Genesis 28:20

20 Then Jacob made a vow to the Lord: "If you will be with me and protect me on the journey I am making and give me food and clothing,

Genesis 28:20 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 28:20

And Jacob vowed a vow
Which is the first vow we read of in Scripture: saying, if God will be with me;
the word if is not a sign of doubting, but is either an adverb of time, and may be rendered, "when God shall be with me" ^F20; or as a supposition, expressive of an inference or conclusion drawn, "seeing God will be with me" ^F21; which he had the utmost reason to believe he would, since he had not only promised it, but had so lately granted him his presence in a very singular and remarkable manner, referring to the promise of God, ( Genesis 28:15 ) : and will keep me in this way that I go;
as he had said he would, and as hitherto he had, and for the future he had reason to believe he still would: and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on;
which is included in that clause, "I will not leave thee" ( Genesis 28:15 ) , even not without food and raiment; which is all men can desire or use, and therefore with them should be content.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F20 (Ma) "quum", Junius & Tremellius; so Ainsworth.
F21 Quandoquidem, Tigurine version.

Genesis 28:20 In-Context

18 Jacob got up early next morning, took the stone that was under his head, and set it up as a memorial. Then he poured olive oil on it to dedicate it to God.

19 He named the place Bethel. (The town there was once known as Luz.)

20 Then Jacob made a vow to the Lord: "If you will be with me and protect me on the journey I am making and give me food and clothing,

21 and if I return safely to my father's home, then you will be my God.

22 This memorial stone which I have set up will be the place where you are worshiped, and I will give you a tenth of everything you give me."