Genesis 28:12 And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God's angels were going up and down the ladder.

◄ Genesis 28:12 ►

New International Version
He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

New Living Translation
As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.

English Standard Version
And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!

Berean Standard Bible
And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder.

King James Bible
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

New King James Version
Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

New American Standard Bible
And he had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

NASB 1995
He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

NASB 1977
And he had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he had a dream, and behold, a ladder stood on the earth with its top touching heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

Amplified Bible
He dreamed that there was a ladder (stairway) placed on the earth, and the top of it reached [out of sight] toward heaven; and [he saw] the angels of God ascending and descending on it [going to and from heaven].

Christian Standard Bible
And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground with its top reaching the sky, and God’s angels were going up and down on it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground with its top reaching heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down on it.

American Standard Version
And he dreamed; and behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Contemporary English Version
In a dream he saw a ladder that reached from earth to heaven, and God's angels were going up and down on it.

English Revised Version
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He had a dream in which he saw a stairway set up on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven. He saw the angels of God going up and coming down on it.

Good News Translation
He dreamed that he saw a stairway reaching from earth to heaven, with angels going up and coming down on it.

International Standard Version
when he had a dream! He saw a raised highway that had been built with its ending point on earth and its beginning point in heaven. God's angels were ascending and descending on it.

Majority Standard Bible
And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder.

NET Bible
and had a dream. He saw a stairway erected on the earth with its top reaching to the heavens. The angels of God were going up and coming down it

New Heart English Bible
And he dreamed. And look, a stairway was set upon the earth, and its top reached to heaven. And look, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he dreamed, and behold, a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

World English Bible
He dreamed and saw a stairway set upon the earth, and its top reached to heaven. Behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And he dreams, and behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and its head is touching the heavens; and behold, messengers of God are going up and coming down by it;

Young's Literal Translation
And he dreameth, and lo, a ladder set up on the earth, and its head is touching the heavens; and lo, messengers of God are going up and coming down by it;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will dream, and behold a ladder placed in the earth, and the head of it reaching to the heavens: and behold the messengers of God ascending and descending upon it.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he saw in his sleep a ladder standing upon the earth, and the top thereof touching heaven: the angels also of God ascending and descending by it;

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he saw in his sleep: a ladder standing upon the earth, with its top touching heaven, also, the Angels of God ascending and descending by it,

New American Bible
Then he had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground, with its top reaching to the heavens; and God’s angels were going up and down on it.

New Revised Standard Version
And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder was set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he saw in a dream, and behold, a staircase set up on the earth, and the top met Heaven, and behold, the Angels of God were going up and coming down on it.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and dreamed, and behold a ladder fixed on the earth, whose top reached to heaven, and the angels of God ascended and descended on it.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Jacob's Ladder
…11On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. 13And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

John 1:51
Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Genesis 32:1-2
Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. / When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim.

Genesis 35:1
Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”

Genesis 46:2
And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob.

John 1:47-50
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.” / “How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” / “Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” ...

Hosea 12:4
Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there—

Matthew 3:16-17
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. / And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

Acts 7:55-56
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. / “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Revelation 4:1
After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.”

Revelation 19:11
Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war.

Daniel 7:13
In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.

Ezekiel 1:1
In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God.

1 Kings 22:19
Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left.

Isaiah 6:1
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple.

Zechariah 1:8
I looked out into the night and saw a man riding on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses.

Treasury of Scripture

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

he dreamed.

Genesis 15:1,12
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward…

Genesis 20:3,6,7
But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife…

Genesis 37:5-11
And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more…

ladder.

Genesis 32:1,2
And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him…

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

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Angels Ascended Ascending Descending Dream Dreamed Dreameth Earth Head Heaven Heavens Messengers Reached Reaching Resting Stairway Steps Stretching Top Touching

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Angels Ascended Ascending Descending Dream Dreamed Dreameth Earth Head Heaven Heavens Messengers Reached Reaching Resting Stairway Steps Stretching Top Touching

Genesis 28

1. Isaac blesses Jacob, and sends him to Padan-aram.
6. Esau marries Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael.
10. Jacob journeys, and has a vision of a ladder.
18. The stone of Bethel.
20. Jacob's vow.

Berean Study Bible

And Jacob had a dream
The Hebrew word for "dream" is "חֲלוֹם" (chalom), which often signifies a divine communication or revelation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, dreams were considered significant and often seen as messages from the divine realm. Jacob's dream is not merely a subconscious experience but a pivotal moment of divine encounter, indicating God's direct intervention and guidance in his life. This dream marks a turning point for Jacob, who is on a journey both physically and spiritually.

about a ladder
The term "ladder" in Hebrew is "סֻלָּם" (sullam), which appears only here in the Old Testament. The imagery of a ladder or stairway suggests a connection between heaven and earth, symbolizing the accessibility of God to humanity. This ladder represents the bridge between the divine and the human, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the mediator between God and man.

that rested on the earth
The phrase emphasizes the grounding of the divine vision in the reality of the earth. The ladder's base on the earth signifies God's presence and activity in the world, affirming that the divine is not distant but intimately involved in the affairs of humanity. This grounding also foreshadows the incarnation, where God would dwell among His people.

