surely for your lifeblood and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in I will demand a reckoning; from the hand her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters of every beast I will require it, and from the 12 had receded from the earth. So he waited hand of man. From the hand of every man’s yet another seven days and sent out the dove, brother I will require the life of man. which did not return again to him anymore. 13And it came to pass in the six hundred 6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; and first year, in the first month, the first For in the image of God day of the month, that the waters were dried He made man. up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and indeed 7 And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth the surface of the ground was dry. 14And in And multiply in it.” the second month, on the twenty-­seventh day of the month, the earth was dried. a 9:1   Compare Genesis 1:28   ​ 15 Then God spoke to Noah, saying, 16“Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your 8:7 raven   see Ps. 147:9. sons and your sons’ wives with you. 17Bring 8:9 resting place   see 1 Chr. 6:31. out with you every living thing of all flesh 8:11 dove   see Ps. 68:13. 8:13 covering   see Num. 4:10. that is with you: birds and cattle and every 8:21 aroma   see Ex. 29:25. creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be 8:21 imagination fruitful and multiply on the earth.” 18 So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and (Heb. yetser) (Gen. 6:5; Deut. 31:21; 1 Chr. 29:18; Ps. 103:14) H3336: The Hebrew word yetser is his sons’ wives with him. 19Every animal, translated as “imagination,” “inclination,” or every creeping thing, every bird, and what“intent” (Gen. 6:5; Deut. 31:21; 1 Chr. 28:9; 29:18) ever creeps on the earth, according to their or as “frame,” “formed,” or “mold” (Ps. 103:14; families, went out of the ark.

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God’s Covenant with Creation 20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lor d, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21And the Lor d smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lor d said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.

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Is. 29:16; Hab. 2:18). It carries the connotation of purpose or creative intent. As a result of the Fall, the inclination of man’s heart is sinful from birth. Because all people are born with a sinful nature, and are thus deserving of the wrath of God, we need God’s mercy and forbearance. 8:22 harvest  see Prov. 20:4. 8:22 heat  see Neh. 7:3. 8:22 night  see Ps. 134:1.

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11 8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 9“And as for Me, behold,

I establish My cov­en­ant with you and with your descendantsa after you, 10and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. 11 Thus I establish My cov­en­ant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12And God said: “This is the sign of the cov­en­ant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the cov­en­ant between Me and the earth. 14It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; 15and I will remember My cov­en­ant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 T he rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting cov­en­ant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the cov­en­ant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.” Noah and His Sons 18Now the sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And Ham was the father of Canaan. 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated. 20And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. 21 Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. 22And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. 23But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness. 24 So Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done to him. 25 Then he said:

“Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants He shall be to his brethren.”

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Genesis 10:1 26And he said:

“Blessed be the Lor d, The God of Shem, And may Canaan be his servant. 27 May God enlarge Japheth, And may he dwell in the tents of Shem; And may Canaan be his servant.” 28And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. 29So all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years; and he died. Nations Descended from Noah N ‌ ow this is the genealogy of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And sons were born to them after the flood.

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9:9 a Literally seed   ​

9:18 Canaan  see Gen. 9:25. 9:20 vineyard  see Deut. 22:9. 9:21 wine  see Ps. 75:8. 9:22, 23 nakedness  see Lev. 18:13. 9:23 Shem  see Gen. 10:22.

9:25 Canaan (Heb. kena`an) (Gen. 9:18; 12:5; 17:8; Josh. 5:12) H3667: Canaan literally means “lowland,” and the word refers to both (1) the people who were descended from Canaan, the fourth son of Ham and the grandson of Noah, and (2) the land west of the Jordan where the descendants of Canaan settled. Canaan was implicated in the dishonor of Noah (Gen. 9:20–­27), and as a result was cursed and his land eventually conquered by the Hebrews. The land of Canaan became known for its idolatry, so the curse of generations of servitude became punishment for both the original sin of Canaan and the subsequent sins of his descendants.

9:27 enlarge (Heb. pathah) (Prov. 20:19; Hos. 2:14) H6601: The blessing that Japheth be enlarged is a play on words, since the two words sound similar and share the same root. The blessing literally means “God enlarge the enlarger” or “cause the meaning of his name to be realized in the extension of his power.” Elsewhere the word pathah is translated as “entice” (Judg. 16:5; Prov. 1:10); “deceive” (Deut. 11:16); or “persuade” (1 Kin. 22:21; Jer. 20:7). Japheth did indeed become the father of many nations (Gen. 10:2–­5). 9:27 Japheth  see 1 Chr. 1:5. 10:1 genealogy  see 1 Chr. 5:7.

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Genesis 10:2 12 2  T he sons of Japheth were Gomer, Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and 30And their dwelling place was from Mesha Tiras. 3 The sons of Gomer were ­Ashkenaz, as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of Ri­­­phath, a and Togarmah. 4 T he sons of the east. 31 T hese were the sons of Shem, Javan were Elishah, Tar­shish, Kittim, and according to their families, according to Dodanim.a 5From these the coastland peoples their languages, in their lands, according to of the Gentiles were separated into their their nations. 32 T hese were the families of the sons of lands, everyone according to his language, according to their families, into their nations. Noah, according to their generations, in 6 T he sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, their nations; and from these the nations Put, a and Canaan. 7 T he sons of Cush were divided on the earth after the flood. were Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabtechah; and the sons of Raamah were The Tower of Babel ‌Now the whole earth had one language Sheba and Dedan. 8 Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a and one speech. 2And it came to pass, 9 mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty as they journeyed from the east, that they hunter before the Lor d; therefore it is said, found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they “Like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the 10:3 a Spelled Diphath in 1 Chronicles 1:6   ​10:4 a Spelled Lor d.” 10And the beginning of his kingdom Rodanim in Samaritan Pentateuch and 1 Chronicles 1:7   ​ Meshech in Septuagint and was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the 10:6 a Or Phut   ​10:23 a Called 1 Chronicles 1:17   ​10:24 a Following Masoretic Text, 11 land of Shinar. From that land he went Vulgate, and Targum; Septuagint reads Arphaxad begot to Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Cainan, and Cainan begot Salah (compare Luke 3:35, 36).   ​ Calah, 12and Resen between Nineveh and 10:28 a Spelled Ebal in 1 Chronicles 1:22   ​ Calah (that is the principal city). 13 Mizraim begot Ludim, Anamim, 10:5 coastland   see Ezek. 26:18. Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 14 Pathrusim, and 10:22 Shem Casluhim (from whom came the Philistines and Caphtorim). (Heb. shem) (Gen. 5:32; 7:13; 9:23) H8035: The 15Canaan begot Sidon his firstborn, and name Shem means “name” or “renown.” He was most likely the eldest son of Noah, since he is Heth; 16the Jebusite, the Amorite, and the mentioned first among his brothers. In that case, Girgashite; 17the Hivite, the Arkite, and the the translation of Genesis 10:21 could possibly be Sinite; 18the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and “the elder brother of Japheth.” Shem was present the Hamathite. Afterward the families of on the ark, and later he, together with his brother 19 the Canaanites were dispersed. And the Japheth, covered his father’s nakedness (Gen. border of the Canaanites was from Sidon as 9:20–­27). As a result, the two of them were prophyou go toward Gerar, as far as Gaza; then as esied to rule over Canaan (Gen. 9:26). Shem lived you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, for 600 years and had twenty-­six children, only and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha. 20 These were five of whom were sons. the sons of Ham, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands 10:30 dwelling place and in their nations. (Heb. moshab) (Gen. 27:39; Lev. 23:3; Num. 24:21; 21And children were born also to Shem, Ps. 1:1) H4186: The word for dwelling place refers the father of all the children of Eber, the to “a place that is inhabited,” such as a home (Ex. brother of Japheth the elder. 22 T he sons of 12:20) or a plot of land (Gen. 10:30; 27:39; 1 Chr. Shem were Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, 6:54). The word can also refer to the place where and Aram. 23 T he sons of Aram were Uz, one sits (Job 29:7; Ps. 1:1). The world of the Old Testament was an agrarian society, so having Hul, Gether, and Mash.a 24 Arphaxad begot one’s own land and habitation meant security. Salah, a and Salah begot Eber. 25 To Eber Therefore, the blessing of God was often assowere born two sons: the name of one was ciated with land and the promise of a dwelling Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; place was a sign of God’s protection, provision, 26 and his brother’s name was Joktan. Joktan and prosperity (Ezek. 34:13). begot Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 27Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 28 Obal, a 10:32 family   see Gen. 12:3. Abimael, Sheba, 29 Ophir, Havilah, and

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dwelt there. 3 Then they said to one another,

“Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. 4 And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” 5But the Lor d came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. 6And the Lor d said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. 7Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the Lor d scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. 9 Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lor d confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lor d scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth. Shem’s Descendants 10 This is the genealogy of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old, and begot Arphaxad two years after the flood. 11After he begot Arphaxad, Shem lived five hundred years, and begot sons and daughters. 12 Arphaxad lived thirty-­f ive years, and begot Salah. 13After he begot Salah, Arphaxad lived four hundred and three years, and begot sons and daughters. 14 Salah lived thirty years, and begot Eber. 15After he begot Eber, Salah lived four hundred and three years, and begot sons and daughters. 16Eber lived thirty-­four years, and begot Peleg. 17After he begot Peleg, Eber lived four hundred and thirty years, and begot sons and daughters. 18Peleg lived thirty years, and begot Reu. 19After he begot Reu, Peleg lived two hundred and nine years, and begot sons and daughters. 20Reu lived thirty-­t wo years, and begot Serug. 21After he begot Serug, Reu lived two hundred and seven years, and begot sons and daughters. 22 Serug lived thirty years, and begot Nahor. 23After he begot Nahor, Serug lived

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Genesis 11:32 two hundred years, and begot sons and daughters. 24 Nahor lived twenty-­n ine years, and begot Terah. 25After he begot Terah, Nahor lived one hundred and nineteen years, and begot sons and daughters. 26Now Terah lived seventy years, and begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Terah’s Descendants 27 T his is the genealogy of Terah: Terah begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran begot Lot. 28And Haran died before his father Terah in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans. 29 Then Abram and Nahor took wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and the father of Iscah. 30But Sarai was barren; she had no child. 31And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-­in-­law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there. 32So the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran. 11:4 scatter  see 2 Kin. 25:5. 11:6 propose  see Ps. 37:12. 11:8 scatter  see 2 Kin. 25:5. 11:28 Chaldean  see Jer. 41:18.

11:30 barren (Heb. `aqar) (Gen. 25:21; Ex. 23:26; Judg. 13:3; Ps. 113:9) H6135: Because people ascribed the ability to have children to divine providence, barrenness (or the inability to conceive) was seen as a sign of God’s displeasure (Ex. 23:25, 26; Deut. 7:14). It was a reversal of the natural order of fruitfulness prescribed at creation (Gen. 1:28). In the ancient world, a son would carry on the family name and take possession of the family land and livelihood. Thus, when Sarai was barren, it was a serious situation that had implications for her financial and social standing as well as her emotional well-­ being. When she conceived Isaac, her joy knew no bounds (Gen. 21:7).

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Genesis 12:1 Promises to Abram N ‌ ow the Lor d had said to Abram:

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“Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

4 So Abram departed as the Lor d had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-­f ive years old when he departed from Haran. 5 T hen Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. 6Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh.a And the Canaanites were then in the land. 7 Then the Lor d appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lor d, who had appeared to him. 8And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the Lor d and called on the name of the Lor d. 9So Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.a

Abram in Egypt 10Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land. 11And it came to pass, when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Indeed I know that you are a woman of beautiful countenance. 12 T herefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that Ia may live because of you.” 14So it was, when Abram came into Egypt,

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that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful. 15 The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house. 16He treated Abram well for her sake. He had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels. 17But the Lor d plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. 18And Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? 12:6 a Hebrew Alon Moreh   ​12:9 a Hebrew Negev   ​ 12:13 a Literally my soul   ​

12:1 land (Heb. 'erets) (Gen. 1:1, 10; 4:16; Deut. 34:2; Ps. 98:3) H0776: The common Old Testament word land possesses several nuances of meaning, including: earth in contrast to the heavens (1:1); land in contrast to the sea (Gen. 1:10); ground as a plot of real estate or a geographical location (Gen. 4:16); the land of a sovereign nation (Gen. 13:10, 12); or even the people who live upon the earth (Ps. 98:3; 100:1). In essence, all land belongs to God as its Creator (Ps. 24:1). Thus when God promised the Israelites the “land” of Canaan, it was His to give. Because the land of Canaan was an important element in God’s covenant with the Israelites (Gen. 12:1), it became one of their identifying characteristics—­the “people of the land” (Gen. 13:15; 15:7). 12:2 great  see Gen. 48:19.

12:3 family (Heb. mishpachah) (Gen. 10:32; Num. 1:2; 1 Chr. 16:28) H4940: The Hebrew word here encompasses more than just the traditional family unit of parents and children. So, when Noah’s descendants are listed we read about “the families of the sons of Noah” (Gen. 10:32), just as when the census is taken of the Hebrews “by their families” before they entered the Promised Land (Num. 1:2, 18). Similarly, when discussing laws of inheritance for a man who died with no children or brothers or uncles, the next relative “closest to him in his family” would receive the land (Num. 27:11), as Boaz would later do with Ruth (Ruth 4). This word can also refer broadly to the entire people of Israel, as in Amos 3:1, 2. 12:5 possessions  see Ezra 10:8. 12:5 gather  see Gen. 46:6. 12:5 Canaan  see Gen. 9:25. 12:6 pass  see Josh. 3:4. 12:16 sheep  see Mic. 2:12.

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Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’? I might have taken her as my wife. Now therefore, here is your wife; take her and go your way.” 20 So Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they sent him away, with his wife and all that he had. Abram Inherits Canaan T ‌ hen Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South. a 2Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. 3And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the Lor d. 5Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. 6Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. 7And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land. 8So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. 9Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.” 10And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lor d destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lor d, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. 11 Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. 12Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. 13But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lor d. 14 And the Lor d said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—­ northward, southward, eastward, and westward; 15for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendantsa forever. 16And

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Genesis 14:7 I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. 17Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” 18 Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre,a which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the Lor d. Lot’s Captivity and Rescue ‌A nd it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Ched­orlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations,a 2that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5In the fourteenth year Ched­orlaomer and the kings that were with him came and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, 6and the Horites in their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, which is by the wilderness. 7 Then they turned back and came to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh),

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13:1 a Hebrew Negev   1​ 3:15 a Literally seed, and so throughout the book   ​13:18 a ­Hebrew Alon Mamre   ​ 14:1 a Hebrew goyim   ​

13:1 go up  see Ex. 19:20. 13:5 tent  see 2 Sam. 20:1.

13:13 sinful (Heb. chatta') (1 Sam. 15:18; Ps. 1:5; Prov. 23:17) H2400: A sinner is one who transgresses the law of God and is thus deserving of divine condemnation. This form of the word is used 18 times in Scripture, but the root word from which it comes, chata' (sin), is used 238 times in the Old Testament. The people of Sodom had reached such a state that they were guilty of the most heinous and notorious crimes. Lot chose to live in the midst of and share his life with these exceedingly wicked people. 13:15 descendant  see Gen. 22:18. 13:16 dust  see Num. 23:10. 13:18 Hebron  see 1 Chr. 3:1. 14:3 valley  see Hos. 1:5.

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Genesis 14:8 16 21Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, and attacked all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in “Give me the persons, and take the goods for Hazezon Tamar. yourself.” 8 And the king of Sodom, the king of 22But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king have raised my hand to the Lor d, God Most of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle 23that I will take nothing, from a thread in the Valley of Siddim 9against Chedorla- to a sandal strap, and that I will not take omer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, a anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king have made Abram rich’—­24except only what of Ellasar—­four kings against five. 10Now the young men have eaten, and the portion the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomor- and Mamre; let them take their portion.” rah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. 11 Then they took all God’s Covenant with Abram ‌A fter these things the word of the the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Lor d came to Abram in a vision, all their provisions, and went their way. 12 T hey also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and shield, your exceedingly great reward.” 2But Abram said, “Lord God , what will departed. 13 T hen one who had escaped came and You give me, seeing I go childless, and the told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” the terebinth trees of Mamrea the Amorite, 3 Then Abram said, “Look, You have given brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and me no offspring; indeed one born in my they were allies with Abram. 14Now when house is my heir!” 4 And behold, the word of the Lor d came Abram heard that his brother was taken to him, saying, “This one shall not be your captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in heir, but one who will come from your own his own house, and went in pursuit as far as 14:9 a Hebrew goyim   ​14:13 a Hebrew Alon Mamre   ​ Dan. 15He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them 14:13 Hebrew   see Jer. 34:9. 14:15 Damascus   see 1 Kin. 20:34. and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16So he brought back all 14:18 most high the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and (Heb. `elyon) (Gen. 14:22; Ps. 47:2; 78:35) H5945: the people. Although the word can simply mean “upper,” as 17And the king of Sodom went out to in the “upper pool” (2 Kin. 18:17) or “upper gate” (Ezek. 9:2), the vast majority of references to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, `elyon describe God in His position as the greatthe King’s Valley), after his return from the est, most supreme deity, superseding all others. defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who He is “the Lord Most High . . . a great King over were with him.

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

Abram and Melchizedek 18  T hen Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19And he blessed him and said:

“Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.

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all the earth” (Ps. 47:2). He stands far and above all others. Indeed, the sin of the king of Babylon (sometimes considered to be a reference to Satan) was attempting to be like “the Most High” (Is. 14:14). 14:20 deliver  see Josh. 10:19. 14:20 enemy  see Num. 10:9. 14:20 tithe  see 2 Chr. 31:5. 14:22 most high  see Gen. 14:18. 15:1 after  see 1 Sam. 13:7. 15:1 shield  see Ps. 18:30. 15:1 reward  see Gen. 30:28. 15:3 offspring  see Gen. 22:18.

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17 5 Then

body shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6And he believed in the Lor d, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. 7 T hen He said to him, “I am the Lor d, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.” 8And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?” 9So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-­ year-­old heifer, a three-­year-­old female goat, a three-­year-­old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. 12Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. 16But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” 17And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. 18On the same day the Lor d made a cov­en­ant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates—­19the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.” Hagar and Ishmael ‌Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. 2So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the

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Genesis 16:5 Lor d has restrained me from bearing chil‑ dren. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. 3 Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. 4So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “My wrong be 15:5 number  see Ps. 118:17.

15:6 believe (Heb. 'aman) (Ex. 4:31; 2 Chr. 20:20; Ps. 116:10) H0539: The Hebrew word translated believe is from a root meaning “establish” or “confirm.” The English word amen, which is used to express approval, comes from the same root (Neh. 5:13; Ps. 41:13). Belief is one of the most important ideas in all the Bible, because a person must believe God in order to be saved from sin. For this very reason, the New Testament makes much of the fact that Abraham believed God (Heb. 11:8–­ 12). Whenever the Scriptures, whether the Old Testament or New Testament, state that a person “believed in the Lord,” it signals that the person has made a decision to treat God’s word as certain and has made a commitment to do what God wants (Gen. 15:6; John 1:12).

15:6 account (Heb. chashab) (Lev. 25:27; Is. 33:8) H2803: This complex verb has two distinct ranges of meaning. The first is associated with calculations of some sort: “count” (Lev. 25:27; Prov. 17:28), “esteem” (Is. 53:3), “impute” (2 Sam. 19:19), “reckon” (Lev. 27:18, 23). The second includes the element of planning. Thus the word has the meaning of “think” (1 Sam. 1:13), “devise” (Esth. 8:3), “artistic design” (Ex. 26:1; 35:35), or “regard” (Is. 33:8). As used in Genesis 15:6, the word has commercial connotations. Abram’s faith was “accounted” to him for righteousness—­that is, computed or tallied as a credit or deposit in Abram’s favor. Paul also appeals to this credit and debit language of the accounting ledger in his explanation of justification by faith (Rom. 4:3). 15:11 come down  see 1 Sam. 23:11. 15:13 afflict  see Judg. 16:6. 15:18 covenant  see 2 Sam. 3:12. 16:1 bear  see Gen. 6:10.

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Genesis 16:6 18 upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; many nations. 5No longer shall your name be and when she saw that she had conceived, I called Abram, but your name shall be Abrabecame despised in her eyes. The Lor d judge ham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6I will make you exceedingly fruitbetween you and me.” 6 So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your ful; and I will make nations of you, and kings maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” shall come from you. 7And I will establish And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she My cov­en­ant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, fled from her presence. 7Now the Angel of the Lor d found her for an everlasting cov­en­ant, to be God to you by a spring of water in the wilderness, by and your descendants after you. 8Also I give the spring on the way to Shur. 8And He said, to you and your descendants after you the “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and from, and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the presence I will be their God.” 9And God said to Abraham: “As for you, of my mistress Sarai.” 9 T he Angel of the Lor d said to her, you shall keep My cov­en­a nt, you and your “Return to your mistress, and submit your- descendants after you throughout their self under her hand.” 10 Then the Angel of generations. 10 T his is My cov­en­a nt which the Lor d said to her, “I will multiply your 16:14 a Literally Well of the One Who Lives and Sees Me   ​ descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.” 11And the 16:6 flee   see 1 Sam. 20:1. Angel of the Lor d said to her: 16:13 see “Behold, you are with child, 

And you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lor d has heard your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild man; His hand shall be against every man, And every man’s hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” 13 T hen

she called the name of the Lor d who spoke to her, You-­Are-­t he-­God-­W ho-­ Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi;a observe, it is between Kadesh and Bered. 15So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16Abram was eighty-­six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram. The Sign of the Covenant ‌W hen Abram was ninety-­nine years old, the Lor d appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2And I will make My cov­en­a nt between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4“As for Me, behold, My cov­­ enant is with you, and you shall be a father of

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(Heb. ro'i) (1 Sam. 16:12; Job 7:8; 33:21) H7210: This word is derived from another Hebrew word meaning “sight” and is used only five times in the Old Testament. In Job 7:8, as here, it is rendered in the present tense. Job 33:21 sets it in the past participle (“seen”). In the other two instances, the word is translated “good-­looking” (1 Sam. 16:12) and “spectacle” (Nah. 3:6), both variations on the concept of physical sight. Here, Hagar uses the word both as part of a name for God (“You-­ Are-­the-­God-­W ho-­Sees”) and describing her vision of the angel of the Lord (“Have I also here seen Him who sees me?”). 17:1 Almighty  see Gen. 49:25.

17:5 Abraham (Heb. 'abraham) (Gen. 18:19; 22:15; Ex. 3:6) H0085: Abraham was the father of the nation of Israel. Called by God out of Haran (Gen. 12:4), Abraham, whose name means “father of a great multitude,” believed God’s promise that he would become “a great nation” (Gen. 12:2, 3) despite his wife’s barrenness (Gen. 11:30). Abraham is the first of the three biblical patriarchs (Ex. 3:6; Matt. 22:32; Acts 3:13) and is included in both Matthew’s (Matt. 1:2) and Luke’s (Luke 3:34) genealogies of Jesus. Abraham is listed in the “hall of faith” in Hebrews (Heb. 11:8–­10). 17:8 Canaan  see Gen. 9:25. 17:8 possession  see Josh. 22:9.

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you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the cov­en­ant between Me and you. 12He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My cov­en­a nt shall be in your flesh for an everlasting cov­en­ant. 14And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My cov­en­ant.” 15 T hen God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.” 17 T hen Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!” 19 T hen God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My cov­en­ant with him for an everlasting cov­en­ant, and with his descendants after him. 20And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. 21But My cov­en­ant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” 22 Then He finished talking with him, and God went up from Abraham. 23So Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very same day, as God had said to him. 24 Abraham was ninety-­n ine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his

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Genesis 18:7

foreskin. 26 That very same day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael; 27and all

the men of his house, born in the house or bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him. The Son of Promise ‌Then the Lor d appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, a as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, 3and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. 4Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.” They said, “Do as you have said.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.” 7And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young

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18:1 a Hebrew Alon Mamre   ​

17:10 male  see Num. 1:2. 17:10 circumcise  see Deut. 30:6. 17:14 uncircumcised  see Ex. 6:12. 17:15 Sarah  see Is. 51:2. 17:17 laugh  see Gen. 18:13.

17:19 Isaac (Heb. yitschaq) (Gen. 21:3; 22:2; 26:25) H3327: Isaac was the son miraculously born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. The name means “laughter”; Isaac was so named because Sarah laughed when she received the prophecy of his birth (Gen. 18:10–­15; 21:5–­7). Isaac’s mistakes included his deception of Abimelech (Gen. 26:1–­ 11), favoring his son Esau over Jacob, which led to Jacob’s deception of Isaac and enmity between his sons (Gen. 27:1–­41). Nevertheless, Isaac is listed among the faithful in the “hall of faith” (Heb. 11:20), and Jesus included Isaac in His list of those who would sit down in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 8:11). 17:20 prince  see Ezek. 46:8. 17:23 house  see 2 Sam. 7:11.

