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Genesis 48:16 - Angelic blessing for future generations

Genesis 48:16 - בראשית 48:16

Hebrew Text

הַמַּלְאָךְ הַגֹּאֵל אֹתִי מִכָּל־רָע יְבָרֵךְ אֶת־הַנְּעָרִים וְיִקָּרֵא בָהֶם שְׁמִי וְשֵׁם אֲבֹתַי אַבְרָהָם וְיִצְחָק וְיִדְגּוּ לָרֹב בְּקֶרֶב הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

the angel who redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Avraham and Yiżĥaq; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

Transliteration

Hamalach hagoel oti mikol-ra yevarech et-hane'arim veyikare bahem shemi veshem avotai Avraham veYitzchak veyidgu larov bekerev ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַמַּלְאָךְ֩ הַגֹּאֵ֨ל אֹתִ֜י מִכׇּל־רָ֗ע יְבָרֵךְ֮ אֶת־הַנְּעָרִים֒ וְיִקָּרֵ֤א בָהֶם֙ שְׁמִ֔י וְשֵׁ֥ם אֲבֹתַ֖י אַבְרָהָ֣ם וְיִצְחָ֑ק וְיִדְגּ֥וּ לָרֹ֖ב בְּקֶ֥רֶב הָאָֽרֶץ׃
הַמַּלְאָךְ֩ הַגֹּאֵ֨ל אֹתִ֜י מִכׇּל־רָ֗ע יְבָרֵךְ֮ אֶת־הַנְּעָרִים֒ וְיִקָּרֵ֤א בָהֶם֙ שְׁמִ֔י וְשֵׁ֥ם אֲבֹתַ֖י אַבְרָהָ֣ם וְיִצְחָ֑ק וְיִדְגּ֥וּ לָרֹ֖ב בְּקֶ֥רֶב הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Angel Who Redeemed Me

This verse (Bereshit 48:16) contains Yaakov's blessing to Ephraim and Menashe. Rashi explains that "the angel who redeemed me" refers to the guardian angel who protected Yaakov throughout his life, particularly during his struggles with Esav and Lavan. The Malbim adds that this angel represents Divine Providence (השגחה פרטית), demonstrating that Yaakov attributed his salvation not to his own merits alone, but to Hashem's constant protection.

Blessing the Lads

The blessing for Ephraim and Menashe contains three key elements according to Orthodox Jewish commentators:

  • Physical Protection: "Bless the lads" - The Sforno explains this as a request for Divine protection from physical harm.
  • Spiritual Continuity: "Let my name be named on them" - Ramban interprets this as a prayer that they should inherit Yaakov's spiritual legacy and Torah values.
  • Numerical Increase: "Let them grow into a multitude" - Following Onkelos, this refers to both physical proliferation and spiritual influence in the world.

Connection to the Patriarchs

Yaakov specifically mentions Avraham and Yitzchak to emphasize that Ephraim and Menashe should continue the covenant tradition. The Kli Yakar notes that by invoking all three Patriarchs, Yaakov was establishing his grandsons as full inheritors of the Abrahamic legacy, despite being born in Egypt.

The Fish Metaphor

The phrase "yidgu larov" (let them grow like fish) is explained in Berachot 20a as symbolizing protection from the evil eye, since fish live hidden underwater. The Baal HaTurim connects this to the blessing that Yaakov's descendants should multiply discreetly, protected from envy and harm.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the protective role of angels, particularly in relation to Jacob's blessing for his descendants.
📖 Berakhot 16b
The verse is cited in the context of blessings and the importance of invoking the names of the patriarchs in prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the angel who redeemed me from all evil' refer to in Genesis 48:16?
A: According to Rashi, this refers to the angel that protected Yaakov (Jacob) throughout his life, particularly during difficult times like his encounter with Esav (Esau) and Lavan (Laban). The Midrash explains that this angel represents Divine protection, showing that Hashem watches over the righteous even through intermediaries.
Q: Why did Yaakov mention Avraham and Yitzchak in his blessing in Genesis 48:16?
A: Yaakov included the names of Avraham and Yitzchak to connect his descendants to the covenant and blessings passed down from the forefathers. The Ramban explains that this emphasizes the continuity of the Jewish people's spiritual legacy, ensuring that the next generations remain connected to their roots and mission.
Q: What does 'let them grow into a multitude' mean in Genesis 48:16?
A: This phrase, 'וְיִדְגּוּ לָרֹב,' literally means 'they shall multiply like fish.' Rashi explains that fish are protected from the 'evil eye' (ayin hara) because they are hidden underwater, symbolizing that Yaakov's descendants should multiply greatly while being shielded from harm. The Talmud (Berachot 20a) also connects this to the idea of discreet blessings.
Q: How does Yaakov's blessing in Genesis 48:16 apply to Jewish parents today?
A: Yaakov's blessing teaches Jewish parents to invoke Divine protection, continuity of tradition, and growth for their children. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 245:6) emphasizes the importance of blessing children, often using this verse as inspiration for the custom of the Friday night parental blessing over sons.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov using the term 'the lads' (הַנְּעָרִים) in Genesis 48:16?
A: Rashi notes that Yaakov referred to Ephraim and Menashe as 'the lads' even though they were adults, showing his affection and the timeless nature of a parent's blessings. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that this teaches that spiritual blessings transcend age—parents should always guide their children, no matter how old they become.