Genesis 47:28-31
New English Translation
28 Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; the years[a] of Jacob’s life were 147 in all. 29 The time[b] for Israel to die approached, so he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, put your hand under my thigh[c] and show me kindness and faithfulness.[d] Do not bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I rest[e] with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place.” Joseph[f] said, “I will do as you say.”
31 Jacob[g] said, “Swear to me that you will do so.”[h] So Joseph[i] gave him his word.[j] Then Israel bowed down[k] at the head of his bed.[l]
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- Genesis 47:28 tn Heb “the days of the years.”
- Genesis 47:29 tn Heb “days.”
- Genesis 47:29 sn On the expression put your hand under my thigh see Gen 24:2.
- Genesis 47:29 tn Or “deal with me in faithful love.”
- Genesis 47:30 tn Heb “lie down.” Here the expression “lie down” refers to death.
- Genesis 47:30 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Joseph) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
- Genesis 47:31 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Jacob) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
- Genesis 47:31 tn Heb “swear on oath to me.” The words “that you will do so” have been supplied in the translation for clarity.
- Genesis 47:31 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Joseph) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
- Genesis 47:31 tn Heb “swore on oath to him.”
- Genesis 47:31 sn The Hebrew verb normally means “bow down,” especially in worship or prayer. Here it might simply mean “bend low,” perhaps from weakness or approaching death. The narrative is ambiguous at this point and remains open to all these interpretations.
- Genesis 47:31 tc The MT reads מִטָּה (mittah, “bed, couch”). The LXX reads the word as מַטֶּה (matteh, “staff, rod”) and interprets this to mean that Jacob bowed down in worship while leaning on the top of his staff. The LXX reading was used in turn by the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews (Heb 11:21).
Genesis 47:28-31
Christian Standard Bible
28 Now Jacob lived in the land of Egypt 17 years, and his life span was 147 years. 29 When the time approached for him to die,(A) he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor with you, put your hand under my thigh(B) and promise me that you will deal with me in kindness and faithfulness.(C) Do not bury me in Egypt. 30 When I rest with my ancestors, carry me away from Egypt and bury me in their burial place.”(D)
Joseph answered, “I will do what you have asked.”
31 And Jacob said, “Swear to me.” So Joseph swore to him. Then Israel bowed in thanks at the head of his bed.[a](E)
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- 47:31 Or Israel worshiped while leaning on the top of his staff
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