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Genesis 18:8 20 8 man, and he hastened to prepare it. So he spare it for the fifty righteous that were in took butter and milk and the calf which he it? 25Far be it from You to do such a thing as had prepared, and set it before them; and he this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so stood by them under the tree as they ate. that the righteous should be as the wicked; 9 Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all your wife?” the earth do right?” 26 So the Lor d said, “If I find in Sodom So he said, “Here, in the tent.” 10And He said, “I will certainly return to fifty righteous within the city, then I will you according to the time of life, and behold, spare all the place for their sakes.” 27 T hen Abraham answered and said, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was listening in the tent door “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes which was behind him.) 11Now Abraham have taken it upon myself to speak to the and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; Lord: 28Suppose there were five less than the and Sarah had passed the age of childbear- fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the ing. a 12 T herefore Sarah laughed within city for lack of five?” herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall So He said, “If I find there forty-­f ive, I will I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” not destroy it.” 13And the Lor d said to Abraham, “Why 29And he spoke to Him yet again and said, did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a “Suppose there should be forty found there?” child, since I am old?’ 14Is anything too hard So He said, “I will not do it for the sake for the Lor d? At the appointed time I will of forty.” 30 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be 15But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not found there?” laugh,” for she was afraid. So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty And He said, “No, but you did laugh!” there.” 31And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken Abraham Intercedes for Sodom it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose 16 T hen the men rose from there and twenty should be found there?” looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went 18:11 a Literally the manner of women had ceased to be with with them to send them on the way. 17And Sarah   ​ the Lor d said, “Shall I hide from Abraham 18:12 lord   see Mic. 4:13. what I am doing, 18 since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, 18:13 laugh and all the nations of the earth shall be 19 (Heb. tsachaq) (Gen. 17:17; 21:6; Ex.32:6; Judg. blessed in him? For I have known him, in 16:25) H6711: The verb meaning “to laugh” can order that he may command his children also mean to jest or play, as in Genesis 19:14, and his household after him, that they keep where Lot’s sons-­in-­law think him “joking,” or the way of the Lor d, to do righteousness and 26:8, where Jacob is seen “showing endearment justice, that the Lor d may bring to Abraham to” his wife. The term can have negative implica20 what He has spoken to him.” And the Lor d tions as well, as in Genesis 21:9 (“scoffing”) and said, “Because the outcry against Sod­om and 39:14 (“mock”). Sarah’s disbelieving laughter in Gomorrah is great, and because their sin Genesis 18:12 earned her a gentle rebuke from 21 is very grave, I will go down now and see God (Gen. 18:13, 14) but also became the name whether they have done altogether according of her son—­Isaac means “laughter.” Sarah put a to the outcry against it that has come to Me; positive spin on the name in Genesis 21:6, declaring, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear and if not, I will know.” 22 Then the men turned away from there will laugh with me.” and went toward Sod­om, but Abraham still 18:14 Sarah   see Is. 51:2. stood before the Lor d. 23And Abraham 18:18 mighty   see Ps. 135:10. came near and said, “Would You also destroy 18:19 Abraham   see Gen. 17:5. 24 the righteous with the wicked? Suppose 18:23 wicked   see Prov. 10:16. there were fifty righteous within the city; 18:27 answer   see 1 Sam. 12:3. would You also destroy the place and not 

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So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.” 32 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” 33So the Lor d went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place. Sodom’s Depravity ‌Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. 2And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.” And they said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.” 3But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 4 Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.” 6 So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, 7and said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! 8See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.” 9And they said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.” So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. 10But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.

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Genesis 19:19 Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed 12 T hen the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Son-­i n-­law, your sons, your daughters, and whomever you have in the city—­take them out of this place! 13For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lor d, and the Lor d has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-­ in-­law, who had married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the Lor d will destroy this city!” But to his sons-­ in-­law he seemed to be joking. 15 W hen the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.” 16And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lor d being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. 17So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that hea said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” 18 Then Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lords! 19Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the 19:17 a Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read they.   ​

19:6 door  see Is. 57:8.

19:11 strike (Heb. nakah) (Gen. 4:15; Num. 20:11; 1 Sam. 17:49; Hos. 14:5) H5221: The Hebrew verb most often translated “to strike” can also mean to slay, kill, beat, or wound. It is translated “smitten” in the prophet Isaiah’s famous description of the suffering Messiah: “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted” (Is. 53:4). Its usage in Lamentations 3:30 (“Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him”) foreshadows Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:39 (“whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also”). 19:14 marry  see 1 Sam. 8:14. 19:17 escape  see Jer. 48:8.

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Genesis 19:20 22 mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I drink wine that night also. And the younger die. 20See now, this city is near enough to flee arose and lay with him, and he did not know to, and it is a little one; please let me escape when she lay down or when she arose. 36 T hus both the daughters of Lot were there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall with child by their father. 37 T he firstborn live.” 21And he said to him, “See, I have favored bore a son and called his name Moab; he is you concerning this thing also, in that I will the father of the Moabites to this day. 38And not overthrow this city for which you have the younger, she also bore a son and called spoken. 22Hurry, escape there. For I cannot his name Ben-­Ammi; he is the father of the people of Ammon to this day. do anything until you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Abraham and Abimelech Zoar. 23 The sun had risen upon the earth when ‌A nd Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt Lot entered Zoar. 24 Then the Lor d rained between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomor2Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, 25 Gerar. rah, from the Lor d out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3But God came to Abimelech in a dream on the ground. 26But his wife looked back behind him, by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you and she became a pillar of salt. 27And Abraham went early in the morn- have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 But Abimelech had not come near her; ing to the place where he had stood before and he said, “Lord, will You slay a righteous 28 the Lor d.  Then he looked toward Sodom nation also? 5Did he not say to me, ‘She is my and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the smoke sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is of the land which went up like the smoke of my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and of my hands I have done this.” a furnace. 29And it came to pass, when God innocence 6And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of know that you did this in the integrity of your the midst of the overthrow, when He over- heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch threw the cities in which Lot had dwelt. her. 7Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you The Descendants of Lot 30 Then Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelt and you shall live. But if you do not restore in the mountains, and his two daughters her, know that you shall surely die, you and were with him; for he was afraid to dwell in all who are yours.” Zoar. And he and his two daughters dwelt 19:20 near enough   see Ezek. 42:13. in a cave. 31Now the firstborn said to the 19:29 destroy   see 1 Chr. 20:1. younger, “Our father is old, and there is no 19:38 Ammon   see Num. 21:24. man on the earth to come in to us as is the 20:3 Abimelech   see Gen. 26:1. custom of all the earth. 32Come, let us make 20:5 innocence our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our (Heb. niqqayon) (Ps. 26:6; 73:13; Hos. 8:5; Amos father.” 33So they made their father drink 4:6) H5356: This relatively uncommon Hebrew wine that night. And the firstborn went in word is used four times in the Old Testament to convey a sense of spiritual cleanness or purity and lay with her father, and he did not know and once to indicate physical spotlessness when she lay down or when she arose. (“cleanness of teeth”—­Amos 4:6). It indicates 34 It happened on the next day that the freedom from guilt or punishment and is associfirstborn said to the younger, “Indeed I lay ated with a symbolic washing of hands in Psalms with my father last night; let us make him 26:6 and 73:13. drink wine tonight also, and you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage 20:7 pray   see 2 Chr. 7:14. of our father.” 35 Then they made their father

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23 Genesis 21:18 Abimelech rose early in the morn- Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? ing, called all his servants, and told all these For I have borne him a son in his old age.” things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid. 9And Abimelech called Hagar and Ishmael Depart 8So the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that Abraham made a great feast on the same day you have brought on me and on my king- that Isaac was weaned. 9And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the dom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.” 10 Then Abime- Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, lech said to Abraham, “What did you have in scoffing. 10 Therefore she said to Abraham, view, that you have done this thing?” “Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for 11And Abraham said, “Because I thought, the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir surely the fear of God is not in this place; with my son, namely with Isaac.” 11And the and they will kill me on account of my wife. matter was very displeasing in Abraham’s 12But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the sight because of his son. 12But God said to Abraham, “Do not let daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. it be displeasing in your sight because of the 13And it came to pass, when God caused me lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatto wander from my father’s house, that I said ever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should for in Isaac your seed shall be called. 13 Yet do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say I will also make a nation of the son of the ­ rother.” ’ ” of me, “He is my b ­bondwoman, because he is your seed.” 14 Then Abimelech took sheep, oxen, and 14 So Abraham rose early in the mornmale and female servants, and gave them to ing, and took bread and a skin of water; and Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the to him. 15And Abimelech said, “See, my boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she land is before you; dwell where it pleases departed and wandered in the Wilderness you.” 16 T hen to Sarah he said, “Behold, I of Beersheba. 15And the water in the skin have given your brother a thousand pieces was used up, and she placed the boy under of silver; indeed this vindicates youa before one of the shrubs. 16 Then she went and sat all who are with you and before everybody.” down across from him at a distance of about Thus she was rebuked. a bowshot; for she said to herself, “Let me not 17So Abraham prayed to God; and God see the death of the boy.” So she sat opposite healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female him, and lifted her voice and wept. servants. Then they bore children; 18for the 17And God heard the voice of the lad. Lor d had closed up all the wombs of the Then the angel of God called to Hagar out house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abra- of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, ham’s wife. Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. 18Arise, lift up the lad Isaac Is Born a A ‌ nd the Lor d visited Sarah as He 20:16   Literally it is a covering of the eyes for you   ​ had said, and the Lor d did for Sarah 20:11 fear   see Prov. 19:23. as He had spoken. 2For Sarah conceived and 21:3 Isaac   see Gen. 17:19. bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set 21:6 laugh   see Gen. 18:13. 3 time of which God had spoken to him. And 21:8 wean   see Ps. 131:2. Abraham called the name of his son who was 21:8 feast   see Prov. 15:15. born to him—­whom Sarah bore to him—­ Isaac. 4 Then Abraham circumcised his son 21:18 great Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had (Heb. gadol) (Gen. 1:16; Ex. 3:3; Ps. 96:4; Is. 9:2) commanded him. 5Now Abraham was one H1419: This common adjective often refers to hundred years old when his son Isaac was magnitude or size (as in 2 Chr. 7:8—­“a very born to him. 6And Sarah said, “God has made great assembly” or Neh. 3:27—­“great projecting me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with Continued me.” 7She also said, “Who would have said to 8 So

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Genesis 21:19 24 and hold him with your hand, for I will make only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as him a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a burnt offering on one of the mountains of a well of water. And she went and filled the which I shall tell you.” 3So Abraham rose early in the morning skin with water, and gave the lad a drink. 20 So God was with the lad; and he grew and saddled his donkey, and took two of his and dwelt in the wilderness, and became young men with him, and Isaac his son; and an archer. 21He dwelt in the Wilderness of he split the wood for the burnt offering, and Paran; and his mother took a wife for him arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abrafrom the land of Egypt. ham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay A Covenant with Abimelech 22And it came to pass at that time that here with the donkey; the lad a and I will go Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of yonder and worship, and we will come back his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is to you.” 6So Abraham took the wood of the burnt with you in all that you do. 23Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he falsely with me, with my offspring, or with took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the my posterity; but that according to the kind- two of them went together. 7But Isaac spoke ness that I have done to you, you will do to to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” me and to the land in which you have dwelt.” 24 And Abraham said, “I will swear.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, 25 T hen Abraham rebuked Abim­e lech but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” because of a well of water which Abimelech’s 21:31 a Literally Well of the Oath or Well of the Seven   ​ servants had seized. 26And Abimelech said, 22:5 a Or young man   ​ “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard of it until Continued today.” 27So Abraham took sheep and oxen tower”) but can also indicate loudness (Josh. 6:5; and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of 1 Sam. 4:5), scope (as in 1 Sam 4:10—­“a very great slaughter”), or age (Gen. 27:1—­“older son”). The them made a cov­en­ant. 28And Abraham set word can alternately be translated “high” (e.g., seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29  T hen Abimelech asked Abraham, “high priest”), “mighty” (Deut. 9:29), or “proud” (Ps. 12:3). A very typical usage, especially in the “What is the meaning of these seven ewe psalms, describes the greatness of God (Ps. 95:3; lambs which you have set by themselves?” 96:4; 145:3). 30And he said, “You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may 21:25 seize   see Job 20:19. be my witness that I have dug this well.” 31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, a 22:2 only son because the two of them swore an oath there. (Heb. yachid) (Gen. 22:16; Judg. 11:34; Ps. 22:20) 32 T hus they made a cov­en­a nt at BeerH3173: The Hebrew word emphasizes the uniquesheba. So Abimelech rose with Phichol, the ness of an individual. Isaac was not just Abracommander of his army, and they returned ham’s son, he was his only son. Abraham had no to the land of the Philistines. 33 Then Abra‑ others. Jephthah’s daughter, likewise, was “his ham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, only child. Besides her he had neither son nor and there called on the name of the Lor d, daughter” (Judg. 11:34). The word yachid can also be translated as “precious” when referring to life the Ever­lasting God. 34And Abraham stayed itself, so valuable to each of us (Ps. 22:20; 35:17), in the land of the Philistines many days. 

Abraham’s Faith Confirmed ‌Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your

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or even “desolate,” emphasizing the fact that people can feel utterly alone at times (Ps. 25:16). 22:2 Isaac  see Gen. 17:19. 22:3 rise early  see Josh. 8:10. 22:3 donkey  see 1 Kin. 2:40.

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25 Genesis 23:6 Abraham said, “My son, God will Sarah’s Death and Burial provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt ‌S arah lived one hundred and offering.” So the two of them went together. twenty-­seven years; these were the 9 T hen they came to the place of which years of the life of Sarah. 2So Sarah died in God had told him. And Abraham built an Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of altar there and placed the wood in order; Canaan, and Abraham came to mourn for and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on Sarah and to weep for her. 3 Then Abraham stood up from before his the altar, upon the wood. 10And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying, 4“I am a foreigner and a visitor among you. slay his son. 11But the Angel of the Lor d called to him Give me property for a burial place among from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” 5And the sons of Heth answered AbraSo he said, “Here I am.” 12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand ham, saying to him, 6“Hear us, my lord: You on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I 22:14 a Hebrew YHWH Yireh   ​22:23 a Spelled Rebecca in know that you fear God, since you have not Romans 9:10   ​ withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 T hen Abraham lifted his eyes and 22:9 build   see Jer. 1:10. looked, and there behind him was a ram 22:12 fear   see Ps. 118:4. caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abra22:13 horn   see Ezek. 29:21. ham went and took the ram, and offered it 22:15 Abraham   see Gen. 17:5. up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 22:16 only son   see Gen. 22:2. 14And Abraham called the name of the place, 22:18 seed The-­Lor d-­Will-­Provide;a as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lor d it shall be (Heb. zera`) (Gen. 3:15; 13:15; 15:3; Ps. 89:4) provided.” H2233: The Hebrew word translated seed can 15 T hen the Angel of the Lor d called to literally mean a seed sown in the ground (Gen. 1:11, 12) or figuratively one’s offspring or descenAbraham a second time out of heaven, 16and dants (Gen. 13:15). The word can refer to a large said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lor d, group of people, such as the descendants of Abrabecause you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—­ ham or the nation of Israel, or to an individual. In some parts of Genesis, it refers specifically to 17blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I the coming Messiah, as in God’s promise that the will multiply your descendants as the stars woman’s “Seed” would defeat the serpent (Gen. of the heaven and as the sand which is on the 3:15; see Num. 24:7; Is. 6:13; Gal. 3:16). As such, seashore; and your descendants shall possess the term takes on great importance in the Bible: the gate of their enemies. 18In your seed all It is through Abraham’s seed, both collectively in the nations of the earth shall be blessed, Israel and singularly in Christ, that God would reach out to save all people (Gen. 15:3). because you have obeyed My voice.” 19So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; 23:4 visitor and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba. (Heb. toshab) (Ex. 12:45; Lev. 25:47) H8453: The 8And

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The Family of Nahor 20Now it came to pass after these things that it was told Abraham, saying, “Indeed Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: 21Huz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, 22 Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.” 23And Bethuel begot Rebekah. a These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. 24His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maachah.

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toshab was similar to the ger (H1616) in many ways. Both were foreigners, outsiders residing temporarily in the land. They had limited rights determined entirely by the nation in which they had chosen to stay. Sojourners (visitors) were never truly included in God’s chosen people. They could be sold as slaves (Lev. 25:45) but also buy others as slaves (Lev. 25:47). They were not allowed to celebrate Passover unless they submitted to circumcision (Ex. 12:45–­48), but they could flee to a city of refuge if needed (Num. 35:15). Spiritually, we are all sojourners here, awaiting our true home with God (Ps. 39:12).

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Genesis 23:7 26 are a mighty prince among us; bury your blessed Abraham in all things. 2So Abraham dead in the choicest of our burial places. said to the oldest servant of his house, who None of us will withhold from you his burial ruled over all that he had, “Please, put your place, that you may bury your dead.” hand under my thigh, 3and I will make you 7 T hen Abraham stood up and bowed swear by the Lor d, the God of heaven and himself to the people of the land, the sons of the God of the earth, that you will not take Heth. 8And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is a wife for my son from the daughters of the your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, Canaanites, among whom I dwell; 4but you hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of shall go to my country and to my family, and Zohar for me, 9that he may give me the cave of take a wife for my son Isaac.” 5And the servant said to him, “Perhaps Machpelah which he has, which is at the end of his field. Let him give it to me at the full price, the woman will not be willing to follow me as property for a burial place among you.” to this land. Must I take your son back to the 10Now Ephron dwelt among the sons land from which you came?” 6But Abraham said to him, “Beware that of Heth; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the presence of the sons of Heth, you do not take my son back there. 7 T he all who entered at the gate of his city, saying, Lor d God of heaven, who took me from 11“No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field my father’s house and from the land of my and the cave that is in it; I give it to you in the family, and who spoke to me and swore to presence of the sons of my people. I give it to me, saying, ‘To your descendantsa I give this you. Bury your dead!” land,’ He will send His angel before you, and 12 T hen Abraham bowed himself down you shall take a wife for my son from there. before the people of the land; 13and he spoke 8And if the woman is not willing to follow to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the you, then you will be released from this land, saying, “If you will give it, please hear oath; only do not take my son back there.” me. I will give you money for the field; take it 9So the servant put his hand under the thigh from me and I will bury my dead there.” of Abraham his master, and swore to him 14And Ephron answered Abraham, saying concerning this matter. 10 Then the servant took ten of his master’s to him, 15“My lord, listen to me; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver. What camels and departed, for all his master’s is that between you and me? So bury your goods were in his hand. And he arose and dead.” 16And Abraham listened to Ephron; went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. and Abraham weighed out the silver for 11And he made his camels kneel down Ephron which he had named in the hearing outside the city by a well of water at evening of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of time, the time when women go out to draw silver, currency of the merchants. water. 12 Then he said, “O Lor d God of my 17So the field of Ephron which was in master Abraham, please give me success this Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the day, and show kindness to my master Abrafield and the cave which was in it, and all the ham. 13Behold, here I stand by the well of trees that were in the field, which were within water, and the daughters of the men of the all the surrounding borders, were deeded city are coming out to draw water. 14Now 18to Abraham as a possession in the presence let it be that the young woman to whom I of the sons of Heth, before all who went in at say, ‘Please let down your pitcher that I may the gate of his city. drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also 19And after this, Abraham buried Sarah 24:7 a Literally seed   ​ his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land 23:7 bow   see Deut. 26:10. of Canaan. 20So the field and the cave that is 23:9 cave   see 1 Sam. 24:3. 23:9 burial place   see Neh. 2:5. in it were deeded to Abraham by the sons of 23:16 weigh   see Jer. 32:9. Heth as property for a burial place. 

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A Bride for Isaac ‌N ow Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lor d had

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23:19 Sarah  see Is. 51:2. 24:7 swear  see Deut. 1:8. 24:11 time  see Is. 33:6. 24:14 drink  see Num. 21:22.

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27 Genesis 24:40 give your camels a drink’—­let her be the one the man spoke to me,” that he went to the You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. man. And there he stood by the camels at the And by this I will know that You have shown well. 31And he said, “Come in, O blessed of kindness to my m ­ aster.” the Lor d! Why do you stand outside? For I 15And it happened, before he had finished have prepared the house, and a place for the speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was camels.” 32 Then the man came to the house. And born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with he unloaded the camels, and provided straw her pitcher on her shoulder. 16Now the and feed for the camels, and water to wash young woman was very beautiful to behold, his feet and the feet of the men who were with a virgin; no man had known her. And she him. 33Food was set before him to eat, but he went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and said, “I will not eat until I have told about my came up. 17And the servant ran to meet her errand.” and said, “Please let me drink a little water And he said, “Speak on.” 34 So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. from your pitcher.” 18So she said, “Drink, my lord.” Then she 35  The Lor d has blessed my master greatly, quickly let her pitcher down to her hand, and he has become great; and He has given and gave him a drink. 19And when she had him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will and female servants, and camels and donkeys. draw water for your camels also, until they 36And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to have finished drinking.” 20 Then she quickly my master when she was old; and to him he emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back has given all that he has. 37Now my master to the well to draw water, and drew for all his made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take camels. 21And the man, wondering at her, a wife for my son from the daughters of the remained silent so as to know whether the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell; 38but you Lor d had made his journey prosperous or shall go to my father’s house and to my family, not. and take a wife for my son.’ 39And I said to my 22So it was, when the camels had finished master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow drinking, that the man took a golden nose me.’ 40But he said to me, ‘The Lor d, before ring weighing half a shekel, and two brace- whom I walk, will send His angel with you lets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of and prosper your way; and you shall take a gold, 23and said, “Whose daughter are you? wife for my son from my family and from my Tell me, please, is there room in your father’s house for us to lodge?” 24:16 virgin   see Ps. 45:14. 24 So she said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, Milcah’s son, whom she bore to 24:21 make prosperous Nahor.” 25Moreover she said to him, “We (Heb. tsalach) (Gen. 39:23; Deut. 28:29; Ps. 1:3) have both straw and feed enough, and room H6743: When used to describe the outcome of to lodge.” a certain course of events, tsalach often simply 26 Then the man bowed down his head and refers to a plan or activity succeeding or not 27 worshiped the Lor d. And he said, “Blessed (Num. 14:41; Deut. 28:29), but it can also refer be the Lor d God of my master Abraham, to the accumulation of wealth and riches (as who has not forsaken His mercy and His happened for Joseph, Gen. 39:2, 23), or even to truth toward my master. As for me, being on mighty power from the Spirit of the Lord comthe way, the Lor d led me to the house of my ing upon someone (Judg. 14:6; 1 Sam. 16:13). master’s brethren.” 28So the young woman Prosperity is promised to those who obey the Law of God (1 Chr. 22:13; Ps. 1:3) but kept from ran and told her mother’s household these the one “who covers his sins” (Prov. 28:13). The things. Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 53:10 promises “the 29Now Rebekah had a brother whose pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.” name was Laban, and Laban ran out to the 30 man by the well. So it came to pass, when 24:25 lodge   see Judg. 19:7. he saw the nose ring, and the bracelets on 24:31 prepare   see Is. 40:3. his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the 24:35 herd   see Ps. 66:15. words of his sister Rebekah, saying, “Thus 

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Genesis 24:41 28 41 father’s house.  You will be clear from this “Let the young woman stay with us a few oath when you arrive among my family; for if days, at least ten; after that she may go.” 56And he said to them, “Do not hinder they will not give her to you, then you will be me, since the Lor d has prospered my way; released from my oath.’ 42“And this day I came to the well and send me away so that I may go to my master.” 57So they said, “We will call the young said, ‘O Lor d God of my master Abraham, if You will now prosper the way in which I go, woman and ask her personally.” 58 Then they 43behold, I stand by the well of water; and it called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go shall come to pass that when the virgin comes with this man?” And she said, “I will go.” out to draw water, and I say to her, “Please 59So they sent away Rebekah their sister give me a little water from your pitcher to drink,” 44and she says to me, “Drink, and I and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and will draw for your camels also,”—­let her be his men. 60And they blessed Rebekah and the woman whom the Lor d has appointed said to her: for my master’s son.’ “Our sister, may you become 45“But before I had finished speaking in The mother of thousands of ten my heart, there was Rebekah, coming out thousands; with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she And may your descendants possess went down to the well and drew water. And The gates of those who hate them.” I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’ 46And she 61 T hen Rebekah and her maids arose, made haste and let her pitcher down from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will give and they rode on the camels and followed your camels a drink also.’ So I drank, and she the man. So the servant took Rebekah and gave the camels a drink also. 47 Then I asked departed. 62Now Isaac came from the way of Beer her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ And Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. 63And she said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the the nose ring on her nose and the bracelets evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, on her wrists. 48And I bowed my head and and there, the camels were coming. 64 Then worshiped the Lor d, and blessed the Lor d Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw God of my master Abraham, who had led me Isaac she dismounted from her camel; 65for in the way of truth to take the daughter of she had said to the servant, “Who is this man my master’s brother for his son. 49Now if you walking in the field to meet us?” will deal kindly and truly with my master, 24:43 virgin   see Is. 7:14. tell me. And if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.” 50 T hen Laban and Bethuel answered 24:45 Rebekah and said, “The thing comes from the Lor d; (Heb. ribqah) (Gen. 24:60; 25:21) H7259: Abrawe cannot speak to you either bad or good. ham sent his servant to find a wife for his son, 51Here is Rebekah before you; take her and and he found the granddaughter of Abraham’s go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife, as brother Nahor. Rebekah was chosen by God to be Isaac’s wife. For Rebekah and Isaac, it was the Lor d has spoken.” 52And it came to pass, when Abraham’s love at first sight (Gen. 24:64), and although initially barren (Gen. 25:21), she later gave birth servant heard their words, that he worshiped to twins; Jacob and Esau (Gen. 25:24). Rebekah the Lor d, bowing himself to the earth. 53 T hen the servant brought out jewelry of loved Jacob, the younger son, more than Esau, whom Jacob favored (Gen. 25:28). Rebekah silver, jewelry of gold, and clothing, and encouraged Jacob to steal the blessing from his gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious older brother (Gen. 27:9, 10), and then helped things to her brother and to her mother. him escape Esau’s wrath by sending Jacob to live 54 And he and the men who were with him with her brother Laban (Gen. 27:43). ate and drank and stayed all night. Then they arose in the morning, and he said, “Send me 24:46 make haste   see Nah. 2:5. away to my master.” 24:60 Rebekah   see Gen. 24:45. 55But her brother and her mother said, 

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29 Genesis 25:25 The servant said, “It is my master.” So she twelve princes according to their nations. 17 These were the years of the life of Ishmael: took a veil and covered herself. 66And the servant told Isaac all the things one hundred and thirty-­seven years; and he that he had done. 67 Then Isaac brought her breathed his last and died, and was gathered into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took to his people. 18(They dwelt from Havilah as Rebekah and she became his wife, and he far as Shur, which is east of Egypt as you go loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his toward Assyria.) He died in the presence of mother’s death. all his brethren. 19 T his is the genealogy of Isaac, AbraAbraham and Keturah ham’s son. Abraham begot Isaac. 20Isaac ‌Abraham again took a wife, and was forty years old when he took Rebekah her name was Keturah. 2And she as wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, of Padan Aram, the sister of Laban the Ishbak, and Shuah. 3Jokshan begot Sheba Syrian. 21Now Isaac pleaded with the Lor d and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were for his wife, because she was barren; and Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4And the Lor d granted his plea, and Rebekah his the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, wife conceived. 22But the children strugHanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were gled together within her; and she said, “If all the children of Keturah. is well, why am I like this?” So she went to 5And Abraham gave all that he had to inquire of the Lor d. 23And the Lor d said to her: Isaac. 6But Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and “Two nations are in your womb, while he was still living he sent them eastTwo peoples shall be separated from your ward, away from Isaac his son, to the country body; of the east. One people shall be stronger than the other, Abraham’s Death and Burial And the older shall serve the younger.” 7 T his is the sum of the years of Abra24 So when her days were fulfilled for her ham’s life which he lived: one hundred and seventy-­f ive years. 8 Then Abraham breathed to give birth, indeed there were twins in her his last and died in a good old age, an old womb. 25And the first came out red. He was man and full of years, and was gathered to 25:15 a Masoretic Text reads Hadad.   ​ his people. 9And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which 25:8 full is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the (Heb. sabea`) (1 Chr. 29:28; Job 10:15; Prov. 19:23) son of Zohar the Hittite, 10the field which H7649: Like Abraham, Isaac and David are also Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. described as dying “full of days” (Gen. 35:29; There Abraham was buried, and Sarah his 1 Chr. 29:28), implying a long, satisfying life, 11 wife. And it came to pass, after the death lived to completion. In contrast, given the misof Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. ery of his suffering, Job considered himself “full And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi. of disgrace” (Job 10:15) and “full of trouble” (Job

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The Families of Ishmael and Isaac 12Now this is the genealogy of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham. 13And these were the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15Hadar, a Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These were the sons of Ishmael and these were their names, by their towns and their settlements,

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14:1), yet in the end, by God’s grace, he also died “full of days” (Job 42:17). Ultimately, a full life comes from the fear of the Lord, for “he who has it will abide in satisfaction” (Prov. 19:23). 25:8 gather  see Gen. 35:29. 25:11 death  see Ps. 13:3. 25:16 settlement  see Ezek. 25:4. 25:16 nations  see Ps. 117:1. 25:21 barren  see Gen. 11:30. 25:21 Rebekah  see Gen. 24:45. 25:23 younger  see 1 Sam. 9:21. 25:25 first  see Is. 46:9.

