Old Testament
Genesis 50:13
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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.
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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.
What Genesis 50:13 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Burying Jacob (Genesis 50:1–14)
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Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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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 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.
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