Genesis 48:10 kjv

Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

Genesis 48:10 nkjv

Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.

Genesis 48:10 niv

Now Israel's eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

Genesis 48:10 esv

Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.

Genesis 48:10 nlt

Jacob was half blind because of his age and could hardly see. So Joseph brought the boys close to him, and Jacob kissed and embraced them.

Genesis 48 verses

Genesis 48 10 Meaning

Genesis 48:10 describes the physical state of Jacob, also known as Israel, as he nears the end of his life. His eyes were so weakened by old age that he could no longer see clearly. Because of this, his son Joseph took his own sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, closer to Jacob. Upon their approach, Jacob responded with warmth and affection, kissing and embracing the two boys. This act signified his welcome, acceptance, and a deep emotional connection with his grandsons before conferring his significant blessing upon them.

Genesis 48 10 Context

Genesis chapter 48 initiates Jacob's final acts before his passing. Joseph, upon learning of his father's ailing health, brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to receive a patriarchal blessing from Jacob. The immediate context of verse 10 shows Jacob's significant physical decline, contrasting with his alert mind and spiritual understanding that will enable him to bless and prophesy. This verse sets the stage for a critical moment in the patriarchal narrative: Jacob's adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, thereby granting them full tribal inheritance rights within Israel, a highly unusual but divinely ordained arrangement. Historically and culturally, a deathbed blessing from the patriarch held immense spiritual weight, shaping the destiny of his descendants. The act of kissing and embracing affirmed recognition, love, and formal acceptance of those receiving the blessing. This was customary practice to show deep affection, affirmation, and connection, vital for conveying a significant transfer of patriarchal authority and blessing.

Genesis 48 10 Word analysis

• Now: Introduces a new phase or development in the narrative, highlighting a shift in focus to Jacob's physical state.
• the eyes: Hebrew: עֵינֵי (einey), literally 'eyes'. The organs of sight, signifying perception.
• of Israel: Hebrew: יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yiśrāʾēl). This refers to Jacob. The use of "Israel" here, rather than "Jacob," emphasizes his identity as the one who wrestled with God and man and prevailed, highlighting the spiritual significance of his actions, despite his physical frailty.
• were dim: Hebrew: כָּהֲתָה (kāhăṯāh), from the root כָּהָה (kāhāh), meaning 'to be dim, faint, dull, languid'. It indicates a weakening or fading. This word is also used in relation to the Tabernacle lamps that would burn out if not maintained. It suggests a progressive and significant decline in vision, not just slight impairment.
• with age: Explains the cause of the dimness; a natural process of aging. This mirrors Isaac's condition in Genesis 27:1.
• so that he could not see: Clarifies the severity of his condition. His eyesight was functionally gone, necessitating physical proximity for recognition. This state highlights a paradox: physical blindness versus spiritual foresight, which becomes evident in the following verses when he crosses his hands to bless Ephraim.
• So Joseph brought them near him: Joseph acts as the mediator due to his father's physical limitation. This shows Joseph's filial piety and his understanding of the importance of this moment for his sons. His active role facilitates the crucial encounter.
• them: Refers to Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
• and he kissed them: Hebrew: וַיִּשַּׁק (wayyiššaq), from the verb נָשַׁק (nāšaq), 'to kiss'. This act is a powerful expression of affection, love, welcome, and acceptance in the ancient Near East. It signifies personal intimacy and formal acknowledgment, establishing the bond of kinship.
• and embraced them: Hebrew: וַיְחַבֵּק (wayḥabbēq), from the verb חָבַק (ḥāḇaq), 'to embrace, clasp, fold'. An embrace conveys warmth, affection, intimacy, and acceptance. It physically unites Jacob with his grandsons, cementing their inclusion into the family of Israel, especially significant as they were born in Egypt and adopted by Jacob as his own sons.

Genesis 48 10 Bonus section

The physical impairment of Jacob here draws a notable parallel to Isaac's condition when he mistakenly blessed Jacob instead of Esau (Gen 27:1). Both patriarchs were visually impaired in their old age when bestowing significant blessings. However, Jacob's dimness in this instance contrasts sharply with Isaac's where Isaac was deceived due to his blindness. Jacob, though physically blind, seems to possess a greater spiritual discernment, later intentionally crossing his hands to bless the younger Ephraim over the elder Manasseh, defying traditional custom. This act suggests that Jacob's blessing comes from divine guidance, not solely physical perception. This embrace and kiss formally bring Ephraim and Manasseh fully into the tribal structure of Israel, as though they were direct sons of Jacob, ensuring their inheritance and tribal identity for generations.

Genesis 48 10 Commentary

Genesis 48:10 powerfully illustrates the theme of physical vulnerability met with spiritual insight. Jacob, now called "Israel," is depicted in his twilight years, his bodily strength waning, signified by his severely diminished eyesight. This physical decline, a common human experience, highlights the fragile nature of earthly life. However, his spiritual capacity remains intact, allowing him to perceive and act with divine wisdom in the subsequent blessings. Joseph's thoughtful act of bringing his sons close enables the patriarch, whose vision is gone, to engage physically and intimately with the boys. The tender kisses and embraces are more than mere expressions of affection; they are profound acts of acceptance and incorporation, laying the groundwork for the adoption and blessing that follows. These actions affirm their status within the covenant family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, underscoring that spiritual lineage transcends physical sight and relies on a deeper, faith-filled connection. It shows that even in weakness, God works through His chosen servants to fulfill His promises, often in ways that defy human expectation, as seen in the later hand-crossing.