Genesis 50:4 kjv

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,

Genesis 50:4 nkjv

Now when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the hearing of Pharaoh, saying,

Genesis 50:4 niv

When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh's court, "If I have found favor in your eyes, speak to Pharaoh for me. Tell him,

Genesis 50:4 esv

And when the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,

Genesis 50:4 nlt

When the period of mourning was over, Joseph approached Pharaoh's advisers and said, "Please do me this favor and speak to Pharaoh on my behalf.

Genesis 50 verses

Genesis 50 4 Meaning

Genesis 50:4 describes Joseph's respectful adherence to Egyptian court protocol after the prescribed mourning period for his father, Jacob, had ended. Unable to approach Pharaoh directly, Joseph sought an intermediary within Pharaoh's household to convey his humble request for permission to bury Jacob in the land of Canaan, as sworn to his father. This action underscores Joseph's humility, his profound filial piety, and his reliance on proper channels, even as a powerful viceroy.

Genesis 50 4 Context

Genesis 50:4 is situated at the beginning of the chapter, immediately following the completion of the 70-day mourning and embalming period for Jacob in Egypt. After such a prolonged official state of lamentation, protocol demanded a careful approach to the highest authority, Pharaoh. Joseph, despite his high rank as vizier, could not simply barge into Pharaoh's presence with a personal request. He understood the nuances of the Egyptian court, where direct audience with Pharaoh might be reserved for specific official matters, and matters of personal grievance or request, especially after such a period, often went through intermediaries or the inner court.

Historically and culturally, burial in the ancestral tomb was profoundly important in the ancient Near East, reflecting family identity, heritage, and a spiritual connection to the land and the covenant promises. For Jacob, specifically, the desire to be buried in the Cave of Machpelah with Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebekah, was a deep-seated wish tied to the covenant promise of land (Gen 47:29-31, 49:29-32). Joseph's action here is a faithful execution of this covenant desire, necessitating official permission for the extensive journey and procession.

Genesis 50 4 Word analysis

• And when: Marks the sequence of events, signifying that Joseph's action follows immediately after the described mourning period. It connects this verse to the preceding narrative seamlessly.
• the days of his mourning were past: "His" refers to Jacob, implying the formal Egyptian mourning observed by Joseph and the whole court. This refers to the official seventy-day mourning period, preceded by the time for embalming (Gen 50:3). This extended period highlights the respect afforded to Jacob by the Egyptians due to Joseph's status and affection.
• Joseph spoke: Signifies initiation of action by Joseph. This shows his intentionality and leadership. He takes the initiative to fulfill his oath to his father.
• to the household of Pharaoh: Hebrew: le-beit Par'oh (לְבֵית פַּרְעֹה). "Household" here doesn't mean just domestic servants, but rather high-ranking officials, trusted advisors, or key courtiers who had regular access to Pharaoh and could present petitions on behalf of others. This reflects Joseph's understanding of court etiquette and his prudent approach. It highlights his humility and strategic wisdom.
• saying: Introduces the content of Joseph's communication.
• If now I have found favor in your eyes: Hebrew: Im-na matsati chen be'eineikhem (אִם־נָא מָצָאתִי חֵן בְּעֵינֵיכֶם). A formal, humble, and polite formulaic expression commonly used in the Bible when seeking a request from a superior or a person in authority (e.g., Gen 18:3, Exod 33:13, Ruth 2:13, 1 Sam 20:29). "Favor" (chen) denotes grace, goodwill, acceptance, or approval. Joseph, despite being a powerful viceroy, positions himself as one humbly seeking a boon. This phrase acknowledges the power and discretion of the recipient.
• please speak: A polite command, part of his request, demonstrating that he relies on their assistance.
• in the ears of Pharaoh: A phrase emphasizing direct, private communication and attention. It implies not just a public announcement but a confidential or personal address to the king, designed to ensure Pharaoh fully grasps the weight and nature of the request.
• saying: Introduces the specific message they are to convey to Pharaoh.

Genesis 50 4 Bonus section

The Egyptian mourning customs and embalming processes described around this verse (Gen 50:2-3) highlight a stark cultural contrast with Israelite burial practices. While the Egyptians employed elaborate methods to preserve bodies and mourned for extended periods, their focus was often on the deceased's transition to the afterlife with specific rituals for pharaohs and high-ranking officials. The Israelites, on the other hand, prioritized burial in ancestral land, reflecting the covenant promise and their understanding of resurrection. Joseph's request, therefore, transcends mere funeral arrangements; it represents a commitment to his patriarchal heritage and a profound spiritual statement within a foreign land. His act of seeking specific permission from Pharaoh and meticulously arranging the funeral journey back to Canaan can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the future Exodus, emphasizing the people of God eventually leaving Egypt to return to the promised land.

Genesis 50 4 Commentary

Genesis 50:4 reveals significant aspects of Joseph's character and the values that permeated his actions. Despite his extraordinary authority as Egypt's viceroy, Joseph maintains remarkable humility and adherence to proper protocol. He does not demand or command but respectfully seeks an intermediary, the "household of Pharaoh," before presenting his request to the king himself. This act demonstrates his wisdom in navigating foreign courts and his deep reverence for governing authorities, aligning with later biblical principles of submission to rulers.

Furthermore, Joseph's diligent effort to secure permission for Jacob's burial in Canaan underscores the immense importance of covenant continuity and filial obedience within the biblical narrative. Jacob's burial alongside his forefathers in Machpelah was not merely a family tradition but a symbolic act re-affirming faith in God's promise of the land (Gen 15:18, Gen 28:13). Joseph, despite being deeply integrated into Egyptian life, never forgot his heritage or his father's final wishes. His humility in this process, choosing polite negotiation over authoritative decree, models godly leadership that balances power with respect and grace. This short verse highlights that genuine power is not about bypassing protocol, but skillfully navigating it with wisdom and honor for others.