Keraia
Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11:21

The Faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph · Hebrews 11:20–22
Read Hebrews 11

Translations

Modern
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
Traditional
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
Literal
By faith Jacob, dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped on the top of his staff.
Latin
Fide Jacob, moriens, singulos filiorum Joseph benedixit: et adoravit fastigium virgæ ejus.

Original

Greek
English
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

Notes

Hebrews 11:21

  • Jacob gave the ritual blessing to Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:8–22).

  • worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff: Genesis 47:31. The phrase as he leaned on his staff comes from the Greek translation of the Old Testament.

Hebrews 11:17–31

These strong examples of faith start with Abraham's family and end with Rahab. They show that faith is the only way to respond to God.

Hebrews 11:1–40

Chapter 11 gives a long list of people who trusted God. This shows clearly that living by faith is the only true way to follow God. The writer keeps repeating the words “by faith” to make this message clear. Each example follows the same pattern:

  • (a) the phrase by faith,

  • (b) the person's name,

  • (c) the event or action showing faith, and

  • (d) the result.

Parallels

Genesis 27–50

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Joseph: Son of Jacob, ruler in Egypt

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Descent into Hell Hebrews, Letter to the Inheritance Letter to the Romans Obedience Perseverance

Topics

Death: Scenes of Death of Jacob Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Faith: Jacob Faith: Jacob, in Blessing Joseph's Sons