Genesis 48:4
“And I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession.”
King James Version
God confirming to Jacob at Bethel that the land promised to Abraham would belong to his descendants forever.
Fulfillment References
Hebrews 11:16 Joshua 21:43
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalRecalling God's word at Luz, Jacob repeats the promise: 'I will make thee fruitful... and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession.' The covenant is handed on as Jacob blesses Joseph's sons. The everlasting possession, like all the land promises, finds its horizon in the everlasting inheritance secured in the Lord Jesus (Heb. 11:16), even as God kept His word to Israel in the land.
JewishJacob's transmission of the Abrahamic covenant — fruitfulness and the everlasting land grant — to the next generation through Joseph's sons.
CatholicThe covenant of land and seed passed to Jacob's heirs, fulfilled in stages and ultimately in the eternal inheritance in Christ.
ProtestantThe everlasting land promise reaffirmed to Jacob; literal in Israel's possession, with an eternal horizon in Christ (Heb. 11).
AcademicThe promise restated by Jacob (citing the Bethel/Luz theophany) as he adopts and blesses Ephraim and Manasseh.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.