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Genesis 25:26 30 like a hairy garment all over; so they called came to pass, when he had been there a long his name Esau. a 26Afterward his brother time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines came out, and his hand took hold of E ­ sau’s looked through a window, and saw, and there heel; so his name was called Jacob.a Isaac was was Isaac, showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. 9 Then Abime­lech called Isaac and sixty years old when she bore them. 27So the boys grew. And Esau was a skill- said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so ful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I a mild man, dwelling in tents. 28And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but die on account of her.’ ” 10And Abimelech said, “What is this you Rebekah loved Jacob. have done to us? One of the people might Esau Sells His Birthright soon have lain with your wife, and you 29Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau would have brought guilt on us.” 11So Abimcame in from the field, and he was weary. elech charged all his people, saying, “He who 30And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me touches this man or his wife shall surely be with that same red stew, for I am weary.” put to death.” 12 T hen Isaac sowed in that land, and Therefore his name was called Edom.a 31But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lor d blessed him. 13 The man began to as of this day.” 32And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; 14for he had possesso what is this birthright to me?” 33 Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this sions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philisday.” So he swore to him, and sold his birth- tines envied him. 15Now the Philistines had right to Jacob. 34And Jacob gave Esau bread stopped up all the wells which his father’s and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, servants had dug in the days of Abraham his arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised father, and they had filled them with earth. his birthright. 25:25 a Literally Hairy   ​25:26 a Literally Supplanter   ​ Isaac and Abimelech ‌T here was a famine in the land, besides the first f­ amine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abim­elech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. 2 T hen the Lor d appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. 3Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4 And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; 5because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” 6So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. 7And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” 8Now it

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25:30 a Literally Red   ​

25:25 Esau  see Gen. 36:1. 25:26 take hold  see 2 Sam. 6:6. 25:26 Jacob  see Amos 7:2. 25:30 red  see Zech. 1:8. 25:30 weary  see 2 Sam. 16:14.

26:1 Abimelech (Heb. 'abimelek) (Gen. 20:3; 26:16; Judg. 9:52) H0040: A combination of two words, abi (father) and melek (king), Abimelech was the name of a number of kings in the Old Testament. In Genesis 20, an Abimelech was deceived into thinking Sarah was Abraham’s sister instead of his wife, and because of that, comes under the curse of God. The same ruse is employed here by Isaac and Rebekah (Gen. 26:6–­11). Gideon’s son was also named Abimelech, and he was made a king (Judg. 9:6), although he was an evil man who killed his seventy brothers before being killed when a woman dropped a millstone on his head (Judg. 9:53). 26:1 Philistine  see 2 Sam. 5:17. 26:5 charge  see Ezek. 48:11.

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31 16And

Abim­elech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.” 17 T hen Isaac departed from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. 18And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham. He called them by the names which his father had called them. 19Also Isaac’s servants dug in the valley, and found a well of running water there. 20But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, a because they quarreled with him. 21 T hen they dug another well, and they quarreled over that one also. So he called its name Sitnah.a 22And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth,a because he said, “For now the Lor d has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” 23 T hen he went up from there to Beersheba. 24 And the Lor d appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” 25So he built an altar there and called on the name of the Lor d, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well. 26 T hen Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army. 27And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?” 28But they said, “We have certainly seen that the Lor d is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a cov­en­ant with you, 29that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lor d.’ ” 30 So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 T hen they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. 32It came to pass the same day that Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well

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Genesis 27:7 which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” 33So he called it Shebah.a Therefore the name of the city is Beershebab to this day. 34 W hen Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. 35And they were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah. Isaac Blesses Jacob N ‌ ow it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” And he answered him, “Here I am.” 2 Then he said, “Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. 3Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. 4 And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.” 5Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it. 6So Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, 7‘Bring me game and make savory food for me, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of the Lor d

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26:20 a Literally Quarrel   ​26:21 a Literally Enmity   ​ 26:22 a Literally Spaciousness   ​26:33 a Literally Oath or Seven  b Literally Well of the Oath or Well of the Seven   ​

26:16 Abimelech  see Gen. 26:1. 26:20 quarrel  see Gen. 31:36. 26:25 Isaac  see Gen. 17:19. 26:25 dig  see Jer. 18:20.

27:1 come to pass (Heb. hayah) (Gen. 1:2; Ex. 8:22; Ezek 39:8; Zech. 8:10) H1961: The word hayah appears 76 times in the Old Testament and is translated as “was” (Gen. 1:2, 3); “came to pass” (Gen. 27:1); “came”; and “has been.” It is the substantive verb “to be or exist.” Here the word specifically relates to the passage of time; at this point, Isaac was about 137 years old, and whereas in the previous chapter he was still an active member of the household, here he is old and infirm. 27:3 bow  see Ps. 44:6.

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Genesis 27:8 32 8 before my death.’ Now therefore, my son, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and obey my voice according to what I command he drank. 26 T hen his father Isaac said to you. 9Go now to the flock and bring me from him, “Come near now and kiss me, my son.” there two choice kids of the goats, and I will 27And he came near and kissed him; and he make savory food from them for your father, smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed such as he loves. 10 Then you shall take it to him and said: your father, that he may eat it, and that he “Surely, the smell of my son may bless you before his death.” Is like the smell of a field 11And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Which the Lor d has blessed. “Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and 28 Therefore may God give you I am a smooth-­skinned man. 12Perhaps my Of the dew of heaven, father will feel me, and I shall seem to be a Of the fatness of the earth, deceiver to him; and I shall bring a curse on And plenty of grain and wine. myself and not a blessing.” 29 Let peoples serve you, 13But his mother said to him, “Let your And nations bow down to you. curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, Be master over your brethren, and go, get them for me.” 14And he went and And let your mother’s sons bow down to got them and brought them to his mother, you. and his mother made savory food, such as his Cursed be everyone who curses you, 15 father loved.  Then Rebekah took the choice And blessed be those who bless you!” clothes of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob Esau’s Lost Hope her youn­ger son. 16And she put the skins of 30Now it happened, as soon as Isaac the kids of the goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. 17 Then she gave the had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had savory food and the bread, which she had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. 31 18 So he went to his father and said, “My his hunting. He also had made savory food, and brought it to his father, and said to his father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that your soul may bless me.” son?” 32And his father Isaac said to him, “Who 19Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your are you?” firstborn; I have done just as you told me; So he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your Esau.” soul may bless me.” 33 T hen Isaac trembled exceedingly, and 20But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that said, “Who? Where is the one who hunted you have found it so quickly, my son?” game and brought it to me? I ate all of it And he said, “Because the Lor d your God before you came, and I have ­blessed him—­ brought it to me.” 21Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, and indeed he shall be blessed.” 34 W hen Esau heard the words of his that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.” 22So Jacob father, he cried with an exceedingly great went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me also, O my father!” and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the me—­ 35But he said, “Your brother came with 23 hands are the hands of Esau.” And he did not recognize him, because his hands were deceit and has taken away your blessing.” 36And Esau said, “Is he not rightly named hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two blessed him. 24 T hen he said, “Are you really my son 27:9 kid   see Judg. 13:15. Esau?” 27:12 curse   see Jer. 44:8. He said, “I am.” 27:19 sit   see Lam. 5:19. 25He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will 27:26 kiss   see Song 8:1. eat of my son’s game, so that my soul may 27:28 wine   see Neh. 13:12. bless you.” So he brought it near to him, 

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33 Genesis 28:11 2 times. He took away my birthright, and now daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Padan look, he has taken away my blessing!” And Aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother’s he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing father; and take yourself a wife from there of the daughters of Laban your mother’s for me?” 37 Then Isaac answered and said to Esau, brother. “Indeed I have made him your master, and all 3 “May God Almighty bless you, his brethren I have given to him as servants; And make you fruitful and multiply you, with grain and wine I have sustained him. That you may be an assembly of peoples; What shall I do now for you, my son?” 4 And give you the blessing of Abraham, 38And Esau said to his father, “Have you To you and your descendants with you, only one blessing, my father? Bless me—­me That you may inherit the land also, O my father!” And Esau lifted up his In which you are a stranger, voice and wept. Which God gave to Abraham.” 39 Then Isaac his father answered and said 5So Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to to him: Padan Aram, to Laban the son of Bethuel the “Behold, your dwelling shall be of the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, the mother of fatness of the earth, Jacob and Esau. And of the dew of heaven from above. 40 By your sword you shall live, Esau Marries Mahalath And you shall serve your brother; 6Esau saw that Isaac had ­blessed Jacob and And it shall come to pass, when you sent him away to Padan Aram to take himself become restless, a wife from there, and that as he blessed him That you shall break his yoke from your he gave him a charge, saying, “You shall not neck.” take a wife from the daughters of Canaan,” 7and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his Jacob Escapes from Esau mother and had gone to Padan Aram. 8Also 41So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessEsau saw that the daughters of Canaan did ing with which his father blessed him, and not please his father Isaac. 9So Esau went to Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourn- Ishmael and took Maha­lath the daughter of ing for my father are at hand; then I will kill Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebamy brother Jacob.” joth, to be his wife in addition to the wives 42 And the words of Esau her older son he had. were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, Jacob’s Vow at Bethel 10Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and “Surely your brother Esau comforts himself concerning you by intending to kill you. went toward Haran. 11So he came to a certain 43Now therefore, my son, obey my voice: arise, flee to my brother Laban in Haran. 27:37 Esau   see Gen. 36:1. 44 And stay with him a few days, until your 27:39 dwelling   see Gen. 10:30. brother’s fury turns away, 45until your 28:3 Almighty   see Gen. 49:25. brother’s anger turns away from you, and 28:3 fruitful he forgets what you have done to him; then I will send and bring you from there. Why (Heb. parah) (Gen. 1:28; Ex. 1:7; Ps. 128:3; Jer. should I be bereaved also of you both in one 23:3) H6509: The word parah, “to be fruitful or bear fruit,” specifically refers to reproduction day?” 46And Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary and continuance of the familial line. Fruitfulness was both a mandate (Gen. 1:22, 28) and a of my life because of the daughters of Heth; blessing from God (Ezek. 36:11). Thus, this parif Jacob takes a wife of the daughters of Heth, ticular blessing from Isaac to Jacob would have like these who are the daughters of the land, been a common one passed from fathers to sons. what good will my life be to me?” God Himself conferred this blessing on many of ‌Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed the patriarchs—­most notably Adam (Gen. 1:22), him, and charged him, and said Noah (Gen. 9:1), and Abraham (Gen. 17:6). to him: “You shall not take a wife from the 

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Genesis 28:12 34 4 And Jacob said to them, “My brethren, place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones where are you from?” of that place and put it at his head, and he And they said, “We are from Haran.” 5 T hen he said to them, “Do you know lay down in that place to sleep. 12 Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on Laban the son of Nahor?” the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and And they said, “We know him.” 6So he said to them, “Is he well?” there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And they said, “He is well. And look, his 13And behold, the Lor d stood above it daughter Rachel is coming with the sheep.” 7 Then he said, “Look, it is still high day; it is and said: “I am the Lor d God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land not time for the cattle to be gathered together. on which you lie I will give to you and your Water the sheep, and go and feed them.” 8But they said, “We cannot until all the descendants. 14Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread flocks are gathered together, and they have abroad to the west and the east, to the north rolled the stone from the well’s mouth; then and the south; and in you and in your seed we water the sheep.” 9Now while he was still speaking with all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 15Behold, I am with you and will keep you them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, wherever you go, and will bring you back to for she was a shepherdess. 10And it came to this land; for I will not leave you until I have pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of done what I have spoken to you.” Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep 16 T hen Jacob awoke from his sleep and of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob said, “Surely the Lor d is in this place, and went near and rolled the stone from the I did not know it.” 17And he was afraid and well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban said, “How awesome is this place! This is his mother’s brother. 11 T hen Jacob kissed none other than the house of God, and this Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept. 12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her is the gate of heaven!” 18 T hen Jacob rose early in the morning, father’s relative and that he was Rebekah’s and took the stone that he had put at his son. So she ran and told her father. 13 Then it came to pass, when Laban heard head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. 19And he called the name of that a place Bethel;a but the name of that city had 28:19   Literally House of God   ​ been Luz previously. 20 Then Jacob made a 28:14 north   see Jer. 46:6. vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and 28:17 gate   see Josh. 2:5. keep me in this way that I am going, and 28:18 pillar   see Deut. 16:22. give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, 28:18 oil   see Ps. 92:10. 21so that I come back to my father’s house in 29:8 roll   see Prov. 16:3. peace, then the Lor d shall be my God. 22And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be 29:10 Rachel God’s house, and of all that You give me I (Heb. rachel) (Gen. 30:22; Jer. 31:15) H7354: will surely give a tenth to You.” Rachel was the daughter of Laban, the beloved 

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Jacob Meets Rachel ‌So Jacob went on his journey and came to the land of the people of the East. 2And he looked, and saw a well in the field; and behold, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks. A large stone was on the well’s mouth. 3Now all the flocks would be gathered there; and they would roll the stone from the well’s mouth, water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place on the well’s mouth.

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wife of Jacob. From this first meeting between her and Jacob, the text emphasizes that Rachel was a kinsman and thus a fit marriage partner for him. Rachel means “ewe.” Rachel is known as the wife who is loved more than Jacob’s other wife, her sister Leah (Gen. 29:30), but Rachel is heartbreakingly barren (Gen. 30:1). Eventually, Joseph (Gen. 30:24) she produces two sons—­ and Benjamin (Gen. 35:18), who become Jacob’s favorite children (Gen. 37:3; 42:38). Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin and was buried near Bethlehem—­the context for the Jeremiah reference which is also referred to in Matthew 2:18.

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35 Genesis 30:12 32 the report about Jacob his sister’s son, that was barren. So Leah conceived and bore he ran to meet him, and embraced him and a son, and she called his name Reuben;a for kissed him, and brought him to his house. So she said, “The Lor d has surely looked on he told Laban all these things. 14And Laban my affliction. Now therefore, my husband said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my will love me.” 33 Then she conceived again flesh.” And he stayed with him for a month. and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lor d has heard that I am unloved, He has thereJacob Marries Leah and Rachel fore given me this son also.” And she called 15 Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you his name Simeon. a 34 She conceived again are my relative, should you therefore serve and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my me for nothing? Tell me, what should your husband will become attached to me, because wages be?” 16Now Laban had two daugh- I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his ters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name was called Levi.a 35And she conceived name of the younger was Rachel. 17Leah’s again and bore a son, and said, “Now I will eyes were delicate, but Rachel was beautiful praise the Lor d.” Therefore she called his of form and appearance. name Judah.a Then she stopped bearing. 18Now Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I ‌Now when Rachel saw that she bore will serve you seven years for Rachel your Jacob no children, Rachel envied younger daughter.” her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me chil19And Laban said, “It is better that I dren, or else I die!” 2And Jacob’s anger was aroused against give her to you than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me.” 20So Jacob Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of served seven years for Rachel, and they God, who has withheld from you the fruit of seemed only a few days to him because of the the womb?” 3So she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah; love he had for her. 21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my go in to her, and she will bear a child on wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go my knees, that I also may have children by in to her.” 22And Laban gathered together all her.” 4 Then she gave him Bilhah her maid as the men of the place and made a feast. 23Now wife, and Jacob went in to her. 5And Bilhah it came to pass in the evening, that he took conceived and bore Jacob a son. 6 T hen Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob; Rachel said, “God has judged my case; and and he went in to her. 24And Laban gave his He has also heard my voice and given me a maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid. son.” Therefore she called his name Dan.a 25So it came to pass in the morning, that 7 And Rachel’s maid Bilhah conceived again behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, and bore Jacob a second son. 8 Then Rachel “What is this you have done to me? Was it said, “With great wrestlings I have wrestled not for Rachel that I served you? Why then with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed.” have you deceived me?” So she called his name Naphtali.a 26And Laban said, “It must not be done so 9 W hen Leah saw that she had stopped in our country, to give the younger before the bearing, she took Zilpah her maid and gave firstborn. 27Fulfill her week, and we will give her to Jacob as wife. 10And Leah’s maid you this one also for the service which you Zilpah bore Jacob a son. 11 Then Leah said, will serve with me still another seven years.” “A troop comes!” a So she called his name 28 T hen Jacob did so and fulfilled her Gad.b 12And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore Jacob week. So he gave him his daughter Rachel as 29:32 a Literally See, a Son   ​29:33 a Literally Heard   ​ wife also. 29And Laban gave his maid Bilhah 29:34  a Literally Attached   ​29:35 a Literally Praise   ​ to his daughter Rachel as a maid. 30 T hen 30:6 a Literally Judge   ​30:8 a Literally My Wrestling   ​ Jacob also went in to Rachel, and he also 30:11 a Following Qere, Syriac, and Targum; Kethib, loved Rachel more than Leah. And he served Septuagint, and Vulgate read in ­fortune.  b Literally Troop or Fortune   ​ with Laban still another seven years.

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The Children of Jacob 31 W hen the Lor d saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel

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29:32 affliction  see Job 30:16. 29:35 Judah  see 1 Chr. 9:3. 30:3 maid  see 1 Sam. 1:11.

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Genesis 30:13 36 13 a second son.  Then Leah said, “I am happy, came was little, and it has increased to a great for the daughters will call me blessed.” So she amount; the Lor d has blessed you since my called his name Asher.a coming. And now, when shall I also provide 14Now Reuben went in the days of wheat for my own house?” 31So he said, “What shall I give you?” harvest and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then And Jacob said, “You shall not give me Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of anything. If you will do this thing for me, I your son’s mandrakes.” will again feed and keep your flocks: 32Let 15But she said to her, “Is it a small matter me pass through all your flock today, removthat you have taken away my husband? ing from there all the speckled and spotted Would you take away my son’s mandrakes sheep, and all the brown ones among the also?” lambs, and the spotted and speckled among And Rachel said, “Therefore he will lie the goats; and these shall be my wages. 33So with you tonight for your son’s mandrakes.” my righteousness will answer for me in time 16 W hen Jacob came out of the field in the to come, when the subject of my wages comes evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, before you: every one that is not speckled and “You must come in to me, for I have surely spotted among the goats, and brown among hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” And he the lambs, will be considered stolen, if it is lay with her that night. with me.” 17And God listened to Leah, and she 34 And Laban said, “Oh, that it were 18 conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. Leah according to your word!” 35So he removed said, “God has given me my wages, because that day the male goats that were speckled I have given my maid to my husband.” So and spotted, all the female goats that were she called his name Issachar.a 19 Then Leah speckled and spotted, every one that had conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. some white in it, and all the brown ones 20And Leah said, “God has endowed me with among the lambs, and gave them into the a good endowment; now my husband will hand of his sons. 36 Then he put three days’ dwell with me, because I have borne him journey between himself and Jacob, and six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun.a Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks. 21Afterward she bore a daughter, and called 37Now Jacob took for himself rods of green her name Dinah. poplar and of the almond and chestnut trees, 22 T hen God remembered Rachel, and peeled white strips in them, and exposed the God listened to her and opened her womb. white which was in the rods. 38And the rods 23And she conceived and bore a son, and which he had peeled, he set before the flocks said, “God has taken away my reproach.” in the gutters, in the watering troughs where 24 So she called his name Joseph, a and said, 30:13 a Literally Happy   ​30:18 a Literally Wages   ​ 30:20 a Literally Dwelling   ​30:24 a Literally He Will Add   ​ “The Lor d shall add to me another son.” Jacob’s Agreement with Laban 25And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my country. 26Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know my service which I have done for you.” 27And Laban said to him, “Please stay, if I have found favor in your eyes, for I have learned by experience that the Lor d has blessed me for your sake.” 28 Then he said, “Name me your wages, and I will give it.” 29So Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock has been with me. 30For what you had before I

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30:13 blessed  see Prov. 31:28. 30:22 Rachel  see Gen. 29:10. 30:23 reproach  see Ps. 15:3. 30:24 Joseph  see Gen. 37:2.

30:28 wages (Heb. sakar) (Gen. 15:1; Ex. 22:15; Eccl. 4:9; Jer. 31:16) H7939: The word sakar is translated as “hire” (Zech. 8:10), “reward” (Gen. 15:1; Num. 18:31), or “wages” (Deut. 24:15; Zech. 11:12). It implies an agreement of terms in a relationship. Before he parted ways with Laban, Jacob was given the opportunity to receive just payment for his years of service. The text makes it clear that God is the one who rewarded Jacob, despite Laban’s attempt to swindle him.

