New Testament
Hebrews 11:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
By faith, Joseph, when he was near death, spoke of the departure of the children of Israel and gave instructions about his bones.
Compare translations
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
What Hebrews 11:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Joseph, one of the key figures in the Old Testament, demonstrating his faith even as he faced death. He spoke about the future exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, showing his belief in God's promises. Joseph instructed that his bones should be taken back to the Promised Land when the Israelites left Egypt, reflecting his hope in God's covenant with his ancestors. This act signifies not only his personal faith but also his desire for his people to remember God's promise of deliverance. Joseph's instructions were a way to connect his legacy with the future of Israel, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's plans beyond one's lifetime. His actions remind us that faith can influence future generations and that we should live with an awareness of God's promises, even in our final moments.
How to apply Hebrews 11:22 to your life
We can learn from Joseph's example to live with faith in God's promises, even in difficult times. By preparing for the future and instilling hope in others, we can leave a lasting impact on those who come after us, just as Joseph did.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Explore more of the Bible
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 Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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 Hebrews 11:22
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 Hebrews 11:22
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Hebrews
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 11:22 teach about Joseph's faith?
Hebrews 11:22 highlights Joseph's unwavering faith as he faced death. He spoke of the future exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, demonstrating his belief in God's promises. By instructing that his bones be taken back to the Promised Land, Joseph showed his hope in God's covenant and his desire for future generations to remember God's faithfulness.
Why did Joseph want his bones taken to the Promised Land?
Joseph's request for his bones to be taken to the Promised Land symbolizes his deep faith in God's promise to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. It reflects his belief that God would fulfill His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By making this request, Joseph connected his legacy to the future of Israel, emphasizing the importance of hope and faith in God's plans.
How can we apply Joseph's example in our lives today?
Joseph's example encourages us to live with faith in God's promises, even during challenging times. By preparing for the future and instilling hope in those around us, we can leave a lasting impact, just as Joseph did. This means actively sharing our faith and values with future generations, ensuring they understand and remember God's faithfulness.
What is the significance of faith in Hebrews 11:22?
The significance of faith in Hebrews 11:22 lies in its demonstration of how faith can transcend one's lifetime. Joseph's actions show that faith is not just a personal belief but can influence future generations. His instructions about his bones serve as a reminder that our faith can have a lasting legacy, encouraging others to trust in God's promises.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.