Old Testament
Genesis 47:29
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, Israel, also known as Jacob, is nearing the end of his life and calls for his son Joseph.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
When the time of Israel's death approached, he summoned his son Joseph and said to him, "If I have found grace in your eyes, please place your hand under my thigh and deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt."
And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Israel, also known as Jacob, is nearing the end of his life and calls for his son Joseph. He asks Joseph to promise him that he will not be buried in Egypt, but rather in the land of Canaan, where his ancestors are buried. The act of placing a hand under the thigh is a solemn gesture, signifying a serious oath. Jacob's request reflects his deep connection to his homeland and the importance of being laid to rest with his family. This moment highlights the themes of family loyalty, the significance of burial practices, and the desire to honor one's heritage. Jacob's request also emphasizes the faith he has in God's promises regarding the land of Canaan, which was promised to his descendants. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of honoring family wishes and maintaining connections to one's roots, even in the face of death.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 47:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to honor the wishes of our loved ones, especially regarding significant matters like burial and legacy. It reminds us to stay connected to our roots and to uphold family traditions, reflecting on what truly matters in life and death.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jacob's request to Joseph signify?
Jacob's request to Joseph to promise not to bury him in Egypt signifies a deep connection to his homeland and heritage. By asking Joseph to place his hand under his thigh, Jacob is invoking a solemn oath, emphasizing the seriousness of his request. This act reflects the importance of family loyalty and the desire to honor one's ancestors by being laid to rest in the land of Canaan, which was promised to their descendants.
Why is burial in Canaan important to Jacob?
Burial in Canaan is important to Jacob because it represents a connection to his ancestors and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land. Jacob wants to be buried where his family is, highlighting the significance of heritage and the continuity of family ties. This desire also reflects his faith in God's covenant with his descendants, reinforcing the idea that the land of Canaan is their rightful inheritance.
What does placing a hand under the thigh symbolize?
Placing a hand under the thigh is a cultural gesture that symbolizes a serious oath or promise. In the context of Jacob's request to Joseph, it signifies the gravity of the commitment Joseph is making to honor his father's wishes. This act underscores the importance of trust and loyalty within family relationships, particularly in matters of life and death.
How does this verse relate to family traditions?
This verse relates to family traditions by emphasizing the importance of honoring the wishes of loved ones, especially regarding burial practices and legacy. Jacob's request to be buried in Canaan reflects a commitment to family heritage and the customs surrounding death. It serves as a reminder for us to uphold family traditions and values, ensuring that we maintain connections to our roots and respect the desires of those who came before us.
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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