Old Testament
Genesis 50:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After the period of mourning had ended, Joseph spoke to Pharaoh's household, saying, "If I have found grace in your eyes, please bring this request before Pharaoh:
Compare translations
And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,
What Genesis 50:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph, after the mourning period for his father Jacob, approaches Pharaoh's household with a request. He expresses his hope that he has found favor in their eyes and asks them to communicate his request to Pharaoh. This moment highlights Joseph's respect for authority and his desire to honor his father's wishes regarding burial. It also shows Joseph's position in Egypt, as he is able to speak directly to Pharaoh's household. The mourning period signifies the deep love and respect Joseph had for his father, and now that it has concluded, he is ready to take action. Joseph's request is significant as it reflects his commitment to his family's traditions and his role as a leader who seeks to balance personal grief with his responsibilities in Egypt. This verse sets the stage for the next steps in Joseph's journey, as he navigates his relationship with Pharaoh while honoring his father's legacy.
How to apply Genesis 50:4 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of honoring our loved ones, even in times of leadership and responsibility. It encourages us to seek favor and communicate respectfully with those in authority, especially when making significant requests. We can learn to balance our personal feelings with our duties.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Burying Jacob (Genesis 50:1–14)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 50:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 50:4
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 50:4 mean?
Genesis 50:4 describes Joseph approaching Pharaoh's household after mourning his father Jacob. He expresses hope that he has found favor and asks them to relay a request to Pharaoh, highlighting his respect for authority and commitment to family traditions.
What is the significance of Joseph's request in Genesis 50:4?
Joseph's request in Genesis 50:4 is significant as it shows his desire to honor his father's burial wishes while balancing his responsibilities in Egypt. It reflects his leadership role and the importance of family loyalty.
How does Genesis 50:4 relate to grief and mourning?
In Genesis 50:4, the mourning period for Jacob signifies Joseph's deep love and respect for his father. Once this period ends, Joseph is ready to take action, illustrating how grief can coexist with responsibilities.
What themes are present in Genesis 50:4?
Genesis 50:4 includes themes of respect for authority, family loyalty, grief and mourning, leadership, and cultural traditions. These themes highlight the balance between personal feelings and duties.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.