Old Testament
Genesis 47:28
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we learn about the final years of Jacob's life.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Jacob lived in Egypt for seventeen years, so the total length of his life was a hundred and forty-seven years.
And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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