Old Testament
Genesis 47:28
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jacob lived in Egypt for seventeen years, so the total length of his life was a hundred and forty-seven years.
Compare translations
And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years.
What Genesis 47:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about the final years of Jacob's life. After being reunited with his son Joseph, Jacob moved to Egypt, where he spent the last seventeen years of his life. This period was significant as it allowed him to see his family grow and thrive in a new land. The mention of his total age, one hundred and forty-seven years, highlights the long life he lived, filled with both trials and blessings. Jacob's time in Egypt symbolizes a transition for his family, as they began to settle in a foreign land, which would later lead to their growth into a large nation. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of family connections and the legacy we leave behind, as Jacob's life story continues to impact generations. It also reflects on the themes of faith, perseverance, and the fulfillment of God's promises, as Jacob's journey was guided by divine purpose throughout his life.
How to apply Genesis 47:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to value our time with family and to reflect on the legacy we are creating. Just as Jacob cherished his final years with his loved ones, we should prioritize relationships and ensure that we are nurturing connections that will last beyond our lifetime. Our actions today shape the future for those we care about.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: A Promise to His Father (Genesis 47:27–31)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 47:28
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 47:28
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 47:28 mean?
Genesis 47:28 recounts the final years of Jacob's life, emphasizing that he lived in Egypt for seventeen years, bringing his total age to one hundred and forty-seven. This verse highlights the significance of family and the legacy Jacob left behind.
What is the significance of Jacob's age in Genesis 47:28?
Jacob's age of one hundred and forty-seven years signifies a long life filled with experiences, trials, and blessings. It underscores the importance of family connections during his last years in Egypt.
What does Genesis 47:28 tell us about Jacob's life?
This verse indicates that Jacob spent his last seventeen years in Egypt after reuniting with his son Joseph. It reflects on the transitions in his life and the growth of his family in a new land.
How does Genesis 47:28 relate to family values?
Genesis 47:28 emphasizes the importance of cherishing time with family, as Jacob's final years were spent with loved ones. It serves as a reminder to prioritize relationships and the legacy we create.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.