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37 Genesis 31:28 the flocks came to drink, so that they should gray-­spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is conceive when they came to drink. 39So the doing to you. 13I am the God of Bethel, where flocks conceived before the rods, and the you anointed the pillar and where you made flocks brought forth streaked, speckled, and a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, spotted. 40 Then Jacob separated the lambs, and return to the land of your family.’ ” 14 T hen Rachel and Leah answered and and made the flocks face toward the streaked and all the brown in the flock of Laban; but said to him, “Is there still any portion or he put his own flocks by themselves and did inheritance for us in our father’s house? 15Are not put them with Laban’s flock. we not considered strangers by him? For he 41And it came to pass, whenever the stron- has sold us, and also completely consumed ger livestock conceived, that Jacob placed our money. 16For all these riches which God the rods before the eyes of the livestock has taken from our father are ­really ours and in the gutters, that they might conceive our children’s; now then, whatever God has among the rods. 42But when the flocks were said to you, do it.” 17 Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his feeble, he did not put them in; so the feebler were Laban’s and the stronger Jacob’s. 43 Thus wives on camels. 18And he carried away all the man became exceedingly prosper- his livestock and all his possessions which he ous, and had large flocks, female and male had gained, his acquired livestock which he servants, and camels and donkeys. had gained in Padan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. 19Now Laban Jacob Flees from Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel N ‌ ow Jacob heard the words of Laban’s had stolen the household idols that were her sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away father’s. 20And Jacob stole away, unknown to all that was our father’s, and from what was Laban the Syrian, in that he did not tell him our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.” that he intended to flee. 21So he fled with all 2And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, that he had. He arose and crossed the river, and indeed it was not favorable toward him and headed toward the mountains of Gilead. as before. 3 T hen the Lor d said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to Laban Pursues Jacob your family, and I will be with you.” 22And Laban was told on the third day 4So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah that Jacob had fled. 23 Then he took his brethto the field, to his flock, 5and said to them, “I ren with him and pursued him for seven see your father’s countenance, that it is not days’ journey, and he overtook him in the favorable toward me as before; but the God mountains of Gilead. 24But God had come to of my father has been with me. 6And you Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and know that with all my might I have served said to him, “Be careful that you speak to your father. 7 Yet your father has deceived me Jacob neither good nor bad.” and changed my wages ten times, but God 25So Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob did not allow him to hurt me. 8If he said thus: had pitched his tent in the mountains, and ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all Laban with his brethren pitched in the the flocks bore speckled. And if he said thus: mountains of Gilead. ‘The streaked shall be your wages,’ then all 26 And Laban said to Jacob: “What the flocks bore streaked. 9So God has taken have you done, that you have stolen away away the livestock of your father and given unknown to me, and carried away my them to me. 10“And it happened, at the time when the daughters like captives taken with the sword? 27 W hy did you flee away secretly, and steal flocks conceived, that I lifted my eyes and away from me, and not tell me; for I might saw in a dream, and behold, the rams which have sent you away with joy and songs, with leaped upon the flocks were streaked, specktimbrel and harp? 28And you did not allow 11 led, and gray-­spotted.  Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ 31:15 stranger   see Ruth 2:10. And I said, ‘Here I am.’ 12And He said, ‘Lift 31:18 gain   see Gen. 46:6. your eyes now and see, all the rams which 31:19 steal   see Deut. 24:7. leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and

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Genesis 31:29 38 me to kiss my sons and my daughters. Now the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last you have done foolishly in so doing. 29It is in night.” my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be Laban’s Covenant with Jacob 43And Laban answered and said to Jacob, careful that you speak to Jacob neither good 30 nor bad.’ And now you have surely gone “These daughters are my daughters, and these because you greatly long for your father’s children are my children, and this flock is house, but why did you steal my gods?” my flock; all that you see is mine. But what 31 Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, can I do this day to these my daughters or to “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Perhaps you their children whom they have borne? 44Now would take your daughters from me by force.’ therefore, come, let us make a cov­en­ant, you 32 With whomever you find your gods, do not and I, and let it be a witness between you and let him live. In the presence of our brethren, me.” 45So Jacob took a stone and set it up as identify what I have of yours and take it with you.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had a pillar. 46 Then Jacob said to his brethren, stolen them. “Gather stones.” And they took stones and 33And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into made a heap, and they ate there on the heap. Leah’s tent, and into the two maids’ tents, 47Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha,a but Jacob but he did not find them. Then he went out called it Galeed.b 48And Laban said, “This of Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. heap is a witness between you and me this 34 Now Rachel had taken the household day.” Therefore its name was called Galeed, idols, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat 49also Mizpah, a because he said, “May the on them. And Laban searched all about the Lor d watch between you and me when we tent but did not find them. 35And she said to are absent one from another. 50If you afflict her father, “Let it not displease my lord that my daughters, or if you take other wives I cannot rise before you, for the manner of besides my daughters, although no man is women is with me.” And he searched but did with us—­see, God is witness between you not find the household idols. and me!” 36 T hen Jacob was angry and rebuked 51 Then Laban said to Jacob, “Here is this Laban, and Jacob answered and said to heap and here is this pillar, which I have Laban: “What is my trespass? What is my placed between you and me. 52 This heap is a sin, that you have so hotly pursued me? witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will 37Although you have searched all my things, not pass beyond this heap to you, and you what part of your household things have you will not pass beyond this heap and this pillar found? Set it here before my brethren and to me, for harm. 53 The God of Abraham, the your brethren, that they may judge between God of Nahor, and the God of their father us both! 38 These twenty years I have been judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the with you; your ewes and your female goats Fear of his father Isaac. 54 Then Jacob offered have not miscarried their young, and I have 31:47 a Literally, in Aramaic, Heap of Witness  b Literally, in not eaten the rams of your flock. 39 T hat Hebrew, Heap of ­Witness   ​31:49 a Literally Watch   ​ which was torn by beasts I did not bring to you; I bore the loss of it. You required it from 31:36 rebuke my hand, whether stolen by day or stolen by (Heb. rib) (Gen. 26:20; Ex. 17:2; 1 Sam. 2:10; night. 40 There I was! In the day the drought Job 40:2; Ps. 119:154) H7378: Also translated as consumed me, and the frost by night, and my “plead,” “strive,” or “chide.” It can refer to quarsleep departed from my eyes. 41 Thus I have reling or complaining (Num. 20:3; Is. 45:9) or to been in your house twenty years; I served the pleading of a legal case (Prov. 25:9). Jacob was you fourteen years for your two daughters, angry about Laban’s injustice toward him and hotly rebuked him. Thus, here the word takes on and six years for your flock, and you have both nuances of the term. changed my wages ten times. 42Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and 31:44 witness   see Mic. 1:2. the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-­ handed. God has seen my affliction and 

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39 Genesis 32:25 a sacrifice on the mountain, and called his ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten brethren to eat bread. And they ate bread and foals. 16 Then he delivered them to the hand stayed all night on the mountain. 55And early of his servants, every drove by itself, and said in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put sons and daughters and ­blessed them. Then some distance between successive droves.” 17And he commanded the first one, saying, Laban departed and returned to his place. “When Esau my brother meets you and asks Esau Comes to Meet Jacob you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and ‌So Jacob went on his way, and the where are you going? Whose are these in angels of God met him. 2 W hen front of you?’ 18then you shall say, ‘They are Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God’s your servant Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my camp.” And he called the name of that place lord Esau; and behold, he also is behind us.’ ” 19So he commanded the second, the third, Mahanaim.a 3 Then Jacob sent messengers before him and all who followed the droves, saying, “In to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the this manner you shall speak to Esau when country of Edom. 4 And he commanded you find him; 20and also say, ‘Behold, your them, saying, “Speak thus to my lord Esau, servant Jacob is behind us.’ ” For he said, “I ‘Thus your servant Jacob says: “I have dwelt will appease him with the present that goes with Laban and stayed there until now. 5I before me, and afterward I will see his face; have oxen, donkeys, flocks, and male and perhaps he will accept me.” 21So the presfemale servants; and I have sent to tell my ent went on over before him, but he himself lord, that I may find favor in your sight.” ’ ” lodged that night in the camp. 6 Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, Wrestling with God 22And he arose that night and took his and he also is coming to meet you, and four 7 hundred men are with him.” So Jacob was two wives, his two female servants, and his greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of the people that were with him, and the flocks Jabbok. 23He took them, sent them over the and herds and camels, into two compa- brook, and sent over what he had. 24 Then nies. 8And he said, “If Esau comes to the Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled one company and attacks it, then the other with him until the breaking of day. 25Now company which is left will escape.” when He saw that He did not prevail against 9 T hen Jacob said, “O God of my father him, He touched the socket of his hip; and Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as Lor d who said to me, ‘Return to your coun- 32:2 a Literally Double Camp   ​ try and to your family, and I will deal well with you’: 10I am not worthy of the least of 32:8 escape   see Is. 37:32. 32:15 bull   see 1 Chr. 15:26. all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed 32:24 wrestle over this Jordan with my staff, and now I 11 have become two companies. Deliver me, (Heb. 'abaq) (Gen. 32:25) H0079: This particI pray, from the hand of my brother, from ular word for wrestle or grapple is used only in this passage. It comes from a root word meanthe hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come ing “dust.” The word 'abaq means “to pound, and attack me and the mother with the chilto make small” or more literally “to dustify.” dren. 12For You said, ‘I will surely treat you Related words for dust are used in connection well, and make your descendants as the sand with judgment (Deut. 28:24; Nah. 1:3; Is. 5:24). of the sea, which cannot be numbered for When Jacob wrestled with God, they wrestled multitude.’ ” in the dust literally, but it was also the point at 13 So he lodged there that same night, which God’s promise to bless the nations through and took what came to his hand as a presIsrael was transferred from one man, Abraham, ent for Esau his brother: 14two hundred onto a nation that would become as numerous as female goats and twenty male goats, two “the dust of the earth” (Gen. 13:16). hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows and

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Genesis 32:26 40 26 He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let now found favor in your sight, then receive Me go, for the day breaks.” my present from my hand, inasmuch as I But he said, “I will not let You go unless have seen your face as though I had seen the You bless me!” face of God, and you were pleased with me. 27So He said to him, “What is your name?” 11 Please, take my blessing that is brought to He said, “Jacob.” you, because God has dealt graciously with 28And He said, “Your name shall no me, and because I have enough.” So he urged longer be called Jacob, but Israel;a for you him, and he took it. have struggled with God and with men, and 12 T hen Esau said, “Let us take our jourhave prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your ney; let us go, and I will go before you.” 13But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. My name?” And He blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place And if the men should drive them hard one Peniel:a “For I have seen God face to face, day, all the flock will die. 14Please let my lord and my life is preserved.” 31Just as he crossed go on ahead before his servant. I will lead over Penuela the sun rose on him, and he on slowly at a pace which the livestock that limped on his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the 32:28 a Literally Prince with God   ​32:30 a Literally Face of children of Israel do not eat the muscle that God   ​32:31 a Same as Peniel, verse 30   ​ shrank, which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob’s hip in the 32:25 wrestle   see Gen. 32:24. muscle that shrank. 32:28 Israel Jacob and Esau Meet (Heb. yisra'el) (Ex. 3:15; 12:51; Is. 14:1; Amos 9:14) ‌Now Jacob lifted his eyes and H3478: The name Israel literally means “God looked, and there, Esau was coming, prevails” or “ruling with God” and is closely and with him were four hundred men. So he related to the word “prince.” Jacob is given this divided the children among Leah, Rachel, new name after he wrestles with Christ at Peniel in order to gain a blessing (Gen. 32:24, 25). So and the two maidservants. 2And he put the Jacob “the supplanter” became Israel “the prince maidservants and their children in front, of God” who shall prevail over men. The name Leah and her children behind, and Rachel change signifies spiritual growth in Jacob; after and Joseph last. 3 Then he crossed over before his persistent struggle and the bestowing of them and bowed himself to the ground seven God’s blessing, Jacob has become a fit leader for times, until he came near to his brother. God’s chosen people. The name Israel was passed 4But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced down to the entire nation of God’s chosen people him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and to signify God’s rule over them. they wept. 5And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, “Who are 32:28 prevail   see Num. 13:30. these with you?” 32:30 face   see Gen. 33:10. 32:32 muscle   see Ezek. 37:6. So he said, “The children whom God 6 33:4 Esau   see Gen. 36:1.   T hen has graciously given your servant.” the maidservants came near, they and their 33:10 face children, and bowed down. 7And Leah also (Heb. panim) (Gen. 32:30; Ex. 33:20; 34:35; came near with her children, and they bowed 1 Kin. 19:13; Ps. 24:6) H6440: Jacob here relates down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel came his fear of seeing Esau’s face—­and subsequent joy near, and they bowed down. at being graciously received—­to seeing the face of 8 Then Esau said, “What do you mean by God when he wrestled with Him at Peniel (Gen. all this company which I met?” 32:30). The word used for “face of God” here is And he said, “These are to find favor in the same word used to name the place where the sight of my lord.” Jacob wrestled with God. Jacob experiences the 9But Esau said, “I have enough, my love of God through the gracious reception Esau brother; keep what you have for yourself.” gives him. 10And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have 

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go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir.” 15And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” 16So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 17And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.a Jacob Comes to Canaan 18 T hen Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city. 19And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. 20 Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.a The Dinah Incident ‌Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. 2And when Shechem the son of Ha­mor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her, and violated her. 3His soul was strongly attracted to Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young woman and spoke kindly to the young woman. 4So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this young woman as a wife.” 5And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter. Now his sons were with his livestock in the field; so Jacob held his peace until they came. 6 T hen Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak with him. 7And the sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it; and the men were grieved and very angry, because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, a thing which ought not to be done. 8But Ha­mor spoke with them, saying, “The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife. 9And make marriages with us; give your daughters to us, and take our daughters to yourselves. 10So you shall dwell with us, and the land shall be before you. Dwell and trade in it, and acquire possessions for yourselves in it.”

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Genesis 34:22 11 Then Shechem said to her father and her

brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you say to me I will give. 12Ask me ever so much dowry and gift, and I will give according to what you say to me; but give me the young woman as a wife.” 13But the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father, and spoke deceitfully, because he had defiled Dinah their sister. 14 And they said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a reproach to us. 15But on this condition we will consent to you: If you will become as we are, if every male of you is circumcised, 16then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to us; and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. 17But if you will not heed us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and be gone.” 18And their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son. 19So the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. He was more honorable than all the household of his father. 20And Hamor and Shechem his son came to the gate of their city, and spoke with the men of their city, saying: 21“These men are at peace with us. Therefore let them dwell in the land and trade in it. For indeed the land is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters to us as wives, and let us give them our daughters. 22Only on this condi‑ tion will the men consent to dwell with us, 33:17 a Literally Booths   ​33:20 a Literally God, the God of Israel   ​

34:5 hold his peace  see 2 Sam. 13:20.

34:7 disgraceful (Heb. nebalah) (Deut. 22:21; Judg. 19:23; 1 Sam. 25:25; Is. 32:6) H5039: The verse almost defines the word nebalah itself when it calls Shechem’s rape of Dinah “a disgraceful thing  .  .  . a thing which ought not to be done.” The word is usually translated as “disgraceful,” “vile,” or “lewd.” More traditionally, the term was translated as “folly,” since Scripture declares transgression of God’s law to be utter foolishness and against all reason (Ps. 14:1). By contrast, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps. 111:10). 34:13 deceitfully  see Ps. 55:23.

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Genesis 34:23 42 5And they journeyed, and the terror of to be one people: if every male among us is circumcised as they are circumcised. 23 Will God was upon the cities that were all around not their livestock, their property, and every them, and they did not pursue the sons of animal of theirs be ours? Only let us consent Jacob. 6So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), to them, and they will dwell with us.” 24And which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the all who went out of the gate of his city heeded people who were with him. 7And he built an Hamor and Shechem his son; every male was altar there and called the place El Bethel, a circumcised, all who went out of the gate of because there God appeared to him when he his city. fled from the face of his brother. 25Now it came to pass on the third day, 8Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, when they were in pain, that two of the sons and she was buried below Bethel under the of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, terebinth tree. So the name of it was called each took his sword and came boldly upon Allon Bachuth.a 9 Then God appeared to Jacob again, when the city and killed all the males. 26And they killed Ha­mor and Shechem his son with he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from 10And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; Shechem’s house, and went out. 27 The sons your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, of Jacob came upon the slain, and plundered but Israel shall be your name.” So He called the city, because their sister had been defiled. his name Israel. 11Also God said to him: “I 28 They took their sheep, their oxen, and their am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multidonkeys, what was in the city and what was ply; a nation and a company of nations shall in the field, 29and all their wealth. All their proceed from you, and kings shall come from little ones and their wives they took captive; your body. 12 The land which I gave Abraham and they plundered even all that was in the and Isaac I give to you; and to your descenhouses. dants after you I give this land.” 13 Then God 30 T hen Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, went up from him in the place where He “You have troubled me by making me talked with him. 14So Jacob set up a pillar in obnoxious among the inhabitants of the the place where He talked with him, a pillar land, among the Canaanites and the Periz­ of stone; and he poured a drink offering on zites; and since I am few in number, they will it, and he poured oil on it. 15And Jacob called gather themselves together against me and the name of the place where God spoke with kill me. I shall be destroyed, my household him, ­Bethel. and I.” 31But they said, “Should he treat our sister Death of Rachel 16 Then they journeyed from Bethel. And like a harlot?” when there was but a little distance to go to Jacob’s Return to Bethel Ephrath, Rachel labored in childbirth, and ‌Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go she had hard labor. 17Now it came to pass, up to Bethel and dwell there; and when she was in hard labor, that the midwife make an altar there to God, who appeared to said to her, “Do not fear; you will have this you when you fled from the face of Esau your son also.” 18And so it was, as her soul was brother.” departing (for she died), that she called his 2And Jacob said to his household and to name Ben-­Oni;a but his father called him all who were with him, “Put away the foreign Benjamin.b 19So Rachel died and was buried gods that are among you, purify yourselves, 35:7 a Literally God of the House of God   ​35:8 a Literally and change your garments. 3 Then let us arise Terebinth of Weeping   ​35:18 a Literally Son of My Sorrow  and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar b Literally Son of the Right Hand   ​ there to God, who answered me in the day of 35:4 ear   see Ezek. 44:5. my distress and has been with me in the way 35:11 Almighty   see Gen. 49:25. which I have gone.” 4So they gave Jacob all 35:14 pillar   see 2 Sam. 18:18. the foreign gods which were in their hands, 35:14 stone   see 1 Kin. 5:17. and the earrings which were in their ears; 35:16 hard   see 1 Sam. 5:7. and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree 35:18 Benjamin   see 1 Chr. 8:1. which was by Shechem.

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43 Genesis 36:14 on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). father of the Edomites in Mount Seir. 10 These 20And Jacob set a pillar on her grave, which is were the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz the son of Adah the wife of Esau, and Reuel the the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 T hen Israel journeyed and pitched son of Basemath the wife of Esau. 11And his tent beyond the tower of Eder. 22And it the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, happened, when Israel dwelt in that land, Ze­pho,a Gatam, and Kenaz. 12Now Timna was the concubine of Elithat Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. phaz, Esau’s son, and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These were the sons of Adah, Esau’s Jacob’s Twelve Sons wife. 13 T hese were the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: 23the sons of Leah were Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were and Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zeb- the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife. 14 T hese were the sons of Aholibamah, ulun; 24the sons of Rachel were Joseph and 25 Benjamin; the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s Esau’s wife, the daughter of Anah, the daughmaidservant, were Dan and Naphtali; 26and ter of Zibeon. And she bore to Esau: Jeush, the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant, were Jaalam, and Korah. Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob 35:27 a Literally Town of Arba   ​36:11 a Spelled Zephi in who were born to him in Padan Aram. 1 Chronicles 1:36   ​ Death of Isaac 27 T hen Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre, or Kirjath Arbaa (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had dwelt. 28Now the days of Isaac were one hundred and eighty years. 29So Isaac breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people, being old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. The Family of Esau ‌Now this is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom. 2Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite; Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; 3and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebajoth. 4Now Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, and Basemath bore Reu­el. 5And Aholibamah bore Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah. These were the sons of Esau who were born to him in the land of Canaan. 6 T hen Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the persons of his household, his cattle and all his animals, and all his goods which he had gained in the land of Canaan, and went to a country away from the presence of his brother Jacob. 7For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together, and the land where they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock. 8So Esau dwelt in Mount Seir. Esau is Edom. 9And this is the genealogy of Esau the

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35:20 pillar  see 2 Sam. 18:18.

35:29 gather (Heb. 'asaph) (Gen. 6:21; 25:8; Ps. 50:5; Jer. 4:5) H0622: The word 'asaph means “to gather for any purpose; to collect; to remove.” It was often used as a description of death—­being gathered to one’s ancestors (Gen. 25:8, for example). It is also used to describe gathering the people for any purpose, such as safety (Josh. 2:18), worship (2 Chr. 29:15), or battle (Is. 13:4). Using the phrase “gathered to his people” in reference to death is an affirmation that there is life after death and that Christians will be reunited with one another.

36:1 Esau (Heb. `esav) (Gen. 25:25; 27:37; 33:4) H6215: The name Esau means “hairy,” a description which Esau lived up to (Gen. 25:25; 27:11). Esau was one of Rebekah’s twin sons, the slightly older brother of Jacob. Esau may be best known for selling his rights as firstborn for a pot of stew (Gen. 25:29–­ 34). That same impetuous foolishness was exhibited when he married two Canaanite women against his parents’ advice (Gen. 26:34, 35). The author of the book of Hebrews sums up Esau’s life with these words: “Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright” (Heb. 12:16). Yet in Esau’s reunion with Jacob (Gen. 33:1–­17), we see growth in Esau’s character. He was able to extend grace and love to the brother who had tricked and cheated him, and so the two brothers were reconciled. Both had learned that family love is more important than revenge or wealth.

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Genesis 36:15 44 Beor reigned in Edom, and the name of his The Chiefs of Edom 15 T hese were the chiefs of the sons of city was Dinhabah. 33And when Bela died, Esau. The sons of Eli­phaz, the firstborn son Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in of Esau, were Chief Teman, Chief Omar, his place. 34 When Jobab died, Hu­sham of the Chief Zepho, Chief Kenaz, 16Chief Korah, a land of the Temanites reigned in his place. Chief Gatam, and Chief Amalek. These were 35And when Husham died, Hadad the son of the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. Bedad, who attacked Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name They were the sons of Adah. 17 These were the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: of his city was Avith. 36 W hen Hadad died, Chief Nahath, Chief Zerah, Chief Shammah, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. and Chief Mizzah. These were the chiefs of 37And when Samlah died, Saul of Rehoboth-­ Reuel in the land of Edom. These were the by-­t he-­R iver reigned in his place. 38 W hen Saul died, Baal-­Hanan the son of Achbor sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife. 18And these were the sons of Aholibamah, reigned in his place. 39And when Baal-­Hanan Esau’s wife: Chief Jeush, Chief Jaalam, and the son of Achbor died, Hadar a reigned in Chief Korah. These were the chiefs who his place; and the name of his city was Pau.b descended from Aholibamah, E ­ sau’s wife, His wife’s name was Mehet­abel, the daughter the daughter of Anah. 19 These were the sons of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. of Esau, who is Edom, and these were their The Chiefs of Esau chiefs. 40And these were the names of the chiefs The Sons of Seir of Esau, according to their families and their 20 T hese were the sons of Seir the Horite places, by their names: Chief Timnah, Chief who inhabited the land: Lotan, Shobal, Alvah,a Chief Jetheth, 41Chief Aholibamah, Zibeon, Anah, 21Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. Chief Elah, Chief Pinon, 42 Chief Kenaz, These were the chiefs of the Horites, the sons Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar, 43Chief Magdiel, and Chief Iram. These were the chiefs of of Seir, in the land of Edom. 22And the sons of Lotan were Hori and Edom, according to their dwelling places in the land of their possession. Esau was the Hemam.a Lotan’s sister was Timna. 23 These were the sons of Shobal: Alvan, a father of the Edomites. Manahath, Ebal, Shepho,b and Onam. 24 T hese were the sons of Zib­eon: both Joseph Dreams of Greatness ‌Now Jacob dwelt in the land where Ajah and Anah. This was the Anah who his father was a stranger, in the land found the water a in the wilderness as he pastured the donkeys of his father Zibeon. of Canaan. 2 This is the history of Jacob. 25 These were the children of Anah: Dishon Joseph, being seventeen years old, was and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah. 36:16 a ­Samaritan Pentateuch omits Chief Korah.   ​ 26  T hese were the sons of Di­s hon: a 36:22 a Spelled Homam in 1 Chronicles 1:39   ​ a 1:40  b Spelled Shephi Hemdan, b Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 36:23   Spelled Alian in 1 Chronicles a 27 T hese were the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, in 1 Chronicles 1:40   ​36:24   Following Masoretic Text and Vulgate (hot springs); Septuagint reads Jamin; Targum Zaavan, and Akan.a 28 These were the sons of reads mighty men; Talmud interprets as mules.   ​ 36:26 a Hebrew Dishan  b Spelled Hamran in 1 Chronicles Dishan: Uz and Aran. 1:41   ​36:27 a Spelled Jaakan in 1 Chronicles 1:42   ​ 29 T hese were the chiefs of the Horites: 36:39 a Spelled Hadad in Samaritan Pentateuch, Syriac, and Chief Lotan, Chief Shobal, Chief Zibeon, 1 Chronicles 1:50  b Spelled Pai in 1 Chronicles 1:50   ​ a Chief Anah, 30 Chief Dishon, Chief Ezer, 36:40   Spelled Aliah in 1 Chronicles 1:51   ​ and Chief Dish­a n. These were the chiefs of 37:2 Joseph the Horites, according to their chiefs in the (Heb. yoseph) (Gen. 30:24; 37:28; 39:2; 42:6) land of Seir.

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The Kings of Edom 31Now these were the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel: 32Bela the son of

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H3130: Joseph was the oldest son of Jacob and Rachel, born after many painful years of barrenness. Because of this, he was Jacob’s favored son (Gen. 37:3). This of course made his brothers Continued

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45 Genesis 37:21 feeding the flock with his brothers. And Please tell me where they are feeding their the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and the flocks.” 17And the man said, “They have departed sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph from here, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to brought a bad report of them to his father. 3Now Israel loved Joseph more than all Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his brothers his children, because he was the son of his and found them in Dothan. 18Now when they saw him afar off, even old age. Also he made him a tunic of many 4 before he came near them, they conspired colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, against him to kill him. 19 Then they said to they hated him and could not speak peace- one another, “Look, this dreamer is coming! 20 Come therefore, let us now kill him and ably to him. 5Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to cast him into some pit; and we shall say, his brothers; and they hated him even more. ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We 6So he said to them, “Please hear this dream shall see what will become of his dreams!” 21But Reuben heard it, and he delivered which I have dreamed: 7 T here we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and Continued indeed your sheaves stood all around and jealous, and in anger they sold him into slavery bowed down to my sheaf.” in Egypt. There Joseph suffered much but even8And his brothers said to him, “Shall you tually earned a position of power from which indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed he was able to save his brothers and father from have dominion over us?” So they hated him starvation during a famine. He summed up his even more for his dreams and for his words. own life thus: “You meant evil against me; but 9 T hen he dreamed still another dream God meant it for good, in order to bring it about and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Gen. 50:20). Joseph offers a shining example of how we I have dreamed another dream. And this can interpret hardship through the lens of God’s time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars providence, seeing His hand orchestrating all the bowed down to me.” events of our lives for His glory and our good. 10So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said 37:2 lad   see Judg. 8:20. to him, “What is this dream that you have 37:5 dream   see Gen. 40:5. dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your 37:5 more   see 2 Chr. 9:6. brothers indeed come to bow down to the 37:6 dream   see Deut. 13:5. 37:8 reign   see 2 Sam. 8:15. earth before you?” 11And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind. 37:8 have dominion Joseph Sold by His Brothers (Heb. mashal) (Gen. 45:8; Judg. 8:23; 2 Sam. 23:3; 12 T hen his brothers went to feed their Ps. 103:19) H4910: The Hebrew word mashal means “to have dominion, reign, or ruling father’s flock in Shechem. 13And Israel said power.” The word was used to describe the domito Joseph, “Are not your brothers feeding the nation that entered human relationships through flock in Shechem? Come, I will send you to the Fall: “Your desire shall be for your husband, them.” and he shall rule over you” (Gen. 3:16). Mashal is So he said to him, “Here I am.” later used to describe man’s rule over his fellow 14 Then he said to him, “Please go and see man (Judg. 8:22; 2 Chr. 7:18; Dan. 11:3) and God’s if it is well with your brothers and well with ultimate rule over all people (Ps. 22:28). Human the flocks, and bring back word to me.” So he beings do not like to be ruled over—­particularly by someone who is, like Joseph in this verse, sent him out of the Valley of Hebron, and he a teenage younger brother—­yet it is God who went to Shechem. places people in authority (Rom. 13:1), and Jesus 15Now a certain man found him, and told us to submit to those in authority over us there he was, wandering in the field. And (Matt. 22:20, 21). the man asked him, saying, “What are you seeking?” 37:9 star   see Job 25:5. 16So he said, “I am seeking my brothers. 

