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Genesis 26:4 - Abraham's eternal covenant promise

Genesis 26:4 - בראשית 26:4

Hebrew Text

וְהִרְבֵּיתִי אֶת־זַרְעֲךָ כְּכוֹכְבֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם וְנָתַתִּי לְזַרְעֲךָ אֵת כָּל־הָאֲרָצֹת הָאֵל וְהִתְבָּרֲכוּ בְזַרְעֲךָ כֹּל גּוֹיֵי הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

and I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and will give to thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

Transliteration

Vehirbeti et-zar'akha k'kokhvei hashamayim venatati lezar'akha et kol-ha'aratzot ha'el vehitbarakhu vezar'akha kol goyei ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֤י אֶֽת־זַרְעֲךָ֙ כְּכוֹכְבֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וְנָתַתִּ֣י לְזַרְעֲךָ֔ אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הָאֲרָצֹ֖ת הָאֵ֑ל וְהִתְבָּרְכ֣וּ בְזַרְעֲךָ֔ כֹּ֖ל גּוֹיֵ֥י הָאָֽרֶץ׃
וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֤י אֶֽת־זַרְעֲךָ֙ כְּכוֹכְבֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וְנָתַתִּ֣י לְזַרְעֲךָ֔ אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הָאֲרָצֹ֖ת הָאֵ֑ל וְהִתְבָּרְכ֣וּ בְזַרְעֲךָ֔ כֹּ֖ל גּוֹיֵ֥י הָאָֽרֶץ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Promise of Multiplication

The verse states, "I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven" (Genesis 26:4). Rashi explains that this blessing to Yitzchak (Isaac) echoes the earlier promise given to Avraham (Abraham) in Genesis 15:5. The comparison to stars signifies both the vast number of Avraham's descendants and their eternal nature—just as stars shine perpetually, so too will the Jewish people endure. The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that this metaphor also implies that Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) will rise to greatness and influence, illuminating the world like stars.

The Gift of the Land

The phrase "and will give to thy seed all these countries" reaffirms the covenant of Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). The Sforno notes that this promise is conditional upon the Jewish people upholding the Torah and mitzvot (commandments). The Talmud (Ketubot 111a) teaches that the land is intrinsically bound to the spiritual destiny of Klal Yisrael (the Jewish nation), and its possession is tied to their merit.

Blessing for the Nations

The verse concludes with "and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 39:11) explains that this refers to the positive influence the Jewish people will have on humanity. When the nations observe the wisdom and righteousness of Torah, they too will seek blessing through emulation. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 11:4) elaborates that in the Messianic era, all nations will recognize Hashem’s sovereignty through the Jewish people.

  • Rashi: The stars symbolize both multitude and eternity.
  • Ramban: The Jewish people’s greatness will illuminate the world.
  • Sforno: The land is granted based on adherence to Torah.
  • Midrash: The nations will be blessed by learning from Yisrael’s example.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 32b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the merits of the patriarchs and the covenant between God and Abraham.
📖 Megillah 14a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the blessings given to Abraham and their fulfillment in Jewish history.
📖 Sanhedrin 59b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the universal blessings through Abraham's descendants and their implications for non-Jews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Avraham's descendants will be as numerous as the stars?
A: This verse (Genesis 26:4) is a repetition of God's promise to Avraham (originally in Genesis 15:5). The comparison to stars teaches that just as stars appear small but are actually immense, so too the Jewish people may seem insignificant in number but have a great spiritual impact on the world. Rashi explains this symbolizes both physical multiplicity and spiritual greatness.
Q: Why does God promise the land of Israel to Avraham's descendants?
A: The Torah teaches that the land of Israel is intrinsically connected to the Jewish people's spiritual mission. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim) explains this promise reflects the unique relationship between the Jewish nation and this land, where they can best fulfill the Torah's commandments and serve as a light to the nations.
Q: How will 'all nations be blessed' through Avraham's descendants?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains this refers to the positive influence the Jewish people bring to the world through teaching monotheism and ethical values. When nations observe the Jewish people living according to Torah principles, they recognize the blessings of a moral society and may be inspired to adopt righteous ways.
Q: Does this promise apply to all of Avraham's children or just Yitzchak?
A: Rashi (on Genesis 21:12) clarifies that this blessing applies specifically to Yitzchak's descendants, as God told Avraham 'through Yitzchak shall your seed be named.' The Talmud (Yevamot 64a) explains the spiritual covenant continues specifically through the Jewish people descended from Yitzchak and Yaakov.
Q: How do we see this promise fulfilled today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 32b) teaches that God's promises are eternal. We see partial fulfillment in the survival and impact of the Jewish people throughout history, and in the modern return to Israel. The complete fulfillment will come in the Messianic era when, as Rambam describes, all nations will recognize divine truth.