Translations
Modern
Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”
Traditional
And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.
Literal
And Israel said to Joseph, “Let me die now, after my seeing your face, for you are still alive.”
Latin
Dixitque pater ad Joseph: Jam lætus moriar, quia vidi faciem tuam, et superstitem te relinquo.
Original
Hebrew
English
Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”
Notes
Jacob was happy to see his beloved son alive. This son was the firstborn of his chosen wife Rachel and the designated family leader (see study note on 48:5–7; see also 1 Chronicles 5:1–2). This was more than a family reunion. It confirmed that God's plan was still in place.
Jacob was full of joy when he finally saw his son Joseph again.
This section marks a transition as the family moved from Canaan to Goshen, where they would live for the next 400years.
Theme notes and profiles
People
Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Joseph: Son of Jacob, ruler in Egypt
Glossary
Book of Exodus Famine Genesis, Book of Goshen Jacob Patriarchs, Period of the