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Genesis 37:22 46 22 kill him.” And Reuben said to them, “Shed and visited a certain Adullamite whose name no blood, but cast him into this pit which is was Hirah. 2And Judah saw there a daughin the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on ter of a certain Canaanite whose name was him”—­that he might deliver him out of their Shua, and he married her and went in to her. 3So she conceived and bore a son, and he hands, and bring him back to his father. 23So it came to pass, when Joseph had called his name Er. 4She conceived again and come to his brothers, that they stripped bore a son, and she called his name Onan. Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors 5And she conceived yet again and bore a son, that was on him. 24 Then they took him and and called his name Shelah. He was at Chezib cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; when she bore him. 6 T hen Judah took a wife for Er his firstthere was no water in it. 25And they sat down to eat a meal. Then born, and her name was Tamar. 7But Er, they lifted their eyes and looked, and there Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from the Lor d, and the Lor d killed him. 8And Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to down to Egypt. 26So Judah said to his broth- your brother.” 9But Onan knew that the heir ers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother would not be his; and it came to pass, when and conceal his blood? 27Come and let us sell he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emithim to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be ted on the ground, lest he should give an heir upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” to his brother. 10And the thing which he did And his brothers listened. 28 Then Midian- displeased the Lor d; therefore He killed him ite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled also. 11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-­ Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels in-­law, “Remain a widow in your father’s of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt. house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he 29 T hen Reuben returned to the pit, and said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And indeed Joseph was not in the pit; and he tore Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house. 12Now in the process of time the daughter his clothes. 30And he returned to his brothers and said, “The lad is no more; and I, where of Shua, Judah’s wife, died; and Judah was shall I go?” comforted, and went up to his sheepshear31So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a ers at Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the Adullamite. 13And it was told Tamar, saying, blood. 32 Then they sent the tunic of many “Look, your father-­i n-­law is going up to colors, and they brought it to their father Timnah to shear his sheep.” 14So she took off and said, “We have found this. Do you know her widow’s garments, covered herself with a whether it is your son’s tunic or not?” veil and wrapped herself, and sat in an open 33And he recognized it and said, “It is my place which was on the way to Timnah; for son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” not given to him as a wife. 15 When Judah saw 34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth her, he thought she was a harlot, because she on his waist, and mourned for his son many had covered her face. 16 Then he turned to her days. 35And all his sons and all his daughters by the way, and said, “Please let me come in arose to comfort him; but he refused to be to you”; for he did not know that she was his comforted, and he said, “For I shall go down daughter-­in-­law. into the grave to my son in mourning.” Thus So she said, “What will you give me, that his father wept for him. you may come in to me?” 36Now the Midianites a had sold him in a Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and 37:36   Masoretic Text reads Medanites.   ​ captain of the guard. Judah and Tamar ‌It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers,

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37:28 Joseph  see Gen. 37:2. 37:33 recognize  see Gen. 42:8. 37:34 sackcloth  see Is. 50:3. 38:1 time  see Is. 33:6.

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47 Genesis 39:9 he said, “I will send a young goat Joseph a Slave in Egypt from the flock.” ‌Now Joseph had been taken down to So she said, “Will you give me a pledge till Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of you send it?” Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, 18 Then he said, “What pledge shall I give bought him from the Ishmaelites who had you?” taken him down there. 2 The Lor d was with So she said, “Your signet and cord, and Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he your staff that is in your hand.” Then he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. gave them to her, and went in to her, and she 3And his master saw that the Lor d was with conceived by him. 19So she arose and went him and that the Lor d made all he did to away, and laid aside her veil and put on the prosper in his hand. 4So Joseph found favor garments of her widowhood. in his sight, and served him. Then he made 20And Judah sent the young goat by the him overseer of his house, and all that he had hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive he put under his authority. 5So it was, from his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did the time that he had made him overseer of not find her. 21 Then he asked the men of that his house and all that he had, that the Lor d place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s openly by the roadside?” sake; and the blessing of the Lor d was on And they said, “There was no harlot in all that he had in the house and in the field. 6 Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, this place.” 22 So he returned to Judah and said, “I and he did not know what he had except for cannot find her. Also, the men of the place the bread which he ate. said there was no harlot in this place.” Now Joseph was handsome in form and 23 T hen Judah said, “Let her take them appearance. 7And it came to pass after these things for herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her.” that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on 24And it came to pass, about three months Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” 8But he refused and said to his master’s after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-­in-­law has played the harlot; wife, “Look, my master does not know what furthermore she is with child by harlotry.” is with me in the house, and he has commitSo Judah said, “Bring her out and let her ted all that he has to my hand. 9 There is no be burned!” one greater in this house than I, nor has he 25 W hen she was brought out, she sent kept back anything from me but you, because to her father-­in-­law, saying, “By the man to you are his wife. How then can I do this great whom these belong, I am with child.” And wickedness, and sin against God?” she said, “Please determine whose these 38:29 a Literally Breach or Breakthrough   ​ are—­the signet and cord, and staff.” 26So Judah acknowledged them and said, 38:18 signet   see Hag. 2:23. “She has been more righteous than I, because 38:19 put on   see Is. 52:1. I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again. 38:26 be righteous 27Now it came to pass, at the time for (Heb. tsadaq) (Ex. 23:7; Job 4:17; Ps. 19:9; Dan. giving birth, that behold, twins were in her 12:3) H6663: The phrase, “She has been more 28 womb. And so it was, when she was giving righteous,” comes from a single Hebrew word birth, that the one put out his hand; and the that implies moral straightness or rightness. The midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on same word can be translated “blameless” (Ps. his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” 51:4), “vindicated” (Job 13:18), or “justice” (Ps. 29 Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, 82:3). The sense is generally causative—­that is, being made righteous, or “justified” (Is. 43:9). that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This 38:29 break through   see 1 Chr. 14:11. breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was 30 39:2 Joseph   see Gen. 37:2. a called Perez. Afterward his brother came 39:6 appearance   see Ezek. 40:3. out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah. 17And

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Genesis 39:10 48 10So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by them, and he served them; so they were in day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her custody for a while. 5 Then the butler and the baker of the king or to be with her. 11But it happened about this time, when of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, Joseph went into the house to do his work, had a dream, both of them, each man’s and none of the men of the house was inside, dream in one night and each man’s dream 12that she caught him by his garment, saying, with its own interpretation. 6And Joseph “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in came in to them in the morning and looked her hand, and fled and ran outside. 13And at them, and saw that they were sad. 7So he so it was, when she saw that he had left his asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him garment in her hand and fled outside, 14that in the custody of his lord’s house, saying, she called to the men of her house and spoke “Why do you look so sad today?” 8And they said to him, “We each have had to them, saying, “See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interto lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. 15And it happened, when he heard pretations belong to God? Tell them to me, that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he please.” 9 T hen the chief butler told his dream left his garment with me, and fled and went to Joseph, and said to him, “Behold, in my outside.” 16So she kept his garment with her until dream a vine was before me, 10 and in the his master came home. 17 T hen she spoke vine were three branches; it was as though it to him with words like these, saying, “The 39:23 a Literally his hand   Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me; 18so it happened, 39:12 catch as I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left (Heb. taphas) (2 Kin. 7:12; Ezek. 21:24) H8610: his garment with me and fled outside.” The word translated “caught” here is more often 19So it was, when his master heard the translated “take” or “took,” as in taking hold words which his wife spoke to him, saying, of a person or thing. This commonly applies to capturing prisoners in battle (2 Kin. 10:14) or “Your servant did to me after this manner,” overtaking cities (Is. 36:1). The term can also that his anger was aroused. 20 Then Joseph’s mean to handle (Ezek. 27:29) or hold (Ezek. master took him and put him into the prison, 30:21); in Genesis 4:21, it is translated “play” (as a place where the king’s prisoners were the harp and flute). Proverbs 30:9 uses the word confined. And he was there in the prison. in the abstract (translated “profane”) to suggest 21But the Lor d was with Joseph and showed improperly possessing the name of God. him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22And the 39:12 flee   see Num. 35:6. keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s 39:23 make prosperous   see Gen. 24:21. hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. 40:5 dream 23 The keeper of the prison did not look into (Heb. chalom) (Gen. 37:5; 41:7; Joel 2:28) H2472: anything that was under Joseph’s authority,a The word simply means “to dream.” The ancients because the Lor d was with him; and whatunderstood a dream or a vision as “watching ever he did, the Lor d made it prosper. during sleep,” suggesting a special state of con

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The Prisoners’ Dreams ‌It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. 2And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker. 3So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined. 4And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with

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sciousness. Often dreams were recognized as revelations from the gods, or from the Lord God Himself in the case of the Hebrews. Many times these dreams and visions were encoded in symbolic language that needed interpretation. Those who could interpret dreams possessed power in the ancient world (Gen. 41:37–­40; Dan. 2:46–­48). Joseph both received and interpreted such messages but was able to interpret the figures and symbols of dream-­events only as God enabled him (Gen. 40:8; 41:16).

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49 Genesis 41:13 budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clus- and dreamed a second time; and suddenly ters brought forth ripe grapes. 11 Then Pha- seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, raoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the plump and good. 6 Then behold, seven thin grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, heads, blighted by the east wind, sprang and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.” up after them. 7And the seven thin heads 12 And Joseph said to him, “This is the devoured the seven plump and full heads. So interpretation of it: The three branches are Pharaoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream. three days. 13Now within three days Pha- 8Now it came to pass in the morning that his raoh will lift up your head and restore you spirit was troubled, and he sent and called to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise in his hand according to the former manner, men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but when you were his butler. 14But remember there was no one who could interpret them me when it is well with you, and please show for Pharaoh. 9 T hen the chief butler spoke to Phakindness to me; make mention of me to Pha15 raoh, and get me out of this house. For raoh, saying: “I remember my faults this indeed I was stolen away from the land of the day. 10 W hen Pharaoh was angry with his Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here servants, and put me in custody in the house that they should put me into the dungeon.” of the captain of the guard, both me and the 16 W hen the chief baker saw that the inter- chief baker, 11we each had a dream in one pretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also night, he and I. Each of us dreamed accordwas in my dream, and there were three white ing to the interpretation of his own dream. baskets on my head. 17In the uppermost 12Now there was a young Hebrew man with basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pha- us there, a servant of the captain of the raoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket guard. And we told him, and he interpreted on my head.” our dreams for us; to each man he inter18 So Joseph answered and said, “This is preted according to his own dream. 13And the interpretation of it: The three baskets are it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, three days. 19 Within three days Pharaoh will so it happened. He restored me to my office, lift off your head from you and hang you on and he hanged him.” a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from 40:10 bud   see Is. 66:14. you.” 20Now it came to pass on the third day, 40:19 hang   see Deut. 21:22. 40:20 head   see Gen. 3:15. which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the 41:1 Pharaoh head of the chief butler and of the chief baker 21 (Heb. Par`oh) (Ex. 1:11) H6547: The name Phaamong his servants.  Then he restored the raoh comes from the Egyptian word pr-­`o, which chief butler to his butlership again, and he means “the great house.” Originally the word placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. 22But Pharaoh was not a designation for the king of he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had Egypt, but a reference to his palace. The ancient 23 interpreted to them.  Yet the chief butler did Egyptians believed that Pharaoh was the living not remember Joseph, but forgot him. representation of the god Horus in Egyptian reli

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Pharaoh’s Dreams ‌Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river. 2 Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. 3 T hen behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river. 4And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke. 5He slept

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gion, identified with the cult of the sun god and symbolized by the falcon. The plagues against the Egyptians prior to the Israelite exodus from Egypt were cosmic in nature, a kind of spiritual warfare between the living God and the false gods of Egypt (Ex. 12:12; 15:11). The tenth plague, resulting in the death of the firstborn among the Egyptians (including Pharaoh’s), was divine judgment upon Pharaoh’s claim to deity (Ex. 12:29, 30; 18:11, 12). 41:6 east  see Ezek. 47:2. 41:7 dream  see Gen. 40:5.

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Genesis 41:14 50 14 T hen Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, discerning and wise man, and set him over and they brought him quickly out of the the land of Egypt. 34Let Pharaoh do this, dungeon; and he shaved, changed his cloth- and let him appoint officers over the land, to ing, and came to Pharaoh. 15And Pharaoh collect one-­f ifth of the produce of the land of said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there Egypt in the seven plentiful years. 35And let is no one who can interpret it. But I have them gather all the food of those good years heard it said of you that you can understand that are coming, and store up grain under a dream, to interpret it.” the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep 16 So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, food in the cities. 36 Then that food shall be “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an as a reserve for the land for the seven years of answer of peace.” famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, 17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “Behold, that the land may not perish during the in my dream I stood on the bank of the river. famine.” 18 Suddenly seven cows came up out of the river, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the Joseph’s Rise to Power 37So the advice was good in the eyes of meadow. 19 Then behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. gaunt, such ugliness as I have never seen in 38And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we all the land of Egypt. 20And the gaunt and find such a one as this, a man in whom is the ugly cows ate up the first seven, the fat cows. Spirit of God?” 21 W hen they had eaten them up, no one 39 T hen Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inaswould have known that they had eaten them, much as God has shown you all this, there is for they were just as ugly as at the beginning. no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You So I awoke. 22Also I saw in my dream, and shall be over my house, and all my people suddenly seven heads came up on one stalk, shall be ruled according to your word; only full and good. 23 Then behold, seven heads, in regard to the throne will I be greater than withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, you.” 41And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I sprang up after them. 24And the thin heads have set you over all the land of Egypt.” devoured the seven good heads. So I told this 42 T hen Pharaoh took his signet ring off to the magicians, but there was no one who his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he could explain it to me.” clothed him in garments of fine linen and 25 T hen Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The put a gold chain around his neck. 43And he dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown had him ride in the second chariot which Pharaoh what He is about to do: 26 The seven he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow good cows are seven years, and the seven the knee!” So he set him over all the land of good heads are seven years; the dreams are Egypt. 44Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I am one. 27And the seven thin and ugly cows Pharaoh, and without your consent no man which came up after them are seven years, may lift his hand or foot in all the land of and the seven empty heads blighted by the Egypt.” 45And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name east wind are seven years of famine. 28 This Zaphnath-­Paaneah. And he gave him as a is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-­Pherah God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the do. 29Indeed seven years of great plenty will land of Egypt. 30 come throughout all the land of Egypt; but 46Joseph was thirty years old when he after them seven years of famine will arise, stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And and all the plenty will be forgotten in the Joseph went out from the presence of Phaland of Egypt; and the famine will deplete raoh, and went throughout all the land of the land. 31So the plenty will not be known in Egypt. 47Now in the seven plentiful years the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe. 32And the dream was 41:14 bring quickly   see Song 1:4. repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing 41:26, 27 cow   see 1 Sam. 6:7. is established by God, and God will shortly 41:27 empty   see 2 Chr. 13:7. bring it to pass. 41:27 famine   see Ezek. 5:16. 33“Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a 

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the ground brought forth abundantly. he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. 49Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable. 50And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-­Pherah priest of On, bore to him. 51Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh:a “For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.” 52And the name of the second he called Ephraim:a “For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” 53 T hen the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.” 56 The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the store­ housesa and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. 57So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands. Joseph’s Brothers Go to Egypt ‌W hen Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another? ” 2And he said, “Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.” 3So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. 4But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.” 5And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan. 6Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their ­faces to the earth. 7Joseph saw his brothers and

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Genesis 42:19 recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said to them, “Where do you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan to buy food.” 8 So Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. 9 Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!” 10And they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. 11 We are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies.” 12But he said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land.” 13And they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more.” 14But Joseph said to them, “It is as I spoke to you, saying, ‘You are spies!’ 15In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. 16Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!” 17So he put them all together in prison three days. 18 T hen Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God: 19If you are honest men, let one of your brothers ​41:51 a Literally Making Forgetful   ​41:52 a Literally Fruitfulness   ​41:56 a Literally all that was in them   ​

41:52 Ephraim  see Hos. 12:8. 42:6 Joseph  see Gen. 37:2.

42:8 recognize (Heb. nakar) (Gen. 37:33; Ruth 3:14; 1 Kin. 18:7) H5234: The Hebrew word carries two seemingly contradictory meanings. The most common is “to recognize” or “to know” (1 Sam. 26:17); related translations include “acknowledge” (Deut. 21:17), “perceive” (Neh. 6:12), and “remember” (Ps. 103:16). But the same word can also be translated “disguises” (Prov. 26:24) or “make alien” (Jer. 19:4). 42:9 remember  see Ps.25:6. 42:15 test  see Mal. 3:10.

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Genesis 42:20 52 be confined to your prison house; but you, brother to you, and you may trade in the go and carry grain for the famine of your land.’ ” 35 Then it happened as they emptied their houses. 20And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you sacks, that surprisingly each man’s bundle of shall not die.” money was in his sack; and when they and And they did so. 21 Then they said to one their father saw the bundles of money, they another, “We are truly guilty concerning were afraid. 36And Jacob their father said to our brother, for we saw the anguish of his them, “You have bereaved me: Joseph is no soul when he pleaded with us, and we would more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take not hear; therefore this distress has come Benjamin. All these things are against me.” 37 Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, upon us.” 22 And Reuben answered them, saying, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not sin to you; put him in my hands, and I will bring against the boy’; and you would not listen? him back to you.” 38But he said, “My son shall not go down Therefore behold, his blood is now required 23 of us.” But they did not know that Joseph with you, for his brother is dead, and he is understood them, for he spoke to them left alone. If any calamity should befall him through an interpreter. 24 And he turned along the way in which you go, then you himself away from them and wept. Then would bring down my gray hair with sorrow he returned to them again, and talked with to the grave.” them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes. Joseph’s Brothers Return with Benjamin The Brothers Return to Canaan ‌Now the famine was severe in the 25 T hen Joseph gave a command to fill land. 2And it came to pass, when their sacks with grain, to restore every man’s they had eaten up the grain which they had money to his sack, and to give them provi- brought from Egypt, that their father said to sions for the journey. Thus he did for them. them, “Go back, buy us a little food.” 26 So they loaded their donkeys with the 3But Judah spoke to him, saying, “The grain and departed from there. 27But as one man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall of them opened his sack to give his donkey not see my face unless your brother is with feed at the encampment, he saw his money; you.’ 4If you send our brother with us, we and there it was, in the mouth of his sack. will go down and buy you food. 5But if you 28So he said to his brothers, “My money has will not send him, we will not go down; for been restored, and there it is, in my sack!” the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face Then their hearts failed them and they were unless your brother is with you.’ ” 6And Israel said, “Why did you deal afraid, saying to one another, “What is this that God has done to us?” so wrongfully with me as to tell the man 29 Then they went to Jacob their father in whether you had still another brother?” 7But they said, “The man asked us pointthe land of Canaan and told him all that had happened to them, saying: 30“The man who edly about ourselves and our family, saying, is lord of the land spoke roughly to us, and ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another took us for spies of the country. 31But we said brother?’ And we told him according to these to him, ‘We are honest men; we are not spies. words. Could we possibly have known that 32 We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” one is no more, and the youngest is with our 8 Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send father this day in the land of Canaan.’ 33 Then the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that the man, the lord of the country, said to us, we may live and not die, both we and you and ‘By this I will know that you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, take 43:9 be surety food for the famine of your households, and (Heb. `arab) (Gen. 44:32; Ps. 119:122; Prov. be gone. 34And bring your youngest brother 11:15) H6148: “Surety” here means a promise or to me; so I shall know that you are not spies, Continued but that you are honest men. I will grant your

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also our little ones. 9I myself will be surety for

him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. 10For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.” 11And their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man—­a little balm and a little honey, ­spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. 12 Take double money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. 13 Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man. 14And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!” 15So the men took that present and Benjamin, and they took double money in their hand, and arose and went down to Egypt; and they stood before Joseph. 16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.” 17 Then the man did as Joseph ordered, and the man brought the men into Joseph’s house. 18Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys.” 19 W hen they drew near to the steward of Joseph’s house, they talked with him at the door of the house, 20 and said, “O sir, we indeed came down the first time to buy food; 21but it happened, when we came to the encampment, that we opened our sacks, and there, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight; so we have brought it back in our hand. 22And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.” 23But he said, “Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.

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Genesis 43:34 the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed. 25 Then they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there. 26And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. 27 T hen he asked them about their well-­being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” 28And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves. 29 T hen he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” 30Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there. 31 Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, “Serve the bread.” 32So they set him a place by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked in astonishment at one another. 34 Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him. 24 So

Continued

guarantee, as of payment for a debt—­Judah offering himself as a guarantee of Benjamin’s safe return to his father. The Hebrew word is sometimes rendered “pledge” (2 Kin. 18:23; Is. 36:8). The same word can also mean to mingle (as a kind of exchange—­Ps. 106:35), mix (Ezra 9:2), or share (Prov. 14:10). 43:14 Almighty  see Gen. 49:25. 43:14 mercy  see Is. 63:7. 43:23 peace  see 1 Chr. 12:18. 43:30 make haste  see Nah. 2:5.

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Genesis 44:1 54 was found, he shall be my slave. And as for Joseph’s Cup ‌A nd he commanded the steward you, go up in peace to your father.” of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, Judah Intercedes for Benjamin 18 Then Judah came near to him and said: and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack. 2Also put my cup, the silver cup, in “O my lord, please let your servant speak a the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and word in my lord’s hearing, and do not let his grain money.” So he did according to the your anger burn against your servant; for word that Joseph had spoken. 3As soon as the you are even like Pharaoh. 19My lord asked morning dawned, the men were sent away, his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a they and their donkeys. 4 W hen they had brother?’ 20And we said to my lord, ‘We have gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, a father, an old man, and a child of his old Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow age, who is young; his brother is dead, and the men; and when you overtake them, say to he alone is left of his mother’s children, and them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? 5Is his father loves him.’ 21 Then you said to your not this the one from which my lord drinks, servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may and with which he indeed practices divina- set my eyes on him.’ 22And we said to my lord, ‘The lad cannot leave his father, for if  he tion? You have done evil in so doing.’ ” 6 So he overtook them, and he spoke to should leave his father, his father would die.’ them these same words. 7And they said to 23But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your him, “Why does my lord say these words? youngest brother comes down with you, you Far be it from us that your servants should shall see my face no more.’ 24“So it was, when we went up to your do such a thing. 8Look, we brought back servant my father, that we told him the words to you from the land of Canaan the money which we found in the mouth of our sacks. of my lord. 25And our father said, ‘Go back How then could we steal silver or gold from and buy us a little food.’ 26But we said, ‘We your lord’s house? 9 With whomever of your cannot go down; if our youn­gest brother is servants it is found, let him die, and we also with us, then we will go down; for we may not see the man’s face unless our youn­gest will be my lord’s slaves.” 10And he said, “Now also let it be accord- brother is with us.’ 27 Then your servant my ing to your words; he with whom it is found father said to us, ‘You know that my wife shall be my slave, and you shall be blame- bore me two sons; 28and the one went out less.” 11 Then each man speedily let down his from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn to sack to the ground, and each opened his sack. pieces”; and I have not seen him since. 29But 12So he searched. He began with the oldest if you take this one also from me, and calamand left off with the youngest; and the cup ity befalls him, you shall bring down my gray was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they hair with sorrow to the grave.’ 30“Now therefore, when I come to your tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city. 14 So Judah and his brothers came to 44:4 repay   see Lev. 24:18. Joseph’s house, and he was still there; and 44:15 practice divination they fell before him on the ground. 15And Joseph said to them, “What deed is this you (Heb. nachash) (Lev. 19:26; 2 Kin. 17:17; 2 Chr. have done? Did you not know that such a 33:6) H5172: The practice of divination was strictly prohibited in Mosaic law (Lev. 19:26; man as I can certainly practice divination?” 16 Then Judah said, “What shall we say to Deut. 18:10); in the time of the patriarchs, the concept was terrifying enough for Joseph to use my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall it as a dire threat. The Hebrew word, translated we clear ourselves? God has found out the “sorcery” in 2 Chronicles 33:6, literally means to iniquity of your servants; here we are, my “hiss” or “whisper,” as a medium might do, perlord’s slaves, both we and he also with whom haps in communication with the dead. The word the cup was found.” has a less sinister meaning as well—­ Genesis 17But he said, “Far be it from me that I 30:27 renders it “learned by experience.” should do so; the man in whose hand the cup

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55 Genesis 45:22 12 servant my father, and the lad is not with “And behold, your eyes and the eyes of us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life, my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth 31it will happen, when he sees that the lad is that speaks to you. 13So you shall tell my not with us, that he will die. So your servants father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that will bring down the gray hair of your servant you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring our father with sorrow to the grave. 32For my father down here.” 14 Then he fell on his b your servant became surety for the lad to my ­ rother Benjamin’s father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his you, then I shall bear the blame before my neck. 15Moreover he kissed all his brothers father forever.’ 33Now therefore, please let and wept over them, and after that his brothyour servant remain instead of the lad as a ers talked with him. slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his 16Now the report of it was heard in Phabrothers. 34For how shall I go up to my father raoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the come.” So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants evil that would come upon my father?” well. 17And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals Joseph Revealed to His Brothers and depart; go to the land of Canaan. 18Bring ‌T hen Joseph could not restrain your father and your households and come himself before all those who stood to me; I will give you the best of the land of by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land. go out from me!” So no one stood with him 19 Now you are commanded—­do this: Take while Joseph made himself known to his carts out of the land of Egypt for your little brothers. 2And he wept aloud, and the Egypones and your wives; bring your father and tians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. 20 3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am come. Also do not be concerned about your Joseph; does my father still live? ” But his goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is ” brothers could not answer him, for they were yours.’  21   T hen the sons of Israel did so; and dismayed in his presence. 4And Joseph said Joseph gave them carts, according to the to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So command of Pharaoh, and he gave them they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph provisions for the journey. 22He gave to all your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5But now, do not therefore be grieved or 44:32 be surety   see Gen. 43:9. angry with yourselves because you sold me 45:7 posterity   see 2 Chr. 34:9. here; for God sent me before you to preserve 45:8 ruler   see Gen. 37:8. 6 life. For these two years the famine has been 45:14 Benjamin   see 1 Chr. 8:1. in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor 45:18 fat harvesting. 7And God sent me before you (Heb. cheleb) (Gen. 4:4; Ex. 29:13; Deut. 32:14; to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, Ezek. 39:19) H2459: Though the Hebrew word and to save your lives by a great deliverance. means the actual fat of animals (or humans), it 8So now it was not you who sent me here, but can also be used, as here, to describe the choicGod; and He has made me a father to Phaest part of something (in this case, the land; see raoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler also Ps. 147:14—­“ finest”). The term is most often throughout all the land of Egypt. used in the context of animal sacrifice (Ex. 29:22; 9“Hurry and go up to my father, and say Lev. 3:9, 10) but can also imply excess (Ps. 73:7) or abundance (Ps. 63:5). A particularly gruesome to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: “God has image is found in the story of Ehud (Judg. 3:12–­ made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, 30), who killed the Moabite king Eglon by driving do not tarry. 10 You shall dwell in the land of a dagger so deep into his belly that “the fat closed Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and over the blade.” your children, your children’s children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have. 45:20 goods   see 1 Sam. 14:6. 11 There I will provide for you, lest you and 45:20 best   see 2 Kin. 8:9. your household, and all that you have, come to 45:21 command   see Num. 27:14. poverty; for there are still five years of famine.” ’

