Old Testament
Genesis 50:13
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 see the final act of respect and love from Joseph's brothers as they carry their father Jacob's body back to Canaan for burial.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased along with the field from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site.
For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the final act of respect and love from Joseph's brothers as they carry their father Jacob's body back to Canaan for burial. The location, the cave of Machpelah, is significant because it was purchased by Abraham as a family burial site, establishing a connection to their ancestral heritage. This act of returning to Canaan symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land. The mention of Ephron the Hittite highlights the importance of legal ownership and the significance of the burial site in the family's history. This moment marks the end of Jacob's life and the continuation of the family's legacy in the Promised Land, emphasizing the importance of honoring family traditions and the land that God has given them. Explore related loyalty.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 50:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to honor our family traditions and legacies. Just as Joseph and his brothers respected their father's wishes, we should also value our heritage and the promises made to us. Taking time to remember and celebrate our family's history can strengthen our identity and faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of the cave of Machpelah?
The cave of Machpelah is significant as it was purchased by Abraham as a family burial site, making it a symbol of the ancestral heritage of the Israelites. It represents the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan and serves as a connection to the family's history and identity.
Why did Joseph's brothers carry Jacob's body to Canaan?
Joseph's brothers carried Jacob's body to Canaan to fulfill their father's last wishes and to honor him with a proper burial in the land promised to their ancestors. This act demonstrates their loyalty and respect for family traditions, as well as their commitment to their heritage.
What does this verse teach about honoring family traditions?
This verse teaches the importance of honoring family traditions and legacies. Just as Joseph and his brothers respected their father's wishes by returning to Canaan for burial, we are encouraged to value our own family histories and the promises made to us, which can strengthen our identity and faith.
How does this verse relate to God's promises to Abraham?
This verse relates to God's promises to Abraham by highlighting the significance of the land of Canaan as a burial site for Jacob. The act of returning to Canaan symbolizes the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, reinforcing the idea that the land is a vital part of their identity and heritage.
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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