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28 Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, so he lived to be one hundred forty-seven years old. 29 When Israel [C another name for Jacob; 32:28] knew he soon would die, he called his son Joseph to him and said to him, “If ·you love me [L I have found grace in your eyes], put your hand under my ·leg [L thigh; C a euphemism for male genitalia; this was a commitment to keep a promise]. ·Promise me [L Deal with me according to loyalty and faithfulness that] you will not bury me in Egypt. 30 When I ·die [L lie with my fathers/ancestors], carry me out of Egypt, and bury me ·where my ancestors are buried [L in their burial place].”

Joseph answered, “I will do as you say.”

31 Then Jacob said, “·Promise [Swear to] me.” And ·Joseph promised [he swore to] him that he would do this [50:7–14]. Then Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his ·walking stick [staff; or bed].[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Genesis 47:31 walking stick Some Greek copies read “walking stick.” The Hebrew text reads “bed.”

28 And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; so the [a]length of Jacob’s life was a hundred and forty-seven years.

29 And when the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, [b]please put your hand under my thigh and [promise to] deal loyally and faithfully with me. Please do not bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I lie down with my fathers [in death], you will carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place [at Hebron in the cave of Machpelah].” And Joseph said, “I will do as you have directed.” 31 Then he said, “Swear to me [that you will do it].” So he swore to him. Then Israel (Jacob) bowed in worship at the head of the bed.

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Footnotes

  1. Genesis 47:28 Lit the days of Jacob, the years of his.
  2. Genesis 47:29 I.e. this was a customary manner of taking a solemn oath.