Genesis 47 7

Genesis 47:7 kjv

And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

Genesis 47:7 nkjv

Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

Genesis 47:7 niv

Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh,

Genesis 47:7 esv

Then Joseph brought in Jacob his father and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

Genesis 47:7 nlt

Then Joseph brought in his father, Jacob, and presented him to Pharaoh. And Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

Genesis 47 verses

Genesis 47 7 meaning

Genesis 47:7 describes a pivotal moment where Joseph introduces his aged father, Jacob, to Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of his time. Jacob, despite being a sojourning shepherd, performs a profound spiritual act by blessing Pharaoh. This act signifies Jacob's inherent spiritual authority as a patriarch of God's chosen people, contrasting with Pharaoh's worldly power.

Genesis 47 7 Context

Genesis chapter 47 is part of the larger narrative detailing Joseph's life and the settlement of Jacob's family in Egypt. The land of Canaan is experiencing a severe famine (Gen 47:4, 13). Joseph, now the vizier of Egypt, has meticulously planned for this crisis (Gen 41). Following Joseph's revelation of himself to his brothers and his invitation for Jacob and his entire household to come to Egypt, they arrive in Goshen (Gen 46).This specific verse (Gen 47:7) describes Joseph facilitating a formal audience for his elderly father, Jacob, with Pharaoh. It highlights Joseph's high standing and influence in the Egyptian court. The meeting is significant as it brings the head of God's covenant people, a humble patriarch, face-to-face with the supreme earthly ruler, demonstrating God's sovereign care and exalting His chosen ones even in foreign lands.

Genesis 47 7 Word analysis

• And Joseph (וַיָּבֵא יוֹסֵף - vayyāḇēʾ Yōʿsēp̄):

  • וַיָּבֵא (vayyāḇēʾ): A waw-conversive imperfect form of bo' (to come/bring). It means "and he brought," indicating Joseph's active role in leading and presenting Jacob. This emphasizes Joseph's esteemed position, as only someone of great standing could arrange such a direct audience with Pharaoh.
  • יוֹסֵף (Yōʿsēp̄): "Joseph." From a root meaning "to add" or "to increase." He is instrumental in saving his family and facilitating their blessing.

• brought in (וַיָּבֵא - vayyāḇēʾ): Already covered with "And Joseph." Signifies a formal, purposeful introduction, not merely a casual arrival. Joseph is orchestrating this crucial encounter.

• Jacob (יַעֲקֹב - Ya'akov) his father (אָבִיו - 'āḇîw):

  • יַעֲקֹב (Ya'akov): "Jacob," meaning "heel-grabber" or "supplanter," later renamed Israel (God contends/struggles with God). He represents the covenant line through whom God's promises will be fulfilled. His advanced age and wisdom are implied.
  • אָבִיו ('āḇîw): "His father." This specifies the close familial relationship and Joseph's filial piety, underscoring the personal nature of the introduction.

• and presented him (וַיַּעֲמִדֵהוּ - wayyaʿamîḏêhû):

  • From the root 'amad (to stand). In the Hiphil form, it means "he caused him to stand" or "he established him." This verb implies a formal act of placement or installation before a higher authority. It denotes respect and proper protocol in a royal court setting.

• before Pharaoh (לִפְנֵי פַרְעֹה - lifnê Par'oh):

  • לִפְנֵי (lifnê): Literally "to the face of," meaning "before" or "in the presence of." This signifies a direct audience, without intermediaries.
  • פַרְעֹה (Par'oh): "Pharaoh," the title of the Egyptian king. Represents the pinnacle of earthly power and authority in that era. The contrast between this powerful sovereign and the elderly, humble patriarch is stark.

• and Jacob blessed (וַיְבָרֶךְ יַעֲקֹב - wayḇāreḵ Ya'akov) Pharaoh (אֶת־פַּרְעֹה - ʾeṯ-Par'oh):

  • וַיְבָרֶךְ (wayḇāreḵ): A waw-conversive imperfect from the root barak (to bless). This is the key action. To bless is to invoke divine favor, pronounce good, or impart well-being. It is a profound spiritual act.
  • יַעֲקֹב (Ya'akov): "Jacob." The subject performing the blessing, indicating his active spiritual role.
  • אֶת־פַּרְעֹה (ʾeṯ-Par'oh): "Pharaoh." The object of the blessing.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And Joseph brought in Jacob his father and presented him before Pharaoh": This sequence emphasizes the respect Joseph accords to his father and the formality of the introduction. It highlights Joseph's position of influence in orchestrating such an encounter, bridging the gap between his family's nomadic lifestyle and the sophisticated Egyptian court. This action speaks to both Joseph's duty to his family and his mastery of his adopted country's protocols.
• "and Jacob blessed Pharaoh": This is the most profound and noteworthy phrase. In ancient near-eastern contexts, typically, the greater would bless the lesser, or the priest would bless the worshiper. Here, an old shepherd, representing God's chosen people, blesses the mighty king of Egypt. This action is universally understood as highlighting Jacob's spiritual superiority and authority granted by God, rather than any worldly standing. It silently yet powerfully asserts the supremacy of the God of Israel over all earthly powers, as confirmed by Heb 7:7, "Without any doubt, the lesser is blessed by the greater."

Genesis 47 7 Bonus section

The act of Jacob blessing Pharaoh also served to indirectly seek God's favor for Pharaoh and, by extension, for the land of Egypt and its ruler. This could be seen as an acknowledgment of divine sovereignty over all nations, even those not explicitly worshipping the God of Israel. It portrays a scene where God's representative does not shy away from exercising spiritual authority over the temporal ruler, setting a precedent for God's people acting as conduits of divine blessing to the world. Furthermore, the twofold blessing (here and in Gen 47:10) might suggest that Jacob’s encounter with Pharaoh was impactful enough for him to repeat the sacred gesture, possibly a rare privilege.

Genesis 47 7 Commentary

Genesis 47:7 is a profound testament to the divine order of authority. Despite Pharaoh being the epitome of earthly power, wisdom, and wealth in the ancient world, Jacob, a simple patriarch whose wealth lay in flocks and family, initiates a blessing upon him. This act is not a mere customary greeting but a solemn pronouncement of divine favor, signifying spiritual potency flowing from a man of God. Theologically, this scene powerfully communicates the concept that true authority originates not from earthly dominion, but from a covenant relationship with the Most High God. Jacob's action tacitly elevates the stature of God's covenant people and their God above even the mightiest human kingdoms. It anticipates the eventual worldwide recognition of Israel's God, showing a humble beginning for God's redemptive plan that transcends all political boundaries.