Genesis 50 3

Genesis 50:3 kjv

And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days.

Genesis 50:3 nkjv

Forty days were required for him, for such are the days required for those who are embalmed; and the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.

Genesis 50:3 niv

taking a full forty days, for that was the time required for embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.

Genesis 50:3 esv

Forty days were required for it, for that is how many are required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days.

Genesis 50:3 nlt

The embalming process took the usual forty days. And the Egyptians mourned his death for seventy days.

Genesis 50 verses

Genesis 50 3 meaning

Genesis 50:3 details the precise duration of Jacob's embalming process by Egyptian physicians, stated as forty days, which was the standard period for such procedures. It further specifies that the Egyptians subsequently observed a comprehensive period of mourning for Jacob, lasting seventy days, highlighting the profound respect and grief they held for him, primarily due to his relationship with Joseph, the vizier of Egypt.

Genesis 50 3 Context

Genesis 50:3 is set immediately after Jacob's death in Egypt. Joseph, having previously assured his father he would be buried in Canaan, now oversees the elaborate funerary rites. This verse details the two phases of this process: the embalming and the subsequent public mourning. The custom of embalming was a distinctly Egyptian practice, reflecting their belief in the afterlife and the preservation of the body for eternity. For someone of Jacob's stature—the father of the powerful vizier, Joseph—an extensive and meticulous embalming process, typically performed by trained physicians, would have been expected. Following this preparation, an equally lengthy period of official mourning underscored the significant position Jacob, through Joseph, held in the eyes of the Egyptians. This act of respect from the Egyptians towards Jacob, and by extension Joseph, highlights the esteem Joseph had earned in the land, a stark contrast to Israel's initial arrival as a foreign, vulnerable people.

Genesis 50 3 Word analysis

• And forty days: (וַיִּמְלְאוּ אַרְבָּעִים יוֹם - vayyimle'u arba'im yom).

  • Forty (אַרְבָּעִים - 'arba'im): A highly significant number in biblical narratives. It often symbolizes a period of trial, testing, completion, preparation, or judgment before a new beginning. In this context, it represents the specific time required for the extensive mummification process, especially the drying phase using natron. It aligns with historical accounts of embalming durations for high-ranking individuals in ancient Egypt. This fixed period underscores the meticulousness and ritualistic nature of the procedure.
  • days were fulfilled for him: This phrase indicates the completion of a necessary and defined period, implying that the process was thorough and proper according to Egyptian custom, ensuring the body's preservation.

• for so are fulfilled the days of those who are embalmed: (כִּי כֵן יִמְלְאוּ יְמֵי הַחֲנוּטִים - ki chen yimle'u yemei hachanutim).

  • embalmed (הַחֲנוּטִים - hachanutim): Refers to the ancient Egyptian practice of mummification. This was a complex, multi-stage process involving removal of organs, desiccation (drying with natron salt), and wrapping. The forty days mentioned specifically point to the time allocated for the desiccation process. It signifies a unique instance where a patriarch of Israel undergoes a distinctly foreign, pagan ritual, albeit under Joseph's influence and to preserve the body until it could be transported to the promised land. This indicates a pragmatic adaptation by Joseph without compromising the spiritual identity or promise for Jacob's final resting place.

• and the Egyptians mourned for him: (וַיִּבְכּוּ אֹתוֹ מִצְרַיִם - vayyivku oto Mitzrayim).

  • mourned (וַיִּבְכּוּ - vayyivku): Means "and they wept." It denotes deep, public sorrow and grief. The collective action of "the Egyptians" shows the national significance of Jacob's passing. This was a state-sponsored act of mourning, recognizing Jacob not merely as an individual, but as the father of Joseph, the respected vizier. It speaks to the political and social standing Joseph and, by extension, his family held in Egypt. This honor accorded to Jacob by the Egyptians can be seen as an indirect testament to Joseph's integrity and wisdom which brought blessing even to Egypt.

• threescore and ten days: (שִׁבְעִים יוֹם - shiv'im yom).

  • Threescore and ten (שִׁבְעִים - shiv'im): Seventy days. This long period of mourning for Jacob significantly surpasses the typical Israelite mourning periods (e.g., seven days for immediate family, thirty days for important figures like Moses and Aaron). It demonstrates the exceptional honor and respect accorded to Jacob, on par with or even exceeding that shown to Egyptian royalty. This extended period of mourning likely included public demonstrations, lamentations, and adherence to specific funeral rites that were common in ancient Egyptian society for a very significant person. It could also symbolize a period of spiritual reflection.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those who are embalmed": This part specifically separates the technical process of embalming from the emotional response of mourning. It validates the duration of the process based on common embalming practices of the time, making it clear this wasn't an arbitrary period but a standard for such a thorough preservation.
  • "and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days": This section introduces the duration of the mourning period. The sequence indicates that the embalming completed first, then the extensive public mourning commenced, likely including ceremonial processions and professional wailing, reinforcing Jacob's high standing and the deep respect from a pagan nation.

Genesis 50 3 Bonus section

The prolonged period of mourning for Jacob (70 days) forges a strong symbolic connection with the future "70 souls" of Jacob's household who came into Egypt (Gen 46:27), hinting at the deep, providential plan unfolding through this family. The "40 days" of embalming reflects the meticulous preparation for eternity in Egyptian belief, contrasted with Israel's emphasis on returning to the promised land. This verse shows a respectful intersection of two cultures (Hebrew and Egyptian), where the pragmatic needs of preservation meet deep emotional expression, all orchestrated by Joseph's unique position, ultimately serving God's larger covenant plan. The entire narrative from Joseph's elevation to Jacob's burial showcases how God works through seemingly pagan contexts to preserve His chosen people and fulfill His promises.

Genesis 50 3 Commentary

Genesis 50:3 serves as a pivotal verse bridging Jacob's death with his promised burial in Canaan, while underscoring Joseph's powerful position in Egypt. The detailed specification of forty days for embalming and seventy for mourning highlights the ancient Egyptian funerary customs, which were meticulously observed, especially for high-status individuals. The forty days signify the desiccation process of mummification, a technical necessity, while the seventy days denote a public period of profound mourning, akin to what was accorded to pharaohs. This exceptional respect from a foreign, polytheistic nation towards the patriarch of the monotheistic Abrahamic covenant line testifies to the widespread influence and favor Joseph had gained for his family, demonstrating God's blessing. It reinforces God's provident care, even in death, setting the stage for Jacob's final resting place as a tangible fulfillment of the covenant promise regarding the land of Canaan. This also implicitly prepares the ground for the eventual exodus, as the family of Jacob gains further recognition and distinction, even if only to endure greater affliction later.