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Genesis 45:23 56 of them, to each man, changes of garments; Merari. 12 The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (but Er and Onan of silver and five changes of garments. 23And died in the land of Canaan). The sons of he sent to his father these things: ten donkeys Perez were Hezron and Hamul. 13 The sons of loaded with the good things of Egypt, and Issachar were Tola, Puvah,a Job,b and Shimten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, ron. 14 The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and food for his father for the journey. 24So and Jahleel. 15 These were the sons of Leah, he sent his brothers away, and they departed; whom she bore to Jacob in Padan Aram, with and he said to them, “See that you do not his daughter Dinah. All the persons, his sons become troubled along the way.” and his daughters, were thirty-­three. 25 T hen they went up out of Egypt, and 16 The sons of Gad were Ziphion, a Haggi, came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their Shuni, Ezbon,b Eri, Arodi,c and Areli. 17 The father. 26And they told him, saying, “Joseph sons of Asher were Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, is still alive, and he is governor over all the Beriah, and Serah, their sister. And the sons land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, of Beriah were Heber and Malchiel. 18 These because he did not believe them. 27But when were the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave they told him all the words which Joseph to Leah his daughter; and these she bore to had said to them, and when he saw the carts Jacob: sixteen persons. which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit 19 T he sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife, were of Jacob their father revived. 28 Then Israel Joseph and Benjamin. 20And to Joseph in said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and I will go and see him before I die.” Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-­Pherah priest of On, bore to him. Jacob’s Journey to Egypt 21 The sons of Benjamin were Belah, Becher, ‌So Israel took his journey with all Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, that he had, and came to Beersheba, Huppim, a and Ard. 22 These were the sons and offered sacrifices to the God of his father of Rachel, who were born to Jacob: fourteen Isaac. 2 T hen God spoke to Israel in the persons in all. visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!” 23 T he son of Dan was Hushim. a 24 T he And he said, “Here I am.” 3So He said, “I am God, the God of your 46:10 a Spelled Nemuel in 1 Chronicles 4:24  b Called Jarib 1 Chronicles 4:24  c Called Zerah in 1 Chronicles 4:24   ​ father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I in 46:13 a Spelled Puah in 1 Chronicles 7:1  b Same as Jashub will make of you a great nation there. 4I will in Numbers 26:24 and 1 Chronicles 7:1   ​46:16 a Spelled and Numbers go down with you to Egypt, and I will also Zephon bin Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, 26:15   Called Ozni in ­Numbers 26:16  c Spelled Arod in surely bring you up again; and Joseph will Numbers a 26:17   ​46:21   Called Hupham in Numbers 26:39  ​ put his hand on your eyes.” 46:23 a Called Shuham in Numbers 26:42   ​ 5 Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their 46:2 vision   see Dan. 10:7. little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6So they took 46:6 acquire their livestock and their goods, which they (Heb. rakash) (Gen. 12:5; 31:18) H7408: This had acquired in the land of Canaan, and extremely rare verb meaning “to acquire, accuwent to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants mulate, or amass” is used only five times and in with him. 7His sons and his sons’ sons, his just four verses—­a ll in Genesis. In every case, the term refers to an individual’s (Abraham, Jacob, daughters and his sons’ daughters, and all his and Esau) having accumulated movable goods descendants he brought with him to Egypt. 8Now these were the names of the chil(never land) that are then being packed up for a major relocation that is instigated by God Himdren of Israel, Jacob and his sons, who went self (with Esau’s move being a possible exception). 9 to Egypt: Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn.  The Each of these relocations is a very significant sons of Reuben were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, turning point in the Book of Genesis. This term 10 and Carmi.  T he sons of Simeon were suggests both wealth and affluence—­ordinarily, Jemuel, a Jamin, Ohad, Jachin,b Zohar,c and if not always, coming from God’s blessings upon Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. 11 The the person (Gen. 31:16–­18; 36:6, 7; 46:6). sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and

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57 Genesis 47:13 sons of Naphtali were Guni, Jezer, no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is and Shillem. b 25 T hese were the sons of severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel his please let your servants dwell in the land of daughter, and she bore these to Jacob: seven Goshen.” 5 T hen Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, persons in all. 26All the persons who went with Jacob “Your father and your brothers have come to Egypt, who came from his body, besides to you. 6 T he land of Egypt is before you. Jacob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-­six persons in Have your father and brothers dwell in the all. 27And the sons of Joseph who were born best of the land; let them dwell in the land to him in Egypt were two persons. All the of Goshen. And if you know any competent persons of the house of Jacob who went to men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.” Egypt were seventy. 7  T hen Joseph brought in his father Jacob Settles in Goshen Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob 28 T hen he sent Judah before him to blessed Pharaoh. 8Pharaoh said to Jacob, Joseph, to point out before him the way “How old are you?” 9And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of to Goshen. And they came to the land of Goshen. 29So Joseph made ready his chariot the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and went up to Goshen to meet his father and thirty years; few and evil have been the Israel; and he presented himself to him, and days of the years of my life, and they have not fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” while. 30And Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me 10 So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out die, since I have seen your face, because you from before Pharaoh. 11And Joseph situated his father and his are still alive.” 31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and to brothers, and gave them a possession in his father’s household, “I will go up and tell the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘My brothers and in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had those of my father’s house, who were in the commanded. 12 T hen Joseph provided his land of Canaan, have come to me. 32And the father, his brothers, and all his father’s housemen are shepherds, for their occupation has hold with bread, according to the number in been to feed livestock; and they have brought their families. their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.’ 33So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you Joseph Deals with the Famine 13Now there was no bread in all the and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has land; for the famine was very severe, so that been with livestock from our youth even till the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan now, both we and also our fathers,’ that you 46:24 a Spelled Jahziel in 1 Chronicles 7:13  b Spelled may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every Shallum in 1 Chronicles 7:13   ​ shepherd is an abomination to the Egyp46:34 abomination   see Ezek. 18:12. tians.” ‌T hen Joseph went and told Pha47:9 pilgrimage raoh, and said, “My father and my (Heb. magur) (Ex. 6:4; Ps. 119:54) H4033: The brothers, their flocks and their herds and all Hebrew word carries the sense of wandering, as that they possess, have come from the land in a strange land (Gen. 17:8) or of sojourning in a of Canaan; and indeed they are in the land of foreign country (Ezek. 20:38). The word can also 2 Goshen.” And he took five men from among be used to describe strangers (Gen. 28:4; 36:7; his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. 37:1)—­i.e., those who wander or dwell in a place 3 Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is that is not their home. An alternate translation is your occupation?” “dwellings” (Job 18:19; Ps. 55:15). In describing And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants his life as a “pilgrimage,” Jacob gives the sense are shepherds, both we and also our fathers.” of a lifetime of wandering and of existing on the 4And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to earth as a stranger or a guest. dwell in the land, because your servants have

Jahzeel, a

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Genesis 47:14 58 14 languished because of the famine. And made it a law over the land of Egypt to this Joseph gathered up all the money that was day, that Pharaoh should have one-­f ifth, found in the land of Egypt and in the land except for the land of the priests only, which of Canaan, for the grain which they bought; did not become Pharaoh’s. and Joseph brought the money into PhaJoseph’s Vow to Jacob raoh’s house. 15So when the money failed in the land 27So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the the country of Goshen; and they had possesEgyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us sions there and grew and multiplied exceedbread, for why should we die in your pres- ingly. 28And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt ence? For the money has failed.” seventeen years. So the length of Jacob’s life 16 Then Joseph said, “Give your livestock, was one hundred and forty-­seven years. and I will give you bread for your livestock, 29 When the time drew near that Israel must if the money is gone.” 17So they brought their die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them “Now if I have found favor in your sight, bread in exchange for the horses, the flocks, please put your hand under my thigh, and the cattle of the herds, and for the donkeys. deal kindly and truly with me. Please do not Thus he fed them with bread in exchange for bury me in Egypt, 30but let me lie with my all their livestock that year. fathers; you shall carry me out of Egypt and 18 W hen that year had ended, they came bury me in their burial place.” to him the next year and said to him, “We And he said, “I will do as you have said.” will not hide from my lord that our money 31 T hen he said, “Swear to me.” And he is gone; my lord also has our herds of live- swore to him. So Israel bowed himself on the stock. There is nothing left in the sight of my head of the bed. lord but our bodies and our lands. 19 W hy should we die before your eyes, both we and Jacob Blesses Joseph’s Sons our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and ‌Now it came to pass after these we and our land will be servants of Pharaoh; things that Joseph was told, “Indeed give us seed, that we may live and not die, your father is sick”; and he took with him his that the land may not be desolate.” two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2And 20 T hen Joseph bought all the land of Jacob was told, “Look, your son Joseph is Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the coming to you”; and Israel strengthened Egyptians sold his field, because the famine himself and sat up on the bed. 3 Then Jacob was severe upon them. So the land became said to Joseph: “God Almighty appeared to Pharaoh’s. 21And as for the people, he moved me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed them into the cities, a from one end of the me, 4and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you borders of Egypt to the other end. 22Only fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of the land of the priests he did not buy; for the you a multitude of people, and give this land priests had rations allotted to them by Pha- to your descendants after you as an everlastraoh, and they ate their rations which Phaing possession.’ 5And now your two sons, raoh gave them; therefore they did not sell Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to their lands. 23 Then Joseph said to the people, “Indeed you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, I have bought you and your land this day for they shall be mine. 6 Your offspring whom Pharaoh. Look, here is seed for you, and you you beget after them shall be yours; they shall sow the land. 24 And it shall come to will be called by the name of their brothers pass in the ­harvest that you shall give one-­ 7 fifth to Pharaoh. Four-­f ifths shall be your in their inheritance. But as for me, when I own, as seed for the field and for your food, 47:21 a Following Masoretic Text and Targum; Samaritan Septuagint, and Vulgate read made the people for those of your households and as food for Pentateuch, virtual slaves.   ​ your little ones.” 25So they said, “You have saved our lives; 47:19 live   see Hab. 2:4. let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and 48:1 sick   see Is. 38:9. 26 we will be Pharaoh’s servants.” And Joseph

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59 Genesis 49:6 came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in and his descendants shall become a multithe land of Canaan on the way, when there tude of nations.” 20So he blessed them that day, saying, “By was but a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that you Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God make is, Bethlehem).” you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!’ ” And 8 Then Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, thus he set Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am “Who are these?” 9Joseph said to his father, “They are my dying, but God will be with you and bring sons, whom God has given me in this place.” you back to the land of your fathers. 22MoreAnd he said, “Please bring them to me, over I have given to you one portion above and I will bless them.” 10Now the eyes of your brothers, which I took from the hand Israel were dim with age, so that he could not of the Amorite with my sword and my bow.” see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. 11And Jacob’s Last Words to His Sons Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see ‌And Jacob called his sons and said, your face; but in fact, God has also shown me “Gather together, that I may tell you your offspring!” what shall befall you in the last days: 12 So Joseph brought them from beside 2 “Gather together and hear, you sons of his knees, and he bowed down with his face Jacob, to the earth. 13And Joseph took them both, And listen to Israel your father. Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh with his left hand 3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn, toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them My might and the beginning of my near him. 14 T hen Israel stretched out his strength, right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, The excellency of dignity and the who was the younger, and his left hand on excellency of power. Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands know- 4 Unstable as water, you shall not excel, ingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 15And Because you went up to your father’s bed; he ­blessed Joseph, and said: Then you defiled it— “God, before whom my fathers Abraham He went up to my couch. and Isaac walked, 5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers; The God who has fed me all my life long Instruments of cruelty are in their to this day, dwelling place. 16 The Angel who has redeemed me from 6 Let not my soul enter their council; all evil, Let not my honor be united to their Bless the lads; assembly; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham 48:14 younger   see 1 Sam. 9:21. and Isaac; 48:17 take hold   see Is. 41:10. And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” 48:19 great

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17Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18And Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” 19But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he,

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(Heb. gadal) (Gen. 12:2; 2 Sam. 7:22; 1 Kin. 1:37; Ps. 18:50) H1431: Most often translated “magnify” (Ps. 34:3; 69:30) or “exalt” (Josh. 3:7; Job 7:17), the Hebrew word literally means “to twist together,” as rope or twine, carrying the sense of increasing strength or greatness. The same word can also mean “to grow,” as in physical stature (1 Sam. 3:19) or in volume or significance (Ezra 9:6—­“our guilt has grown up to the heavens”). 49:1 befall  see 2 Sam. 1:6. 49:3 firstborn  see Num. 8:17.

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Genesis 49:7 For in their anger they slew a man, And in their self-­will they hamstrung an ox. 7 Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob And scatter them in Israel. 8 “Judah, you are he whom your brothers

shall praise; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s children shall bow down before you. 9 Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him? 10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. 11 Binding his donkey to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, He washed his garments in wine, And his clothes in the blood of grapes. 12 His eyes are darker than wine, And his teeth whiter than milk. 13 “Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the

sea; He shall become a haven for ships, And his border shall adjoin Sidon.

14 “Issachar is a strong donkey,

Lying down between two burdens;

15 He saw that rest was good,

And that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, And became a band of slaves.

16 “Dan shall judge his people

As one of the tribes of Israel.

17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way,

A viper by the path, That bites the horse’s heels So that its rider shall fall backward. 18 I have waited for your salvation, O Lor d! 19 “Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him,

But he shall triumph at last.

20 “Bread from Asher shall be rich,

And he shall yield royal dainties.

21 “Naphtali is a deer let loose;

60 22 “Joseph is a fruitful bough,

A fruitful bough by a well; His branches run over the wall. 23 The archers have bitterly grieved him, Shot at him and hated him. 24 But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), 25 By the God of your father who will help you, And by the Almighty who will bless you With blessings of heaven above, Blessings of the deep that lies beneath, Blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26 The blessings of your father Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers. 27 “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf;

In the morning he shall devour the prey, And at night he shall divide the spoil.”

49:6 hamstring  see 1 Chr. 18:4. 49:7 divide  see Ps. 60:6. 49:9 lion  see Mic. 5:8. 49:10 Judah  see 1 Chr. 9:3. 49:15 pleasant  see Song 7:6. 49:18 wait  see Lam. 3:25. 49:24 Shepherd  see Jer. 25:34.

49:25 Almighty (Heb. shaddai) (Gen. 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; Job 37:23) H7706: This divine name in Hebrew is 'El Shaddai. 'El means God, and Shaddai is probably related to the Akkadian word for “mountain,” or to a Hebrew verb meaning “mighty.” God is “mountainlike.” He is powerful, majestic, awe-­ inspiring, and enduring. Just like a mountain, He provides a shelter from the elements and from evil (Ps. 91:1, 2). Therefore, 'El Shaddai can mean “Majestic Deity” or “the God Who Provides My Refuge.” 49:26 hill  see Is. 65:7. 49:27 Benjamin  see 1 Chr. 8:1.

He uses beautiful words.

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these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their ­father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing. 28All

Jacob’s Death and Burial 29 T hen he charged them and said to them: “I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of ­Ephron the Hittite as a possession for a burial place. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. 32 T he field and the cave that is there were purchased from the sons of Heth.” 33And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. ‌T hen Joseph fell on his father’s face and wept over him, and kissed him. 2And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. 3Forty days were required for him, for such are the days required for those who are embalmed; and the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. 4 Now when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the hearing of Pharaoh, saying, 5‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying; in my grave which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come back.’ ” 6And Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear.” 7 So Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, 8as well as all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds they left in the land of Go­shen. 9And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great gathering.

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Genesis 50:17 they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and they mourned there with a great and very solemn lamentation. He observed seven days of mourning for his father. 11And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a deep mourning of the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim, a which is beyond the Jordan. 12So his sons did for him just as he had commanded them. 13For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from ­Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place. 14And after he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers and all who went up with him to bury his father. 10 T hen

Joseph Reassures His Brothers 15 W hen Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” 16So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, 17‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 50:11 a Literally Mourning of Egypt

49:28 tribe  see Num. 24:17. 50:5 dig  see Jer. 18:20.

50:10 lamentation (Heb. misped) (Ezek. 27:31; Amos 5:16; Zech. 12:10) H4553: This noun denotes lamentation and wailing. It is one of numerous such words in the Old Testament. It is usually associated with expressions of grief over the death of an individual (Gen. 50:10) or of numerous persons (Esth. 4:3). The sacking of a city produces lamentation from its inhabitants (Jer. 6:26; Ezek. 27:31). At times, lamentation is said to accompany the repentance of sinners (Is. 22:12; Joel 2:12). This word is contrasted with words denoting joy, gladness, and dancing (Ps. 30:11).

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Genesis 50:18 62 18 T hen his brothers also went and fell Ephraim’s children to the third generation. down before his face, and they said, “Behold, The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, we are your servants.” were also brought up on Joseph’s knees. 19Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, 24 And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am for am I in the place of God? 20But as for you, dying; but God will surely visit you, and you meant evil against me; but God meant bring you out of this land to the land of which it for good, in order to bring it about as it is He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” this day, to save many people alive. 21Now 25 Then Joseph took an oath from the chiltherefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for dren of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you and your little ones.” And he comforted you, and you shall carry up my bones from them and spoke kindly to them. here.” 26So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, Death of Joseph and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. 22 So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived 50:25 bone   see Ps. 53:5. one hundred and ten years. 23Joseph saw 

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THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

ROMANS

ROMANS, PAUL’S GREATEST WORK, IS placed first among his 13 epistles in the New Testament. While the four Gospels present the words and works of Jesus Christ, Romans explores the significance of His sacrificial death. Using a question-­and-­answer format, Paul records the most systematic presentation of doctrine in the Bible. Romans is more than a book of theology; it is also a book of practical exhortation. The good news of Jesus Christ is more than facts to be believed; it is also a life to be lived—­a life of righteousness befitting the person, “justified freely by [God’s] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (3:24). Although some manuscripts omit “in Rome” in 1:7, 15, the title Pros Romaious, “To the Romans,” has been associated with the epistle almost from the beginning. WATCH WORDS ■ justification (acquittal, declaration of righteousness)—­4:25 (also 5:18) ■ law (an inward principle of action)—­6:14 (also 7:21; 8:2) ■ predestine (mark out beforehand)—­8:29 ■ transform (change form)—­12:2 ■ flesh (the lower nature of a person)—­13:14 (also 7:25; 8:4–­9)

Greeting ‌Paul, a bondservant of ­Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3concerning His Son J­ esus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6among whom you also are the called of J­ esus Christ;

1

7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God,

called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord J­ esus Christ. Desire to Visit Rome 8First, I thank my God through ­Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I

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make mention of you always in my prayers, 10making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11For I long to see you, that 1:1 apostle  see 2 Cor. 12:12. 1:1 gospel  see Mark 16:15.

1:3 seed (Gr. sperma) (Matt. 13:37; Mark 12:19; John 7:42; Acts 3:25; Gal. 3:16) G4690: Referring to either the seed of plants or to a person’s descendants, this word is extended in Scripture to refer metaphorically to spiritual offspring (Gal. 3:29). The root word means “to sow or scatter seed.” John uses this word to refer to the descendants of Abraham (John 8:33, 37). The most important uses of this word are referring to Jesus as the seed of David (John 7:42), but it is made clear throughout Romans (Rom. 4:16; 9:8) that Jesus’ work on the cross made it possible for anyone to become a seed of Abraham—­saved by grace through faith. 1:4 holiness  see 1 Thess. 3:13. 1:5 obedience  see 2 Cor. 10:1. 1:8 thank  see Luke 17:16. 1:10 will  see Eph. 1:11.

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1293 Romans 1:26 I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so 1:11 impart that you may be established—­12that is, that I (Gr. metadidōmi) (Luke 3:11; Rom. 12:8; Eph. may be encouraged together with you by the 4:28; 1 Thess. 2:8) G3330: A compound word mutual faith both of you and me. formed from meta (G3326), “with, after” and 13Now I do not want you to be unaware, didōmi (G1325), “to give,” this word means “to brethren, that I often planned to come to give over, share, impart, distribute.” Generosity you (but was hindered until now), that I and liberality in giving are implied. This is the might have some fruit among you also, just type of giving that compels someone to work as among the other Gentiles. 14I am a debtor hard so he can share with someone in need (Luke both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to 3:11; Eph. 4:28) and to share both the gospel and wise and to unwise. 15So, as much as is in me, his very life out of love (1 Thess. 2:8). I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. 1:11 spiritual   see 1 Cor. 2:13. 

The Just Live by Faith 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, a for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” a God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness 18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—­a nd birds and four-­footed animals and creeping things. 24 T herefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 1:16 a NU‑­Text omits of Christ.   ​1:17 a Habakkuk 2:4   ​

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1:14 debtor  see Luke 13:4. 1:14 wise  see 1 Cor. 1:20. 1:16 salvation  see Luke 1:69.

1:17 righteousness (Gr. dikaiosynē) (Matt. 5:6; Rom. 3:22; Phil. 3:9) G1343: Derived from judicial contexts—­ referring to the judge or to the requirements of the law—­ t his word means “righteousness, uprightness, justice.” It refers to doing the right thing, observing divine laws, or holiness. In Scripture it denotes right standing with God—­a status which can only be attained through faith in Christ. Paul writes to the Romans, “But now the righteousness [dikaiosynē] of God apart from the law is revealed . . . even the righteousness [dikaiosynē] of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.” (Rom. 3:21, 22). The phrase “the righteousness of God” refers either to being right before God (being found guiltless) or to right standing provided by God through faith in Christ. These two meanings are closely related. 1:18 wrath  see Rev. 14:10. 1:18 ungodliness  see Rom. 11:26. 1:18 unrighteousness  see John 7:18. 1:20 things that are made  see Eph. 2:10. 1:20 power  see Acts 1:8. 1:21 glorify  see John 17:5.

1:21 futile (Gr. metaioō) G3154: Used only here in Scripture, this word means “to make vain, empty, foolish.” The root word means “useless, devoid of force, without purpose.” Those who do not honor God become increasingly foolish in their thinking to the point where their thoughts lack logical coherence. In the end their thoughts, just like their lives, lack any sort of lasting purpose. 1:26 give up  see Luke 23:25.

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Romans 1:27 1294 27Likewise also the men, leaving the natural will also perish without law, and as many use of the woman, burned in their lust for one as have sinned in the law will be judged by another, men with men committing what is the law 13(for not the hearers of the law are shameful, and receiving in themselves the just in the sight of God, but the doers of the penalty of their error which was due. law will be justified; 14for when Gentiles, 28And even as they did not like to retain who do not have the law, by nature do the God in their knowledge, God gave them over things in the law, these, although not having to a debased mind, to do those things which the law, are a law to themselves, 15who show are not fitting; 29being filled with all unrigh- the work of the law written in their hearts, teousness, sexual immorality, a wickedness, their conscience also bearing witness, and covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, between themselves their thoughts accusing murder, strife, deceit, evil-­mindedness; they or else excusing them) 16in the day when God are whisperers, 30backbiters, haters of God, will judge the secrets of men by ­Jesus Christ, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil according to my gospel. things, disobedient to parents, 31undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,a The Jews Guilty as the Gentiles unmerciful; 32who, knowing the righteous 17Indeeda you are called a Jew, and rest on judgment of God, that those who practice the law, and make your boast in God, 18and such things are deserving of death, not only know His will, and approve the things that do the same but also approve of those who are excellent, being instructed out of the law, practice them. 19and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are God’s Righteous Judgment in darkness, 20an instructor of the foolish, a ‌Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, teacher of babes, having the form of knowlwhoever you are who judge, for in what- edge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, ever you judge another you condemn your1:29 a NU‑­Text omits sexual immorality.   ​1:31 a NU‑­Text self; for you who judge practice the same omits unforgiving.   ​2:6 a Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12   ​ things. 2But we know that the judgment of 2:17 a NU‑­Text reads But if.   ​ God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3And do you think 1:27 receive   see 3 John 8. this, O man, you who judge those practic1:27 error   see Jude 11. ing such things, and doing the same, that 1:28 debased   see 1 Cor 9:27. you will escape the judgment of God? 4Or 1:29 whisperer do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not know(Gr. psithyristēs) G5588: This word appears only ing that the goodness of God leads you to here in the New Testament. It is an example of repentance? 5But in accordance with your onomatopoeia—­a word sounding like what it represents. The “ps,” “th,” and “s” sounds all hardness and your impenitent heart you suggest whispering. The word has a negative are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the connotation of whispering slander. However, day of wrath and revelation of the righteous it is differentiated from katalalos, “slanderer” 6 judgment of God, who “will render to each (G2637—­ Romans 1:30), in that whispering is one according to his deeds” :a 7eternal life to done behind someone’s back those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 1:30 proud   see Luke 1:51. 8but to those who are self-­seeking and do not 2:3 escape   see Luke 21:36. obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—­ 2:3 judgment   see Rev. 20:4. indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and 2:4 goodness   see Gal. 5:22. 2:4 goodness   see Luke 6:35. anguish, on every soul of man who does 2:8 self-­seeking   see Phil. 1:16. evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 2:10 honor   see 1 Tim. 5:17. 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone 2:10 work   see John 9:4. who works what is good, to the Jew first and 2:11 partiality   see James 2:1. 11 also to the Greek. For there is no partiality 2:15 heart   see Rev. 2:23. with God. 2:19 blind   see John 9:1. 12For as many as have sinned without law

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1295 Romans 3:13 who teach another, do you not teach your- All Have Sinned 9 W hat then? Are we better than they? Not self? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, “Do not at all. For we have previously charged both commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10As it is written: You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the 11 “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; law? 24For “the name of God is blasphemed a among the Gentiles because of you,”  as it is 12 There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; written. They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” a Circumcision of No Avail 13 “ Their throat is an open tomb; 25For circumcision is indeed profitable With their tongues they have practiced if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker deceit”  ;a of the law, your circumcision has become “The poison of asps is under their lips” ;b uncircumcision. 26 T herefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous require- 2:24 a Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22   ​3:4 a Psalm 51:4   ​ ments of the law, will not his uncircumcision 3:12 aa Psalms 14:1–­b3; 53:1–­3; Ecclesiastes 7:20   ​ 3:13   Psalm 5:9   Psalm 140:3   ​ be counted as circumcision? 27And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills 2:23 breaking the law, judge you who, even with your (Gr. parabasis) (Gal. 3:19; 1 Tim. 2:14; Heb. 9:15) ­w ritten code and circumcision, are a transG3847: The Greek word parabasis literally means gressor of the law? 28For he is not a Jew who “transgression.” It is derived from the verb is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that parabainō (G3845), which is translated “to go” or 29 which is outward in the flesh; but he is a “to turn aside” (as Acts 1:25) but is used figuraJew who is one inwardly; and circumcision tively with terms such as “law” or “tradition” to is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the mean “transgress” (Matt. 15:2). It is in this latter letter; whose praise is not from men but sense that the noun parabasis refers to a violation from God. of an established, known law. As here in Romans God’s Judgment Defended ‌W hat advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 3For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? 4Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

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“That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.” a 5But if our unrighteousness demonstrates

the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world? 7For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—­as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

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2:23, the “law” that is violated may be a general rather than a specific one. Those who customarily violate the law are described as “transgressors,” using the related Greek word parabatēs (G3848—­Rom. 2:25).

