Genesis 46:3 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

And he said, 'I am God, the God of your father. Don't be afraid to go down to Egypt, because I will make you into a great nation there.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is reassuring Jacob not to fear moving to Egypt because He will fulfill His promise to make Jacob's family into a great nation there.

📚 Historical Context

This verse occurs when Jacob (also called Israel) is hesitating about whether to move his entire family to Egypt during a severe famine, even though his son Joseph had invited them and could provide for them there. God appears to Jacob in a vision at Beersheba to encourage him to make this major life decision. This move to Egypt would eventually lead to the Israelites' 400-year stay there, including their later enslavement and eventual exodus.

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Matthew 2:22

But when Joseph found out that Archelaus was now ruling Judea in place of his dad Herod, he got scared and didn't want to go there. Then God warned him in a dream, so he changed course and headed to the Galilee region instead.

Luke 12:32

Don't be afraid, little flock — your Father actually wants to give you the kingdom. It brings him joy to share it with you.

Genesis 26:24

That very night, the LORD appeared to him and said, 'I am the God of your father Abraham. Don't be afraid, because I am with you. I will bless you and give you many descendants because of my promise to my servant Abraham.'

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