28 And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. (A)So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were 147 years.

29 And (B)when the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If now (C)I have found favor in your sight, (D)put your hand under my thigh and (E)promise to deal kindly and truly with me. (F)Do not bury me in Egypt, 30 but let me lie with my fathers. Carry me out of Egypt and (G)bury me in their burying place.” He answered, “I will do as you have said.” 31 And he said, “Swear to me”; and he swore to him. Then (H)Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Genesis 47:31 Hebrew; Septuagint staff

28 He lived for seventeen more years in Egypt, until he was 147 years old. 29 As the time approached for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and addressed him. “Please,” he asked, “if you’re happy with me, make a solemn promise[a] that you’ll treat me fairly and kindly by not burying me in Egypt. 30 Instead, when I’ve died, as my ancestors have, you are to carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their tomb.”[b]

“I’ll do what you’ve asked,” Joseph[c] replied.

31 “Promise me,” Israel[d] insisted. So Joseph promised. Then Israel collapsed[e] on his bed.

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Footnotes

  1. Genesis 47:29 Lit. me, place your hand under my thigh; i.e., make a solemn promise based on the sanctity of the family and commitment to the family line
  2. Genesis 47:30 Lit. place
  3. Genesis 47:30 Lit. he
  4. Genesis 47:31 Lit. he
  5. Genesis 47:31 Lit. Israel bent low