Genesis 50:8 kjv

And all the house of Joseph, and his brethren, and his father's house: only their little ones, and their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land of Goshen.

Genesis 50:8 nkjv

as well as all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father's house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds they left in the land of Goshen.

Genesis 50:8 niv

besides all the members of Joseph's household and his brothers and those belonging to his father's household. Only their children and their flocks and herds were left in Goshen.

Genesis 50:8 esv

as well as all the household of Joseph, his brothers, and his father's household. Only their children, their flocks, and their herds were left in the land of Goshen.

Genesis 50:8 nlt

Joseph also took his entire household and his brothers and their households. But they left their little children and flocks and herds in the land of Goshen.

Genesis 50 verses

Genesis 50 8 Meaning

Genesis 50:8 describes the specific groups who departed from Egypt to participate in Jacob's elaborate funeral procession to Canaan. It emphasizes the collective involvement of Joseph's entire immediate family and a substantial portion of Jacob's larger household, while practically noting the retention of the most vulnerable and the valuable assets in the secure region of Goshen. This verse highlights the profound respect and love shown to Jacob, and the unified family presence for this solemn patriarchal burial.

Genesis 50 8 Context

Genesis chapter 50 opens with the profound sorrow of Joseph as his father Jacob dies in Egypt. Joseph takes swift action to fulfill his father's final request: to be buried in the land of Canaan with his ancestors (Gen 47:29-31, 49:29-32). The chapter details the seventy-day embalming process, an Egyptian custom performed out of respect for Joseph and Jacob, followed by an impressive mourning period. Joseph then seeks Pharaoh's permission to travel to Canaan. Pharaoh, honoring Joseph, grants this request, paving the way for one of the most significant and elaborate funeral processions recorded in the ancient Near East. Verse 8 describes the key participants from Jacob's family who journeyed, specifically mentioning who stayed behind. This grand procession underscores Joseph's high status in Egypt, the deep family unity and reverence for their patriarch, and the enduring connection of the Israelite family to the Promised Land, even while dwelling in a foreign land. Historically, elaborate funerals and embalming were marks of great respect for high-ranking individuals in Egypt. The emphasis on bringing Jacob's body to Canaan subtly reinforces the identity and future destiny of the nascent Israelite nation, setting them apart from Egyptian practices and looking towards their divinely promised inheritance.

Genesis 50 8 Word analysis

• and all the household of Joseph:
  • Meaning: Refers to Joseph's immediate family, including his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh (who were blessed by Jacob as full sons, Gen 48:5), his wife, and likely his domestic servants and retainers. This indicates the high level of personal devotion and participation from Joseph and those under his direct care.
  • Significance: Joseph's unique status allowed for such a large entourage, signifying his power and influence in Egypt. His household joining symbolized full support for the burial wishes of the patriarch.
• and his brethren:
  • Meaning: Joseph's eleven brothers (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin).
  • Significance: Their unified participation in the procession symbolizes their reconciliation and a consolidated family identity, particularly potent after their tumultuous past involving Joseph. It marks a public display of restored brotherly bonds.
• and his father's household:
  • Meaning: A broader category encompassing the rest of Jacob's descendants and dependents who resided in Goshen, beyond Joseph and his immediate brothers. This would include their wives, some of their children who were older and not "little ones" (ṭaph), and possibly servants of the wider family unit.
  • Significance: This demonstrates the magnitude of Jacob's entire family, a thriving patriarchate of many individuals, who united to honor him. It emphasizes the communal nature of the Israelite family and their shared identity.
• only their little ones:
  • Word: Hebrew ṭaph (טף).
  • Meaning: Refers to young children, infants, and those entirely dependent on adults for care. The term often signifies those most vulnerable or helpless.
  • Significance: Leaving them in Goshen was a practical and protective measure. The journey was long, arduous, and potentially dangerous. Vulnerable young children, along with the essential livestock, were safer in the established security of Goshen, preventing undue hardship and risk to them.
• and their flocks, and their herds:
  • Words: Hebrew t͡so'n (צֹאן) for "flocks" (sheep/goats) and baqar (בָּקָר) for "herds" (cattle).
  • Meaning: The livestock represented the primary economic wealth and sustenance of the Israelite family.
  • Significance: These valuable assets, vital for their livelihood and future prosperity, also remained in Goshen for practical reasons. Moving vast herds would have significantly slowed the large procession, made logistics more challenging, and risked the well-being of the animals on a journey through potentially barren or unsafe terrain outside Goshen. Their presence in Goshen indicated the settled nature of the Israelite community there.
• they left in the land of Goshen:
  • Meaning: The land designated by Pharaoh for Jacob's family (Gen 45:10, 46:28, 47:6), known for its fertility and suitability for pasturage, making it an ideal settlement.
  • Significance: Goshen served as the family's secure and established home base in Egypt. Leaving the vulnerable and vital assets there ensured their safety and continued well-being during the family's absence, demonstrating prudent management and prioritizing the welfare of the larger community. It highlights the temporary nature of their sojourn to Canaan for burial while their actual settlement remained in Egypt for now.

Genesis 50 8 Bonus section

This verse, in conjunction with the preceding and following ones, illustrates the dual influence of Egyptian customs (embalming, state funeral) and Israelite covenantal commitment (burial in Canaan). The willingness of such a large contingent of Jacob's descendants to travel shows their collective identity as distinct from Egyptians, deeply tied to the land promised by God. The meticulous listing of who went and who stayed indicates the scale of the early Israelite family unit in Egypt, showcasing their growing numbers and organizational capacity, which would later be challenged at the Exodus. The safe harbor of Goshen further emphasized God's provision for His people even in a foreign land.

Genesis 50 8 Commentary

Genesis 50:8 is a verse of logistical detail that subtly conveys profound meaning about family unity, respect, and identity. The comprehensive participation of "all the household of Joseph, and his brethren, and his father's household" underscores the restored cohesion of Jacob's family. This extensive turnout, contrasting sharply with their previous disunity, serves as a powerful testament to Joseph's forgiveness and leadership, which culminated in reconciliation. The practical decision to leave the "little ones" and the "flocks, and their herds" in Goshen demonstrates wise stewardship. The journey to Canaan for burial was not a casual trip; it was a large, state-sponsored expedition requiring significant resources and a demanding route. Protecting the most vulnerable (the children) and the most valuable assets (the livestock) ensured the continuation and security of the Israelite family line in Egypt while they fulfilled their patriarch's dying wish. Goshen, as their providentially assigned place of dwelling in Egypt, remained their secure base, foreshadowing their future growth there. This verse implicitly sets the stage for the family's future, as it shows their adaptability while remaining true to their core identity and connection to the Promised Land.