Exodus 1:6

And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.

And Joseph {H3130} died {H4191}, and all his brethren {H251}, and all that generation {H1755}.

Yosef died, as did all his brothers and all that generation.

Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died,

And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 1:6 serves as a pivotal transition point, bridging the narrative from the book of Genesis to Exodus. It concisely summarizes the end of an era – the passing of Joseph, his brothers, and the entire generation that had migrated to Egypt during the famine. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic shift in circumstances for the Israelite people, moving from a period of relative favor and prosperity to one of oppression under a new pharaoh who "knew not Joseph." This historical context is crucial for understanding the subsequent events of enslavement and divine deliverance for the Hebrew people in Egypt.

Key Themes

  • The Inevitability of Mortality: The verse starkly reminds us that even influential figures like Joseph, who saved his family and nation, are subject to death. This universal truth underscores the transient nature of human life and power.
  • End of an Era, Beginning of Another: The death of "all that generation" marks the conclusion of the patriarchal period and the beginning of the national period for Israel. It signifies a divine shift in focus from individual family heads to the development of a distinct nation.
  • Divine Providence and Transition: While seemingly a simple statement of death, this verse subtly hints at God's ongoing plan. The passing of this generation clears the way for God to fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their descendants becoming a great nation, even through challenging circumstances.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "generation" here is dor (Χ“Χ•ΦΉΧ¨), which can refer to a period of time, an age, or a group of people living at the same time. Its use emphasizes that not just individuals but an entire epoch in the life of the nascent Israelite nation had concluded, paving the way for a new historical phase. The word "died" (muth, ΧžΧ•Χͺ) is a common verb simply stating the cessation of life, highlighting the finality of this era.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly precedes the crucial turning point in Exodus 1:8, where a new king arises over Egypt who did not know Joseph, initiating the period of Israelite bondage. Joseph's life and death are extensively covered in the latter chapters of Genesis, particularly his final days and burial in Genesis 50:26. The growth and multiplication of the Israelites, despite the passing of this generation and subsequent oppression, is a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham to make him a great nation and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.

Practical Application

Exodus 1:6 reminds us that seasons of life, even those marked by prosperity or the influence of great leaders, inevitably come to an end. We should not place our ultimate hope in human leaders or past successes, but in the unchanging character and enduring promises of God. This verse prepares us for the reality that God often works through periods of difficulty and transition to bring about His greater purposes, demonstrating His faithfulness even when circumstances seem to shift dramatically. It encourages us to trust in God's continuing plan even when familiar comforts or influential figures are no longer present.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 50:26 (5 votes)

    So Joseph died, [being] an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

  • Acts 7:14 (2 votes)

    Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to [him], and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

  • Acts 7:16 (2 votes)

    And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem.

  • Genesis 50:24 (2 votes)

    And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.