Old Testament
Genesis 50:25
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Then Joseph made the children of Israel swear an oath, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you must carry my bones up from this place."
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And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.
What Genesis 50:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph, who was a prominent leader in Egypt, makes a significant request to the Israelites before his death. He asks them to swear an oath that when God visits them to lead them out of Egypt, they will take his bones with them. This reflects Joseph's faith in God's promise to deliver His people from slavery and bring them to the Promised Land. Joseph's request symbolizes his hope and belief in God's future plans for Israel, showing that he wanted to be part of that journey, even in death. His bones being carried signifies the connection between the past and the future, as well as the importance of honoring one's heritage and promises. This moment highlights the deep faith Joseph had in God's covenant with his ancestors and serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and fulfilling commitments made to loved ones.
How to apply Genesis 50:25 to your life
This verse encourages us to have faith in God's promises and to remember our commitments to family and loved ones. Just as Joseph wanted his bones to be taken to the Promised Land, we should honor our heritage and the promises we make, ensuring that we live in a way that reflects our beliefs and values.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: The Death of Joseph (Genesis 50:22–26)
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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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Keep studying Genesis 50:25
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 50:25 mean?
Genesis 50:25 captures Joseph's request to the Israelites to carry his bones to the Promised Land when God leads them out of Egypt. This reflects his faith in God's promise to deliver His people and signifies the importance of honoring one's heritage.
What is the significance of Joseph's bones in Genesis 50:25?
Joseph's bones symbolize his connection to the Israelites and their future in the Promised Land. His request highlights the importance of legacy and the commitment to fulfill promises made to loved ones.
What does the phrase 'God will surely visit you' mean in Genesis 50:25?
The phrase 'God will surely visit you' indicates Joseph's confidence in God's plan to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It emphasizes the belief in divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises.
How does Genesis 50:25 relate to faith and heritage?
Genesis 50:25 illustrates the themes of faith in God's promises and the importance of heritage. Joseph's request to carry his bones signifies a deep connection to his family's legacy and the hope for a future in the Promised Land.
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