Genesis 47:7-9

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Genesis 47:7 tn Heb “caused him to stand.”
2. Genesis 47:7 sn The precise meaning of the Hebrew verb translated “blessed” is difficult in this passage, because the content of Jacob’s blessing is not given. The expression could simply mean that he greeted Pharaoh, but that seems insufficient in this setting. Jacob probably praised Pharaoh, for the verb is used this way for praising God. It is also possible that he pronounced a formal prayer of blessing, asking God to reward Pharaoh for his kindness.
3. Genesis 47:8 tn Heb “How many are the days of the years of your life?”
4. Genesis 47:9 tn Heb “the days of.”
5. Genesis 47:9 tn Heb “sojournings.” Jacob uses a term that depicts him as one who has lived an unsettled life, temporarily residing in many different places.
6. Genesis 47:9 tn Heb “the days of.”
7. Genesis 47:9 tn The Hebrew word רַע (raʿ) can sometimes mean “evil,” but that would give the wrong connotation here, where it refers to pain, difficulty, and sorrow. Jacob is thinking back through all the troubles he had to endure to get to this point.
8. Genesis 47:9 tn Heb “and they have not reached the days of the years of my fathers in the days of their sojournings.”