2:26 count  see Rom. 4:3. 2:29 praise  see Eph. 1:6. 3:2 oracle  see Heb. 5:12.

3:4 true (Gr. alēthēs) (John 5:32; 19:35; Phil. 4:8; 1 John 2:8) G0227: Literally rendered “not hidden,” this word implies transparency. It means “genuine, real, unconcealed, true.” Opposites are “false, concealed, and inconsistent.” In Scripture this word is often used in conjunction with legal testimony (John 8:17)—­an image that was used to confirm the deity of Christ, for Jesus was proven true based on the testimony of God Himself (John 5:31, 32). In fact, all we know about God rests on the fact that He is alēthēs—­He is true, consistent, and faithful all the time. Believers should seek that same kind of truth and transparency in their lives, freely displaying the glory of God by the way they live.

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Romans 3:14 1296 14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and 3:14 bitterness   see Eph. 4:31. bitterness.” a 3:18 fear   see 1 John 4:18. 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 3:21 prophet   see Matt. 2:5. 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 3:22 righteousness   see Rom. 1:17. 17 And the way of peace they have not 3:23 fall short   see Luke 22:35. 3:23 glory   see John 2:11. known.” a 3:24 free   see 2 Cor. 11:7. 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” a 3:24 redemption 19Now we know that w ­ hatever the law (Gr. apolytrōsis) (Luke 21:28; Rom. 8:23; Eph. says, it says to those who are under the law, 1:7; Col. 1:14) G0629: The Greek word apolytrōsis that every mouth may be stopped, and all refers to the buying back or freeing (of a slave) by the world may become guilty before God. payment of the redemption price. Its New Tes20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh tament occurrences emphasize both the price (Jesus’ blood in Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14) and the resultwill be justified in His sight, for by the law is ing freedom. The use of apolytrōsis and its cogthe knowledge of sin. 

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God’s Righteousness Through Faith 21But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22even the righteousness of God, through faith in ­Jesus Christ, to all and on alla who believe. For there is no difference; 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ ­Jesus, 25whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26to dem­­ onstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in J­ esus. Boasting Excluded 27 W here is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is ­justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. 29Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. Abraham Justified by Faith ‌W hat then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?a 2For if Abraham was justified by

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nates in salvation contexts implies the complete liberation of those redeemed by Christ from their former slavery. The related Greek word lytrōsis essentially means the same thing (G3085—­Luke 1:68; 2:38); and elsewhere in the New Testament different authors use the verb lytroō, free by paying ransom, redeem (G3084—­1 Pet. 1:18); and noun lytron, ransom price (G3083—­only in Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45).

3:25 propitiation (Gr. hilastērion) (Heb. 9:5) G2435: Used twice in the New Testament, this term is derived from the Greek verb hilaskomai, a word that has three meanings: (1) “to placate” or “to appease”; (2) “to be propitious and merciful”; or (3) “to make propitiation for someone.” The New Testament never describes people appeasing God. Instead, as Luke 18:13 and 1 John 2:2 make clear, the New Testament describes God as being merciful to, or making propitiation, for us. God provides a merciful expiation, or atonement, of the sins of believers through the death of Christ. But since Paul also speaks of God’s wrath, it must also speak of the conciliation of God’s anger by means of a sacrifice—­namely, the sacrifice of His Son. John states that God demonstrated His love to us by sending His Son to become “the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Just as in the Old Testament God met His people when the blood of the sin offering was sprinkled on the altar, so Christ’s death brings us into fellowship with God. 3:25 sin  see Mark 3:28. 3:28 deed  see 1 Thess. 1:3.

3:14 a Psalm 10:7   ​3:17 a Isaiah 59:7, 8   ​3:18 a Psalm 36:1  ​ 3:22 a NU‑­Text omits and on all.   ​4:1 a Or Abraham our ( fore)father according to the flesh has found?   ​

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1297 Romans 4:21 works, he has something to boast about, but faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all not before God. 3For what does the Scrip- 17(as it is written, “I have made you a father ture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was of many nations” a) in the presence of Him accounted to him for righteousness.” a 4Now whom he believed—­God, who gives life to to him who works, the wages are not counted the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18who, contrary to as grace but as debt. hope, in hope believed, so that he became the David Celebrates the Same Truth father of many nations, according to what 5But to him who does not work but was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” a believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, 19And not being weak in faith, he did not his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6just consider his own body, already dead (since as David also describes the blessedness of the he was about a hundred years old), and the man to whom God imputes righteousness deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20He did not waver at the promise of God through unbeapart from works: lief, but was strengthened in faith, giving 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are ­g lory to God, 21and being fully convinced forgiven, that what He had promised He was also And whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lor d 4:3 a Genesis 15:6   ​4:8 a Psalm 32:1, 2   ​4:17 a Genesis 17:5   ​4:18 a Genesis 15:5   shall not impute sin.” a Abraham Justified Before Circumcision 9Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. The Promise Granted Through Faith 13For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 T herefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the

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4:3 believe  see Acts 10:43.

4:3 account (Gr. logizomai) (Mark 15:28; Rom. 2:26; 2 Cor. 5:19; Gal. 3:6) G3049: Used 11 times in Romans 4, this word comes from the world of accounting. From it we get words like “logistic” and “logarithm.” It means “to count, impute, calculate, consider, reckon, value.” It is a judgment, a combining of evidence to determine a logical outcome wherein every action is either debited against or credited toward righteousness. The thrust of this chapter is that God imputes to our account the righteousness of Christ so that His holiness and guiltlessness becomes ours. This idea goes all the way back to Genesis 15:6, where Abraham’s faith was imputed or accounted as righteousness.

4:4 debt (Gr. opheilēma) (Matt. 6:12) G3783: Used only twice in the New Testament, the word ophei­ lēma describes what is owed or one’s due, thus “debt.” Here the wages for which one works are considered owed because they have been earned; they are not an undeserved favor. In the Lord’s Prayer the word is used figuratively of liability for wrongdoing (Matt. 6:12; the parallel Luke 11:4 reads “sins”). The verb form of this word is ophei­ ­lō, “to owe,” or “be obligated,” “sin” (G3784—­ 1 Cor. 7:3). 4:14 void  see 1 Cor. 9:15. 4:20 waver  see Acts 11:12. 4:21 promise  see Acts 7:5.

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Romans 4:22 1298 22 able to perform. And therefore “it was 4:25 justification accounted to him for righteousness.” a (Gr. dikaiōsis) (Rom. 5:18) G1347: The Greek 23Now it was not written for his sake noun for justification is derived from the Greek 24 alone that it was imputed to him, but also verb dikaioō, meaning “to acquit” or “to declare for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe righteous” (used by Paul in Rom. 4:2, 5; 5:1). It is in Him who raised up J­ esus our Lord from a legal term used of a favorable verdict in a trial. the dead, 25who was delivered up because of The word, used only twice in the New Testament, our offenses, and was raised because of our depicts a courtroom setting, with God presiding justification. as the Judge, determining the faithfulness of each Faith Triumphs in Trouble ‌Therefore, having been justified by faith, we havea peace with God through our Lord ­Jesus Christ, 2through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

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Christ in Our Place 6For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord ­Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—­13(For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who ​4:22 a Genesis 15:6   ​5:1 a Another ancient reading is, let us have peace.   ​

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person to the Law. In the first section of Romans, Paul makes it clear that no one can withstand God’s judgment (Rom. 3:9–­20). The Law was not given to justify sinners but to expose their sin. To remedy this deplorable situation, God sent His Son to die for our sins, in our place. When we believe in Jesus, God imputes His righteousness to us, and we are declared righteous before God. In this way, God demonstrates that He is both a righteous Judge and the One who declares us righteous, our Justifier (Rom. 3:26). 5:1 peace  see Luke 2:14. 5:3 perseverance  see Heb. 10:36. 5:5 hope  see Rom. 15:13. 5:8 love  see 1 John 2:15. 5:8 sinner  see James 5:20. 5:9 wrath  see Rev. 14:10.

5:10 reconcile (Gr. katallassō) (1 Cor. 7:11; 2 Cor. 5:18) G2644: A verb meaning “to reconcile,” whether of husband and wife (1 Cor. 7:11) or of God and man (here and 2 Cor. 5:20). As applied to divine-­human relations, the word indicates a change in relationship, the restoration of a broken relationship between God and persons at God’s initiative. The related noun katallagē, “reconciliation,” occurs only in the same contexts (G2643—­Rom. 5:11; 11:15; 2 Cor. 5:18, 19). The English word “atonement” carries the same idea of “oneness.”

5:11 reconciliation (Gr. katallagē) (Rom. 11:15; 2 Cor. 5:18) G2643: The Greek word basically means “change” or “exchange.” In the context of relationships between people, the term implies a change in attitude on the part of both individuals, a change from enmity to friendship. When used to describe the relationship existing between God and a person, the term implies the change of attitude on the part of both a person and God. The need to change the sinful ways of a human being is obvious; but some argue that no change is needed on the part of God. But inherent in the doctrine of justification is the changed attitude Continued

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1299 Romans 6:13 that He lives, He lives to God. 11Likewise you offense. For if by the one man’s offense many also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to died, much more the grace of God and the sin, but alive to God in Christ ­Jesus our Lord. 12 T herefore do not let sin reign in your gift by the grace of the one Man, ­Jesus Christ, 16 abounded to many. And the gift is not mortal body, that you should obey it in its like that which came through the one who lusts. 13And do not present your members as sinned. For the judgment which came from instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but one offense resulted in condemnation, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the free gift which came from many offenses the dead, and your members as instruments resulted in justification. 17For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, Continued much more those who receive abundance of of God toward the sinner. God declares a person grace and of the gift of righteousness will who was formerly His enemy to be righteous reign in life through the One, J­ esus Christ.) before Him. 18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense 5:15 gift   see 1 Cor. 1:7. judgment came to all men, resulting in 5:15 offense   see Eph. 2:5. condemnation, even so through one Man’s 5:18 justification   see Rom. 4:25. righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19For as by 5:19 disobedience one man’s disobedience many were made (Gr. parakoē) (2 Cor. 10:6; Heb. 2:2) G3876: sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience The Greek word parakoē is derived from the many will be made righteous. verb parakouō (G3878), literally “overhear” 20 Moreover the law entered that the or “ignore,” but extended to include the sense offense might abound. But where sin “refuse to listen” or “disobey” (Matt. 18:17). In 21 abounded, grace abounded much more, so both the Old Testament and New Testament, disthat as sin reigned in death, even so grace obedience is often portrayed as a refusal to listen might reign through righteousness to eternal (Jer. 35:17; Acts 7:57). Here in Romans 5:19, para­ life through ­Jesus Christ our Lord. koē is the one man’s disobedience through which

was to come. 15But the free gift is not like the

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Dead to Sin, Alive to God ‌W hat shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ J­ esus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life

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sin entered the world. Paul uses the antonym hypakoē (G5218), “obedience,” in this same verse.

5:19 righteous  see Matt. 1:19. 6:4 baptism  see Matt. 21:25.

6:5 united together (Gr. symphytos) G4854: The expression, which occurs only here in the New Testament, means “to grow in union” or “to plant in union.” The word describes two plants that have been planted together and are growing together, closely entwined or even united. The context speaks of union, our union with Christ in His death (Rom. 6:4) and resurrection (Rom. 6:5). Our union with Christ in death is like being planted with Him. Like a seed, our sinful natures must die with Christ so that we might grow in Christ and bear spiritual fruit (John 12:24). Our union with Christ is now a loving union, in which we are growing with Him “in the likeness of His resurrection.” 6:5 resurrection  see Acts 2:31. 6:6 be slave  see Rom. 14:18. 6:10 once for all  see Heb. 10:10. 6:13 unrighteousness  see John 7:18.

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Romans 6:14 1300 14 of righteousness to God. For sin shall not fruit to death. 6But now we have been delivhave dominion over you, for you are not ered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the under law but under grace. newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God of the letter. 15 W hat then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly Sin’s Advantage in the Law 7 W hat shall we say then? Is the law sin? not! 16Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether have known sin except through the law. For of sin leading to death, or of obedience lead- I would not have known covetousness unless ing to righteousness? 17But God be thanked the law had said, “You shall not covet.” a 8But that though you were slaves of sin, yet you sin, taking opportunity by the commandobeyed from the heart that form of doctrine 7:7 a Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21   ​ to which you were delivered. 18And having been set free from sin, you became slaves 6:14 law of righteousness. 19I speak in human terms (Gr. nomos) (Matt. 5:18; Rom. 7:21; 8:2; Gal. 2:16; because of the weakness of your flesh. For 5:14; Heb. 8:4) G3551: The Greek term for law just as you presented your members as slaves here means an inward principle of action—­either of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading good or evil—­operating with the regularity of to more lawlessness, so now present your a law. The term also designates a standard for a members as slaves of righteousness for holiperson’s life. The apostle Paul described three ness. such laws. The first is called “the law of sin” 20For when you were slaves of sin, you which was operating through his flesh, causing were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What him to sin. Paul, like all other believers, needed fruit did you have then in the things of which another law to overcome “the law of sin.” This is you are now ashamed? For the end of those “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus,” which makes us “free from the law of sin and death” things is death. 22But now having been set (Rom. 8:2). By following this law, believers can free from sin, and having become slaves of actually fulfill the righteous requirements of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the God’s law (Rom. 8:4)—­which is the third law in 23 end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin this section; it is the standard for human action is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in that corresponds to the righteous nature of God. Christ J­ esus our Lord. Freed from the Law ‌Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. 3So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—­to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 5For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear

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6:16 obedience  see 2 Cor. 10:5.

6:17 obey (Gr. hypakouō) (Matt. 8:27; Mark 1:27; Eph. 6:1; Heb. 5:9) G5219: Derived from a combination of a preposition meaning “under” and a verb meaning “to hear,” this verb’s literal meaning is “to be in subjection to” (i.e., to hear in submission; to obey). When Jesus spoke to the wind and waves, they obeyed Him (Matt. 8:27), as did the unclean spirits (Mark 1:27). It is used of obedience to one’s parents (Eph. 6:1), a master (Eph. 6:5), a husband (1 Pet. 3:6), the Lord (Heb. 5:9), or the teaching and preaching of the gospel (as here; see also Rom. 10:16; 2 Thess. 3:14). When one obeys the truth, one submits to its authority. 6:18 set free  see Rom. 8:2. 6:20 free  see Rev. 6:15. 6:23 gift  see 1 Cor. 1:7. 7:7 shall  see Matt. 13:17.

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1301 Romans 8:4 ment, produced in me all manner of evil in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4that 9I was alive once without the law, but when the righteous requirement of the law might the commandment came, sin revived and I be fulfilled in us who do not walk accorddied. 10And the commandment, which was ing to the flesh but according to the Spirit. to bring life, I found to bring death. 11For 8:1 a NU‑­Text omits the rest of this verse.   sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. 12 Therefore 7:13 exceedingly the law is holy, and the commandment holy (Gr. hyperbolē) (1 Cor. 12:31; 2 Cor. 1:8; 12:7) and just and good. G5236: The Greek noun means “throwing Law Cannot Save from Sin 13Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25I thank God—­through J­ esus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. Free from Indwelling Sin ‌T here is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ J­ esus, a who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ ­Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son

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beyond” (coming from a combination of a preposition meaning “beyond” and a noun that means “throwing”); hence, the figurative sense is of excess, superiority, or excellence. The word is used just eight times in seven verses in the New Testament, and renderings range from “more excellent” (1 Cor. 12:31) to “beyond measure” (2 Cor. 1:8; Gal. 1:13) to “abundance” (2 Cor. 12:7). As is evident from the transliteration, the Greek word is the same one from which the English word hyperbole (meaning “extravagant exaggeration”) is derived. 7:15 will  see Matt. 8:2. 7:20 sin  see John 9:41. 7:21 law  see Rom. 6:14. 7:24 deliver  see 1 Thess. 1:10.

7:25 mind (Gr. nous) (1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:23; 2 Thess. 2:2) G3563: The word refers both to the intellect (the faculties of perceiving and understanding) and the empirical mind (the faculties of feeling, judging, and determining) as well as to the more spiritual capacity for perceiving divine things and recognizing goodness and hating evil. For this reason, a possible rendering is “understanding” (Luke 24:45; Phil. 4:7). The word can refer to the mind (or understanding) of a single man (as Rom. 7:23—­“my mind”), all men (Rom. 14:5), the Lord (Rom. 11:34), and Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). 8:2 law  see Rom. 6:14.

8:2 make free (Gr. eleutheroō) (John 8:36; Rom. 6:18; Gal. 5:1) G1659: The verb means “to set at liberty” and is used in the New Testament only in a spiritual sense to refer to believers’ being freed from sin and death (as here), corruption (Rom. 8:21), and the Mosaic law (Gal. 5:1). It can imply a freedom that is eschatological in its fullest experience (Rom. 8:21). John 8:36 speaks of being made free by Christ, suggesting that the Christian lives as a person free to perform God’s will rather than as a slave either to a ritualistic law or to the flesh.

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Romans 8:5 1302 5For those who live according to the flesh ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, set their minds on the things of the flesh, the redemption of our body. 24For we were but those who live according to the Spirit, saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not the things of the Spirit. 6For to be carnally hope; for why does one still hope for what he minded is death, but to be spiritually minded sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, is life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind is we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 26Likewise the Spirit also helps in our enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8So then, weaknesses. For we do not know what we those who are in the flesh cannot please God. should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit 9But you are not in the flesh but in the Himself makes intercession for us a with Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in groanings which cannot be uttered. 27Now you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit He who searches the hearts knows what the of Christ, he is not His. 10And if Christ is in mind of the Spirit is, because He makes interyou, the body is dead because of sin, but the cession for the saints according to the will of Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11But God. 28 And we know that all things work if the Spirit of Him who raised ­Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ together for good to those who love God, to from the dead will also give life to your ​8:26 a NU‑­Text omits for us.   mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 8:5 spirit   see John 3:5. 

Sonship Through the Spirit 12 T herefore, brethren, we are debtors—­ not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs—­ heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. From Suffering to Glory 18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within

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8:11 give life  see 1 Cor. 15:45. 8:11 body  see Phil. 3:21. 8:15 bondage  see Heb. 2:15. 8:15 fear  see 1 John 4:18. 8:15 adoption  see Gal. 4:5.

8:15 Father (Gr. abba) (Mark 14:36; Gal. 4:6) G0005: The word is of Aramaic origin and means “father.” Abba is one of a handful of Aramaic expressions adopted by the Greek-­speaking church. Originally a childhood word similar to the English Papa or Daddy, by New Testament times it had become a term of respect and endearment both for one’s own father and for elders. In His agony in Gethsemane, Jesus used the term as an address to God in prayer (Mark 14:36), apparently in keeping with Jewish practice. Here, Paul uses abba as the natural address by the children of God to the One who has adopted them into His family. Galatians 4:6 contrasts being a slave with the intimate relationship a son or daughter has with the beloved Father. 8:16 children  see Mark 2:5. 8:17 joint heirs  see 1 Pet. 3:7. 8:18 glory  see John 2:11. 8:19 reveal  see Rev. 1:1. 8:20 subject  see 1 Cor. 14:32. 8:21 bondage  see Heb. 2:15. 8:21 liberty  see 1 Cor. 10:29. 8:23 firstfruits  see 1 Cor. 15:23. 8:23 redemption  see Rom. 3:24. 8:26 pray  see Matt. 6:6. 8:27 make intercession  see Heb. 7:25. 8:28 work together  see James 2:22.

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1303 Romans 9:5 those who are the called according to His 8:28 purpose   see Eph. 1:11. purpose. 29For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image 8:29 predestine of His Son, that He might be the firstborn (Gr. proorizō) (Acts 4:28; 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph. 1:5, 11) among many brethren. 30Moreover whom G4309: To predestine means “to mark out beforeHe predestined, these He also called; whom hand,” “to establish one’s boundary, or one’s He called, these He also justified; and limits, beforehand.” Our English word horizon is whom He justified, these He also glorified. a derivative of this Greek word. The Christian’s 

God’s Everlasting Love 31 W hat then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 W ho shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 W ho shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” a 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38For

I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ J­ esus our Lord. Israel’s Rejection of Christ ‌I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymena according to the flesh, 4who are Israelites, to whom pertain the a­ doption, the glory, the cov­­ enants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

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​8:36 a Psalm 44:22   ​9:3 a Or relatives   ​

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ultimate destiny or horizon has been fixed by God from all eternity: to be made like His Son. Note how the words predestined, called, justified, and especially glorified in Romans 8:29, 30 are in the past tense. That is because God, from His eternal perspective, sees this process as having been completed already. From God’s perspective, we have been glorified already because He sees us righteous because of the work of Jesus on the Cross. But still, in the march of time, we must undergo the process of being conformed to the image of God’s Son. 8:29 firstborn  see Heb. 1:6. 8:30 glorify  see John 17:5. 8:32 deliver  see Luke 23:25. 8:32 freely give  see Col. 3:13. 8:33 justify  see Acts 13:39. 8:34 make intercession  see Heb. 7:25.

8:37 more than conqueror (Gr. hypernikaō) G5245: This particular combination of hyper (G5228), “over, in behalf of” and nikaō (G3528), “to conquer, overcome,” is used only here in Scripture. It denotes gaining a surpassing victory, conquering over and above an ordinary victory. This is overpowering, abundant victory; Christians are “super conquerors.” The confidence of such victory comes from Christ’s work on the cross that conquered sin and death on our behalf and enables us to conquer the difficulties in our lives. 8:38 persuade  see 2 Thess. 3:4. 8:39 love  see 1 John 2:15.

9:3 accursed (Gr. anathema) (Acts 23:14; 1 Cor. 12:3; 16:22; Gal. 1:8) G0331: Originally the Greek noun meant “that which has been devoted to God.” In the Septuagint, it carries a negative sense: “that which has been devoted to God for destruction” (Josh. 6:17, 18); that is, a thing accursed. In the New Testament, similarly, it is used with a negative meaning each of the six times it occurs—­a thing (or person) to be cursed, destroyed. In the same vein, in Acts 23:14, the rendering is “great oath.”

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Romans 9:6 1304 25As He says also in Hosea: Israel’s Rejection and God’s Purpose “I will call them My people, who were not 6But it is not that the word of God has My people, taken no effect. For they are not all Israel And her beloved, who was not beloved.” a who are of Israel, 7nor are they all children 26 “And it shall come to pass in the place because they are the seed of Abraham; but, where it was said to them, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” a 8 That is, ‘You are not My people,’ those who are the children of the flesh, these There they shall be called sons of the are not the children of God; but the children living God.” a of the promise are counted as the seed. 9For 27Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:a this is the word of promise: “At this time I “Though the number of the children of will come and Sarah shall have a son.” a 10And not only this, but when Rebecca Israel be as the sand of the sea, The remnant will be saved. also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11(for the children not yet being 9:7 a Genesis 21:12   ​9:9 a Genesis 18:10, 14   ​ born, nor having done any good or evil, that 9:12 a Genesis 25:23   ​9:13 a Malachi 1:2, 3   ​ 9:16   ​9:25 a Hosea the purpose of God according to election 9:15 a Exodusa 33:19   ​9:17 a Exodus 2:23   ​9:26   Hosea 1:10   ​9:27 a Isaiah 10:22, 23   ​ might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12it was said to her, “The older shall 9:6 word   see John 1:1. serve the younger.” a 13As it is written, “Jacob 9:9 promise   see 2 Cor. 1:20. a I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”  

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Israel’s Rejection and God’s Justice 14 W hat shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” a 16So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 17For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” a 18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” 20But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this? ” 21Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? 22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

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9:15 have mercy (Gr. eleeō) (Matt. 5:7; Rom. 11:31; 2 Cor. 4:1; 1 Pet. 2:10) G1653: This word means “to show mercy; have compassion on.” It is showing kindness and offering help to someone in need, having pity on him. This is concern expressed in action, not mere emotional pity. Those who care for the sick perform this act, as well as God who cures our soul sickness. Jesus offered both physical and spiritual mercy to the blind men who begged for mercy in Matthew 9:27. God’s mercy is evidence of His gracious and faithful benevolence toward us. Believers are called to imitate the mercy of God, for He promises, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7). 9:18 harden  see Heb. 4:7. 9:21 power  see 1 Cor. 9:18. 9:21 vessel  see Heb. 9:21. 9:22 prepared  see Heb. 11:3.