with its top reaching up to heaven
The ladder's top reaching heaven signifies the connection and communication between God and man. It illustrates the idea that while God is transcendent, He is also immanent, actively engaging with His creation. This imagery reassures Jacob—and by extension, all believers—that God is sovereign over both heaven and earth and that His purposes will be accomplished.

and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder
The presence of angels, "מַלְאָכִים" (mal'akhim), ascending and descending, indicates the active role of these messengers in carrying out God's will. Angels are often depicted in Scripture as servants of God, executing His commands and ministering to His people. This movement suggests continuous divine activity and oversight, reinforcing the idea that God is always at work, even when unseen.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) Behold a ladder. . . . --Isaac had confirmed Jacob in the possession of the blessing before he started on his long journey, but it was necessary that he should also have the Divine ratification of his appointment; for the chief privilege was the covenant with God previously confirmed to Isaac, his father (Genesis 17:19-21). Day after day, then, he travels forward, anxious and oppressed, feeling as he went farther from his home the responsibilities attendant upon that birthright which he had coveted so eagerly. His lot was now a repetition of that of Abraham; but he had travelled from Haran with a noble following, and by express command. Jacob had at most but a few attendants, and no voice from God had ever as yet reached him. But faith in Him was growing strong, and the Divine ratification to him of the Abrahamic covenant was at length vouchsafed. In his sleep he sees a ladder, or staircase, rising from the ground at his side, and reaching up to heaven. It tells him that heaven and earth are united, and that there is a way from one to the other. Upon these stairs "messengers of Elohim are ascending and descending," carrying up to God men's prayers, and the tale of their wants and sorrows, of their faith and hope and trust; and bringing down to them help and comfort and blessing. At the head of the ladder Jehovah himself stands. The word is that used in Genesis 24:13, and signifies that the Deity was not there accidentally, but that He holds there His permanent station. Finally, Jehovah from His heavenly post confirms to Jacob all the promises made from the time when Abraham left Ur of the Chaldees, and assures him of His constant presence and protection.

It has been pointed out that each of the three stages in the dream has emphasis given to it by the word behold, and that this rises to a climax at the third repetition, when the covenant God is seen stationed at the head of this pathway between earth and heaven. But besides this, the value of Jacob in Jehovah's sight arises now from his being the appointed ancestor of the Mesciah, in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed (Genesis 28:14). Christ, too, is the Way symbolised by this ladder (John 14:6), and the bridge of union between the material and the spiritual world (1Timothy 2:5). Our Lord, accordingly, Himself claims that "the angels of God ascend and descend upon Him" (John 1:51), . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. - And he dreamed. This dream, which has been pronounced "beautifully ingenious," "clever" and "philosophical," the work of a later Hebrew poet and not of Jacob (De Wette), was not wonderful considering the state of mind and body in which he must have been - fatigued by travel, saddened by thoughts of home, doubtless meditating on his mother, and more than likely pondering the great benediction of his aged and, to all appearance, dying father. Yet while these circumstances may account for the mental framework of the dream, the dream itself was Divinely sent. And behold a ladder - the rough stones of the mountain appearing to form themselves into vast staircase (Stanley, Bush) - set up an the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: - symbolically intimating the fact of a real, uninterrupted, and close communication between heaven and earth, and in particular between God in his glory and man in his solitude and sin - and behold the angels of God - literally, the messengers of Elohim, i.e. the angels (Psalm 103:20, 21; Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 1:14) - ascending and descending on it - vide John 1:51, which shows that Christ regarded either the ladder in Jacob's vision as an emblem of himself, the one Mediator between God and man (Calvin, Luther, Ainsworth, 'Speaker's Commentary,' Murphy), or, what is more probable, Jacob himself as type of him, the Son of man, in whom the living intercourse between earth and heaven depicted in the vision of the angel-trodden staircase was completely fulfilled (Hengstenberg, Baumgsrten, Lange, Bush).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And [Jacob] dreamed
וַֽיַּחֲלֹ֗ם (way·ya·ḥă·lōm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2492: To bind firmly, to be, plump, to dream

about
וְהִנֵּ֤ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

a ladder
סֻלָּם֙ (sul·lām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5551: A stair-case

that rested
מֻצָּ֣ב (muṣ·ṣāḇ)
Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand

on the earth
אַ֔רְצָה (’ar·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

with its top
וְרֹאשׁ֖וֹ (wə·rō·šōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

reaching
מַגִּ֣יעַ (mag·gî·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike

up to heaven,
הַשָּׁמָ֑יְמָה (haš·šā·mā·yə·māh)
Article | Noun - masculine plural | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

and God’s
אֱלֹהִ֔ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

angels
מַלְאֲכֵ֣י (mal·’ă·ḵê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

were going up
עֹלִ֥ים (‘ō·lîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

and down [the ladder].
וְיֹרְדִ֖ים (wə·yō·rə·ḏîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

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OT Law: Genesis 28:12 He dreamed (Gen. Ge Gn)