9:23 mercy (Gr. eleos) (Matt. 9:13; Luke 1:78; Eph. 2:4; 2 John 3) G1656: The word means (and is always rendered) “mercy,” a manifestation of compassion—­ not merely a feeling but an action—­for one in distress. Mercy is different from grace, which emphasizes that favor is not deserved. Mercy, in contrast, emphasizes the misery that elicits response. The word may refer to mercy shown by people to one another (Luke 10:37), mercy shown by God to people in general (Luke 1:58), or the mercy that comes in Christ for redemption (Rom. 15:9).

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1305 Romans 10:14 unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the short in righteousness, Because the Lor d will make a short work Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” a 12For there is no upon the earth.” a distinction between Jew and Greek, for the 29And as Isaiah said before: same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon “Unless the Lor d of Sabaotha had left us Him. 13For “whoever calls on the name of the a seed, Lor d shall be saved.” a We would have become like Sodom, Israel Rejects the Gospel And we would have been made like 14 How then shall they call on Him in Gomorrah.” b whom they have not believed? And how shall Present Condition of Israel 9:28 a NU‑­Text reads For the Lord will finish the work and 30 W hat shall we say then? That Gentiles, cut it short upon the earth.   ​9:29 a Literally, in Hebrew, Hosts  b Isaiah 1:9   ​9:31 a NU‑­Text omits of righteousness.  ​ who did not pursue righteousness, have 9:32  a NU‑­Text reads by works.   ​9:33 a Isaiah 8:14; 28:16   ​ attained to righteousness, even the righ- 10:1 a NU‑­Text reads them.   ​10:5 a Leviticus 18:5   ​ teousness of faith; 31but Israel, pursuing the 10:6 a ­Deuteronomy 30:12   ​10:7 a Deuteronomy 30:13   ​ a Deuteronomy 30:14   ​10:11 a Isaiah 28:16   ​ law of righteousness, has not attained to the 10:8  10:13 a Joel 2:32   ​ law of righteousness.a 32 W hy? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the 9:29 Sabaoth   see James 5:4. works of the law.a For they stumbled at that 9:32 stumbling stone   see 1 Cor. 8:9. stumbling stone. 33As it is written: 10:2 zeal “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone (Gr. zēlos) (John 2:17; Acts 5:17; 2 Cor. 9:2; Phil. and rock of offense, 3:6) G2205: This noun can be used either posiAnd whoever believes on Him will not be tively, meaning “ardor” or “earnestness” (thus, a put to shame.”  28 For He will finish the work and cut it

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Israel Needs the Gospel ‌Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Isra­ela is that they may be saved. 2For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” a 6But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven? ’ ” a (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” a (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” a (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9that if you confess with your mouth the Lord ­Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes

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“zeal”), or negatively, meaning “jealousy” or “envy.” Another similarly negative rendering is “indignation” (Acts 5:17; Heb. 10:27). Several of the positive uses in the New Testament have been influenced by the Jewish concept of “holy zeal” (see 2 Cor. 11:2—­“godly jealousy”). When plural in the negative sense, as in 2 Corinthians 12:20, the word refers to the various manifestations of jealousy. In Galatians 5:20, the same rendering (“jealousies”) is used, and the word appears in a list of grievous sins including idolatry and sorcery.

10:3 ignorant (Gr. agnoeō) (Rom. 11:25; 1 Cor. 12:1; 1 Thess. 4:13) G0050: The Greek verb is a joining of a negative participle with a word that means “to understand”—­thus the literal meaning is “to not understand” or “to be ignorant” (to not know). In Hebrews 5:2, the word is rendered “those who are ignorant” and carries the sense of erring or sinning through mistake (ignorance of the proper behavior), as opposed to willful disobedience. In 2 Corinthians 6:9, the word refers to men who are unknown, not familiar. Similarly, in Galatians 1:22, the word describes a single man who is unknown (to the churches). 10:7 abyss  see Rev. 9:1.

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Romans 10:15 1306 7 W hat then? Israel has not obtained what they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and a preacher? 15And how shall they preach the rest were blinded. 8Just as it is written: unless they are sent? As it is written: “God has given them a spirit of stupor, “How beautiful are the feet of those who Eyes that they should not see preach the gospel of peace,a And ears that they should not hear, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” b To this very day.” a 16But

they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lor d, who has believed our report?” a 17So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed:

“Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” a 19But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says:

“I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.” a 20But Isaiah is very bold and says:

“I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.” a 21But to Israel he says:

“All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people.” a Israel’s Rejection Not Total ‌I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 3“Lor d, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life” ?a 4But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” a 5Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.a But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

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9And David says:

“Let their table become a snare and a trap, A stumbling block and a recompense to them. 10 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, And bow down their back always.” a Israel’s Rejection Not Final 11I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. 12Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! 10:15 a NU‑­Text omits preach the gospel of peace, Who.  b Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15   ​10:16 a Isaiah 53:1   ​ 10:18 a Psalm 19:4   ​10:19 a Deuteronomy 32:21   ​ 10:20 a Isaiah 65:1   ​10:21 a Isaiah 65:2   ​11:3 a 1 Kings 19:10, 14   ​11:4 a 1 Kings 19:18   ​11:6 a NU‑­Text omits the rest of this verse.   ​11:8 a Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10   ​ 11:10 a Psalm 69:22, 23  

10:15 preach  see Luke 3:3. 10:17 word  see 1 Pet. 1:25. 11:2 foreknow  see Acts 2:23. 11:2 plead  see Heb. 7:25. 11:7 blind  see Mark 8:17.

11:9 recompense (Gr. antapodoma) (Luke 14:12) G0468: This word appears only twice in the New Testament and literally means “the thing paid back” or “repayment”; the nuance of the word may be either positive (reward) or negative (retribution). In this verse Paul is quoting Psalm 68:23 from the Septuagint (equivalent to Psalm 69:22 in English Bibles), where the word has its negative sense, indicating that unbelieving Israelites, in contrast to the godly remnant, will be punished for their unbelief. In Luke 14:12–­14, Jesus warns against inviting only people who can return your invitation so that you will get a reward. He tells His people to show charity to the unfortunate; then they will “be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

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1307 Romans 11:34 31 their disobedience, even so these also have I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my now been disobedient, that through the ministry, 14if by any means I may provoke mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. to jealousy those who are my flesh and save 32For God has committed them all to disobesome of them. 15For if their being cast away dience, that He might have mercy on all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of is the reconciling of the world, what will their the wisdom and knowledge of God! How acceptance be but life from the dead? 16For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is unsearchable are His judgments and His also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the ways past finding out! branches. 17And if some of the branches were 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lor d ? broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, Or who has become His counselor?” a were grafted in among them, and with them became a par­taker of the root and fatness ​11:22 aa NU‑­Text adds of God.   a​11:26 a Or delivered   ​ 11:27   Isaiah 59:20, 21   ​11:34   Isaiah 40:13; Jeremiah of the olive tree, 18do not boast against the 23:18   ​ branches. But if you do boast, remember that 11:15 reconciling   see Rom. 5:11. you do not support the root, but the root 11:22 goodness   see Gal. 5:22. supports you. 11:25 ignorant   see Rom. 10:3. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” 11:25 blindness 20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were (Gr. pōrōsis) (Mark 3:5; Eph. 4:18) G4457: Used broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not only three times in the New Testament, this word be haughty, but fear. 21For if God did not in its original sense is a medical term, meaning spare the natural b ­ ranches, He may not spare “covering with a callus.” It describes the way you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodbones calcify and harden when they are broken, ness and ­severity of God: on those who fell, or a hardening of the eyes that blinds a person. severity; but toward you, goodness, a if you Metaphorically, which is how it is used in Scripcontinue in His goodness. Otherwise you ture, it means “lack of perception.” It denotes a also will be cut off. 23And they also, if they do mind that has been blunted through stubbornnot continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, ness and obstinacy. When we rebel against God 24 for God is able to graft them in again. For and are proud in our hearts, our minds become if you were cut out of the olive tree which is hardened to truth and we become spiritually wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to blinded, as happened to the Israelites. nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be 11:26 ungodliness grafted into their own olive tree? 25For I do not desire, brethren, that you (Gr. asebeia) (Rom. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:16; Titus 2:12; Jude 15) G0763: Derived from the verb ase­ should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you beō (G0764), itself the negative of the verb sebō should be wise in your own opinion, that (G4576—­reverence, worship), asebeia means to blindness in part has happened to Israel act impiously (2 Pet. 2:6) or commit impious deeds until the fullness of the Gentiles has come (Jude 15). The noun asebeia is used to describe the in. 26And so all Israel will be saved, a as it is irreligious attitudes and conduct of unbelievers written: 13For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as

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“The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My cov­en­ant with them, When I take away their sins.” a 28Concerning the gospel they are enemies

for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29For the gifts and the calling of God are ir­rev­­­o­ ca­ble. 30For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through

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(Rom. 1:18). It designates irreligion in general (as here in Rom. 11:26). The related adjective asebēs (G0765) means “impious” or “godless” (2 Pet. 3:7), whereas the antonym eusebeia (G2150) means “godliness” or “religion” (2 Pet. 1:3).

11:27 covenant  see Mark 14:24. 11:29 calling  see 2 Tim. 1:9. 11:31 obtain mercy  see Rom. 9:15. 11:33 wisdom  see 1 Cor. 12:8. 11:33 judgment  see Rev. 20:4. 11:33 way  see Heb. 10:20.

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Romans 11:35 35 “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” a

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36For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Living Sacrifices to God ‌I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

12

Serve God with Spiritual Gifts 3For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Behave Like a Christian 9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11not lagging in diligence, 11:35 a Job 41:11   ​

11:36 forever  see Matt. 28:20.

12:2 conform (Gr. syschēmatizō) (1 Pet. 1:14) G4964: Formed from the root syn (G4862), “with,” and schēma (G4976), “the figure or external condition,” this word refers to conforming oneself in outward appearance to a model or pattern. From this word we get “scheme” and “schematic.” In both of the places it is used in Scripture, here and 1 Peter

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1:14, it refers to being conformed to the ways of the world, especially its passions and lusts. We are to conform ourselves to the image of Christ, not to the pattern of the world.

12:2 transform (Gr. metamorphoō) (Matt. 17:2; 2 Cor. 3:18) G3339: The Greek word means “to change form,” as does the English derivative metamorphosis. In the New Testament, this word is used to describe an inward renewal of our mind through which our inner spirit is changed into the likeness of Christ. Paul told the Roman believers: “Be transformed by the renewing of your minds” (Rom. 12:2). As our Christian life progresses, we should gradually notice that our thought life is being changed from Christlessness to Christlikeness. Transformation does not happen overnight. Our regeneration is instantaneous, but our transformation is continuous. We are conformed to Christ’s image gradually as we spend time in intimate fellowship with Him (2 Cor. 3:18). 12:2 renew  see Titus 3:5. 12:2 mind  see Matt. 22:37. 12:3 grace  see Acts 14:3.

12:6 prophecy (Gr. prophēteia) (1 Cor. 12:10; 1 Thess. 5:20; 1 Tim. 4:14; Rev. 11:6) G4394: The word prophēteia may imply prophetic activity (as Rev. 11:6), the prophetic utterance (as 2 Pet. 1:20), or the gift of prophesying (as here in Rom. 12:6; cf. 1 Cor. 12:10). The terms in this word group are derived from a compound of the proposition pro (G4253), “before,” and the verb phēmi (G5346), “to speak.” Thus the noun prophētēs (G4396), “prophet,” is one who speaks before and for God, giving God’s revealed word to others (whether for the future or for the present). 12:8 give  see Rom. 1:11.

12:8 cheerfulness (Gr. hilarotēs) G2432: As it sounds, this is the word from which we get “hilarity” and “hilarious.” It is only used here in Scripture. It means “graciousness, joyfulness, gladness, merriment, affability.” Elsewhere this word is used to describe the demeanor of those who are visiting the sick to cheer them up. This is someone who enters the room and lights it up with his goodwill, laughter, and cheer—­thereby spreading joy to others. 12:9 without hypocrisy  see 1 Pet. 1:22. 12:10 brotherly love  see Heb. 13:1.

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1309 Romans 13:14 murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing bear false witness,” a “You shall not covet,” b steadfastly in prayer; 13distributing to the and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless shall love your neighbor as yourself.” c 10Love and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16Be the fulfillment of the law. of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associ- Put on Christ 11And do this, knowing the time, that now ate with the humble. Do not be wise in your it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now own opinion. 17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard our salvation is nearer than when we first for good things in the sight of all men. 18If it believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is is possible, as much as depends on you, live at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of peaceably with all men. 19Beloved, do not darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. avenge yourselves, but rather give place to 13Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14But put on will repay,” a says the Lord. 20 Therefore the Lord ­Jesus Christ, and make no provision “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; 12:19 a Deuteronomy 32:35   ​12:20 a Proverbs 25:21, 22   ​ For in so doing you will heap coals of fire 13:9  a NU‑­Text omits “You shall not bear false witness.”  a b Exodus 20:13–­15, 17; Deuteronomy 5:17–­19, 21  on his head.” 

fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12rejoicing

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome

evil with good.

Submit to Government ‌L et every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

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Love Your Neighbor 8Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not

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c Leviticus

19:18   ​

12:11 fervent  see Acts 18:25. 12:12 patient  see Matt. 24:13. 12:12 continue steadfastly  see Acts 2:46. 12:13 distribute  see Phil. 4:15. 12:15 weep  see Luke 19:41. 12:16 humble  see 2 Cor. 7:6. 12:21 overcome  see Rev. 2:7. 13:2 resist  see Eph. 6:13. 13:6 minister  see Heb. 1:7. 13:7 honor  see 1 Tim. 5:17. 13:13 lewdness  see Jude 4.

13:14 provision (Gr. pronoia) (Acts 24:2) G4307: Appearing only here and in Acts 24:2, this word means “provision, forethought, providence.” This is a premeditated plan, something that has been carefully prepared in advance. The root words are pro (G4253), “before,” and noeō (G3539) “to think, contemplate.” In our fight against the sinful desires of the flesh we must not plan for or make preparations to satisfy them. Instead, our planning should be devoted to how we can avoid sinful acts and our preparations should be devoted to how we can do the right things.

13:14 flesh (Gr. sarx) (John 1:14; 3:6; 1 Cor. 15:39; Gal. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:24) G4561: In its most literal sense, the word refers to the substance of the body, whether of animals or persons (1 Cor. 15:39; 1 Pet. 4:1). Continued

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Romans 14:1 1310 who serves Christ in these thingsa is acceptThe Law of Liberty able to God and approved by men. ‌Receive one who is weak in the faith, 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2For one believes he may eat all make for peace and the things by which one things, but he who is weak eats only vegeta- may edify another. 20Do not destroy the work bles. 3Let not him who eats despise him who of God for the sake of food. All things indeed does not eat, and let not him who does not are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats eat judge him who eats; for God has received with offense. 21It is good neither to eat meat him. 4 W ho are you to judge another’s nor drink wine nor do anything by which servant? To his own master he stands or falls. your brother stumbles or is offended or is Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is made weak.a 22Do you have faith? a Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day above not condemn himself in what he approves. another; another esteems every day alike. 23But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. because he does not eat from faith; for what­ 6He who observes the day, observes it to ever is not from faith is sin.a the Lord;a and he who does not observe the 14:6 a NU‑­Text omits the rest of this sentence.   ​14:9 a NU‑­ day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He Text omits and rose.   ​14:10 a NU‑­Text reads of God.   ​ who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God 14:11 aa Isaiah 45:23   ​14:18 a NU‑­Text reads this.   ​ 14:21   NU‑­Text omits or is offended or is made weak.   ​ thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord 14:22 a NU‑­Text reads The faith which you have—­have.   ​ 7 he does not eat, and gives God thanks. For 14:23 a M‑­Text puts Romans 16:25–­27 here.   ​ none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8For if we live, we live to the Lord; Continued and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, However, in its idiomatic use, the word sarx whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. indicates the human race or personhood (Matt. 9For to this end Christ died and rosea and 24:22; 1 Pet. 1:24). In an ethical and spiritual sense, sarx is the lower nature of a person, the lived again, that He might be Lord of both seat and vehicle of sinful desires (Rom. 7:25; 8:4–­ the dead and the living. 10But why do you 9; and here; Gal. 5:16, 17). judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all 14:6 give thanks   see Luke 17:16. stand before the judgment seat of Christ.a 14:10 judgment seat   see Matt. 27:19. 11For it is w ­ ritten:

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“As I live, says the Lor d, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” a 12So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge

one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. The Law of Love 14I know and am convinced by the Lord ­Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 T herefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18For he

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14:11 confess  see Luke 10:21. 14:13 stumbling block  see 1 Cor. 8:9. 14:13 cause to fall  see Matt. 16:23.

14:18 serve (Gr. douleuō) (Matt. 6:24; Rom. 6:6; 1 Thess. 1:9; Titus 3:3) G1398: The Greek word douleuō literally means “to be a (bond) slave,” “to perform the service of a slave,” or “to serve.” The related noun doulos, slave, bondservant, is often used in the New Testament to refer to the believer’s relation­ ship to God or Christ (Phil. 1:1; James 1:1). Christians belong to God. They happily give to Him, their Master, unconditional obedience as His due and their obligation (cf. Luke 17:7–­10). In Greco-­ Roman society, it was both a great honor and privileged opportunity to be slaves of an im­por­ tant master. Slaves gained benefits and status from the authority delegated to them. Christians are also admonished to offer such service to one another (Gal. 5:13). 14:19 edify  see Eph. 4:12.

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1311 Romans 15:19 brethren, I have written more boldly to you Bearing Others’ Burdens ‌We then who are strong ought to bear on some points, as reminding you, because of with the scruples of the weak, and not the grace given to me by God, 16that I might to please ourselves. 2Let each of us please his be a minister of ­Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, neighbor for his good, leading to edification. ministering the gospel of God, that the offer3For even Christ did not please Himself; but ing of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sancas it is written, “The reproaches of those who tified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reproached You fell on Me.” a 4For whatever reason to glory in Christ ­Jesus in the things things were written before were written for which pertain to God. 18For I will not dare our learning, that we through the patience to speak of any of those things which Christ and comfort of the Scriptures might have has not accomplished through me, in word hope. 5Now may the God of patience and and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—­ comfort grant you to be like-­minded toward 19in mighty signs and wonders, by the power one another, according to Christ J­ esus, 6that of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem you may with one mind and one mouth 15:3 a Psalm 69:9   ​15:7 a NU‑­Text and M‑­Text read you.   ​ glorify the God and Father of our Lord J­ esus 15:9 a 2 Samuela 22:50; Psalm 18:49   a​15:10 a Deuteronomy 32:43   ​15:11   Psalm 117:1   ​15:12   Isaiah 11:10   ​ Christ. 15:14 a M‑­Text reads others.   ​

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Glorify God Together 7 T herefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us,a to the glory of God. 8Now I say that J­ esus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:

“For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.” a 10And again he says:

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!” a 11And again:

“Praise the Lor d, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” a 12And again, Isaiah says:

“There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.” a 13Now may the God of hope fill you with

all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. From Jerusalem to Illyricum 14Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.a 15Nevertheless,

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15:3 reproach  see James 1:5. 15:4 scripture  see John 5:39. 15:6 with one mind  see Acts 12:20. 15:8 confirm  see Mark 16:20. 15:13 abound  see Matt. 25:29.

15:13 hope (Gr. elpis) (Acts 23:6; Rom. 5:5; 1 Cor. 13:13; Col. 1:5; Titus 1:2) G1680: The Greek term denotes “confident expectation” or “anticipation,” not “wishful thinking” as in common parlance. The use of the word hope in this context is unusual and ironic, for it suggests that the Gentiles, who knew nothing or little about the Messiah, were anticipating His coming. However, we need only think of Cornelius (Acts 10) to realize that some Gentiles had anticipated the coming of the Jewish Messiah. For Jesus was sent, not only for the salvation of the Jews, but also for the Gentiles. Since God is the Author of our salvation, we can call Him the God of hope, for He has given us hope (Rom. 15:13).

15:14 goodness (Gr. agathōsynē) (Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:9; 2 Thess. 1:11) G0019: Occurring only four times in Scripture, this word encompasses both a character trait—­being good—­and the action of doing good to others. It is a demeanor of kind benevolence combined with the propensity to do what is kind and right. Goodness is a fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:9), a virtue that naturally flows from being united with the God who perfectly exemplifies this characteristic (2 Thess. 1:11). 15:16 minister  see Heb. 1:7. 15:16 offering  see Acts 21:26.

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Romans 15:20 1312 and round about to Illyricum I have fully Greeting Roman Saints 3Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow preached the gospel of Christ. 20And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, workers in Christ ­Jesus, 4who risked their not where Christ was named, lest I should own necks for my life, to whom not only I build on another man’s foundation, 21but as give thanks, but also all the churches of the it is written: Gentiles. 5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. “To whom He was not announced, they Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the shall see; firstfruits of Achaiaa to Christ. 6Greet Mary, And those who have not heard shall who labored much for us. 7Greet Andronicus understand.” a and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the aposPlan to Visit Rome tles, who also were in Christ before me. 22For this reason I also have been much 8Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. hindered from coming to you. 23But now 9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, no longer having a place in these parts, and 15:21 a Isaiah 52:15   ​15:24 a NU‑­Text omits I shall come to having a great desire these many years to you (and joins Spain with the next sentence).   ​15:29 a NU‑­ come to you, 24whenever I journey to Spain, Text omits of the gospel.   ​16:5 a NU‑­Text reads Asia.   ​ I shall come to you.a For I hope to see you on 15:20 make aim my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for (Gr. philotimeomai) (2 Cor. 5:9; 1 Thess. 4:11) a while. 25But now I am going to Jerusalem G5389: Compounded from phileo (G5384), “to love,” and timē (G5092), “value or honor,” this to minister to the saints. 26For it pleased means to love honor or be ambitious. In the New those from Macedonia and Achaia to make Testament it is used in the positive sense of “to a certain contribution for the poor among consider it an honor” or “to aspire.” In 2 Cothe saints who are in Jerusalem. 27It pleased rinthians 5:9 Paul speaks of what he aspires to them indeed, and they are their debtors. For achieve, and in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, he urges if the Gentiles have been partakers of their his readers to aspire to a quiet life. Here in spiritual things, their duty is also to minisRomans 15:20 it may also refer to Paul’s desire ter to them in material things. 28 Therefore, to preach the gospel, or it may express the idea when I have performed this and have sealed that he considers it an honor to take the gospel to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to to new regions. Spain. 29But I know that when I come to you, 15:21 understand   see Acts 7:25. I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of 15:22 hinder   see 1 Thess. 2:18. the gospela of Christ. 30Now I beg you, brethren, through the 15:27 debtor   see Luke 13:4. 15:27 partake   see Phil. 4:15. Lord ­Jesus Christ, and through the love of 15:27 minister   see Acts 13:2. the Spirit, that you strive together with me in 31 prayers to God for me, that I may be deliv16:2 worthy ered from those in Judea who do not believe, (Gr. axiōs) (Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27; Col. 1:10) G0516: and that my service for Jerusalem may be The adverb is derived from another Greek word 32 acceptable to the saints, that I may come to that means “weight,” from which comes the sense you with joy by the will of God, and may be of value and the rendering “worthy.” The word is refreshed together with you. 33Now the God used only seven times, and in every instance it of peace be with you all. Amen. refers not to material worth but to living or act

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Sister Phoebe Commended ‌I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

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ing in a worthy manner. Since Christians have been rescued from their sin, it is incumbent upon them to live in a way that glorifies Christ, the divine Rescuer. This responsibility is reflected in Colossians 1:10, where Paul prays that believes “may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work.”

16:4 give thanks  see Luke 17:16.

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1313 Romans 16:27 23 and Stachys, my beloved. Apelles, Gaius, my host and the host of the whole approved in Christ. Greet those who are church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of of the household of Aristobulus. 11Greet the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. Herodion, my country­man. a Greet those 24 The grace of our Lord J­ esus Christ be with who are of the household of Narcissus who you all. Amen.a are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who Benediction 25Now to Him who is able to establish have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. you according to my gospel and the preach13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and ing of ­Jesus Christ, according to the revehis mother and mine. 14Greet Asyncritus, lation of the mystery kept secret since the Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and world began 26but now made manifest, and the brethren who are with them. 15Greet by the prophetic Scriptures made known Phi­lologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, to all nations, according to the commandand Olympas, and all the saints who are with ment of the everlasting God, for obedience them. to the faith—­27to God, alone wise, be glory 16Greet one another with a holy kiss. Thea through J­ esus Christ for­ever. Amen.a churches of Christ greet you. 16:11 a Or relative   ​16:16 a NU‑­Text reads All the churches.  ​ 10 Greet

Avoid Divisive Persons 17Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18For those who are such do not serve our Lord ­Jesusa Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord ­Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Greetings from Paul’s Friends 21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. 22I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.

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16:18 a NU‑­Text and M‑­Text omit Jesus.   ​16:24 a NU‑­Text omits this verse.   ​16:27 a M‑­Text puts Romans 16:25–­27 after Romans 14:23.

16:16 kiss  see 1 Pet. 5:14.

16:20 crush (Gr. syntribō) (Matt. 12:20; Mark 14:3; John 19:36) G4937: The word’s literal meaning is “to break in pieces” (see Mark 5:4; Rev. 2:27), but it can also be interpreted figuratively as suffering extreme sorrow (that is, to be emotionally crushed; thus the rendering “brokenhearted” in Luke 4:18). When rendered “crush,” as here, the sense is that of being trodden underfoot. A similar interpretation is “to bruise” (see Matt. 12:20; Luke 9:39). The word shortly in Romans 16:20 means “with swiftness,” not “soon.” God’s triumph over Satan will be fast and final. 16:23 treasurer  see 1 Pet. 4:10. 16:25 revelation  see Rev. 1:1. 16:26 everlasting  see Matt. 25:46.

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