Genesis 35:29

KJV

And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, [being] old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Isaac {H3327} gave up the ghost {H1478}, and died {H4191}, and was gathered {H622} unto his people {H5971}, being old {H2205} and full {H7649} of days {H3117}: and his sons {H1121} Esau {H6215} and Jacob {H3290} buried {H6912} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he breathed his last, died and was gathered to his people, an old man full of years; and his sons 'Esav and Ya'akov buried him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

American Standard Version

And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, old and full of days: and Esau and Jacob his sons buried him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:29 records the peaceful passing of Isaac, the second patriarch, at the venerable age of 180 years. This pivotal verse not only marks the end of a significant era in the patriarchal narrative but also powerfully illustrates God's enduring faithfulness in granting Isaac a complete and blessed life. Furthermore, it highlights a profound moment of reconciliation as his estranged sons, Esau and Jacob, unite in shared filial duty to bury their father, solidifying the lineage through Jacob as the divine narrative progresses toward the formation of the nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 35:29 concludes a significant chapter that details Jacob's return to Bethel, his purification of his household from foreign gods, the renewal of God's covenant promises to him (including the renaming to Israel), and the tragic death of Rachel during childbirth. Immediately preceding Isaac's death, the narrative lists the twelve sons of Jacob, establishing the foundational lineage for the future tribes of Israel. The placement of Isaac's death here, after Jacob's return and the reconciliation with Esau (recounted in [Genesis 33](/genesis/33 "Esau and Jacob Reconcile")), suggests that Isaac lived to see the initial stages of the covenant people taking shape and the healing of his family's deepest rifts. His passing serves as a quiet transition, closing the chapter on the second patriarch while setting the stage for the stories of Jacob's sons and the descent into Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a long life, especially one that ended peacefully and "full of days," was considered a profound blessing and a sign of divine favor. Patriarchal burial sites, such as the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron, held immense significance, serving as a tangible link to ancestral promises and lineage. The act of sons burying their father was a sacred duty, signifying respect, continuity, and the peaceful transfer of family leadership. The fact that Esau and Jacob, despite their long-standing animosity and the profound deception surrounding the birthright and blessing ([Genesis 27](/genesis/27 "Jacob Deceives Isaac")), came together to bury their father speaks volumes about the enduring cultural importance of filial piety and the power of shared grief to bridge deep divides. Isaac's age of 180 made him the longest-lived of the three primary patriarchs (Abraham lived to 175, Jacob to 147), further emphasizing the blessed nature of his life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. It underscores **Divine Faithfulness** to the covenant promises made to Abraham and reiterated to Isaac, as God grants him a full and blessed life, ensuring the continuation of the promised lineage. The phrase "gathered unto his people" reinforces the theme of **Lineage and Continuity**, highlighting the importance of ancestral ties and the ongoing nature of God's redemptive plan through generations. Most powerfully, the joint burial by Esau and Jacob speaks to the theme of **Reconciliation and Forgiveness**, demonstrating that even profound familial brokenness, as seen in the rivalry between the brothers (cf. [Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Esau's Hatred for Jacob")), can be healed through divine intervention and human choice, culminating in a moment of shared purpose and respect. This reconciliation foreshadows the broader work of unity that God would accomplish through His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 35:29 provides a concise yet profound account of Isaac's death, marking a significant transition in the patriarchal narrative.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave up the ghost (Hebrew, _gâvaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to breathe out, i.e. (by implication) expire; die, be dead." In ancient thought, the breath was often associated with life itself, and its departure signified death. The phrase "gave up the ghost" is an archaic English rendering that vividly conveys this concept of life's cessation, emphasizing a natural and peaceful end rather than a violent one.
* **gathered (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** This root means "to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove." When used in the context of death, as in "gathered unto his people," it signifies a peaceful passing and inclusion among one's deceased ancestors. It implies a natural, non-violent death and a spiritual reunion with one's lineage beyond the grave, underscoring the continuity of family and heritage.
* **full (Hebrew, _sâbêaʻ'_):** From a root meaning "satiated (in a pleasant or disagreeable sense)," here it means "satisfied with." When paired with "days" (Hebrew, _yôwm'_), as in "full of days," it forms a significant idiom. It describes a life that has reached its complete and divinely appointed measure, not merely a long life, but one that is satisfying, complete, and blessed by God, indicating that the individual experienced all that life had to offer and departed without regret or unfulfilled desires.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died":** This phrase directly states Isaac's death, using two synonymous expressions to emphasize the finality of his earthly life. "Gave up the ghost" (as discussed above) is an ancient idiom for dying, conveying the departure of life's essence. The repetition underscores the solemnity and certainty of the event.
* **"and was gathered unto his people":** This significant biblical idiom (also used for Abraham in [Genesis 25:8](/genesis/25-8 "Abraham's Death and Burial")) indicates a peaceful and natural death, implying a reunion with deceased ancestors in the afterlife. It speaks to a continuity of lineage and a sense of belonging even beyond physical existence, contrasting with those who die violently or are cut off from their kin.
* **"[being] old and full of days":** This is a powerful Hebrew idiom (_zaqen v'sava yamim_). "Old" (Hebrew, _zâqên'_) refers to his advanced age of 180. "Full of days" (Hebrew, _sâbêaʻ yôwm'_) signifies a life that was not only long but also complete, satisfied, and blessed by God. It implies that Isaac had experienced all that God intended for his life and departed in peace and contentment, a mark of divine favor in the Old Testament.
* **"and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him":** This is perhaps the most poignant detail. Despite decades of bitter rivalry and estrangement (cf. [Genesis 27](/genesis/27 "Jacob Deceives Isaac") and [Genesis 32-33](/genesis/32 "Jacob Wrestles with God") for their reunion), Esau and Jacob unite in this final act of filial duty. Their shared grief and respect for their father transcend their past conflicts, highlighting a profound moment of reconciliation and demonstrating the enduring power of family bonds, even those severely fractured. This act mirrors Abraham's burial by Isaac and Ishmael ([Genesis 25:9](/genesis/25-9 "Abraham's Burial")), setting a precedent for estranged brothers uniting in a moment of shared sorrow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The phrase "gave up the ghost" is an **Idiom**, an archaic expression for dying, vividly portraying the cessation of life. The description "old and full of days" is another significant **Idiom**, conveying not just longevity but a life completed and blessed by God, suggesting a sense of divine contentment and fulfillment. The phrase "gathered unto his people" is a profound **Euphemism** for death, softening the harshness of the reality while simultaneously implying a spiritual reunion with ancestors, underscoring the importance of lineage and continuity. Finally, the joint burial by Esau and Jacob serves as a powerful instance of **Symbolism** and **Juxtaposition**. It symbolizes reconciliation and the healing of deep familial wounds, juxtaposing their past animosity with their present unity in filial duty. This act of shared grief and purpose highlights the transformative power of forgiveness and the enduring bond of family, even in the face of profound historical conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaac's peaceful death, described as being "old and full of days" and "gathered unto his people," profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. His longevity and blessed end confirm that God upheld His word to Abraham, ensuring the continuation of the promised lineage through Isaac to Jacob. This moment also highlights the universal reality of death within the context of God's sovereign plan, where each generation fulfills its role in the unfolding redemptive history. Most significantly, the joint burial by Esau and Jacob serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of reconciliation and the healing of deep-seated familial wounds, demonstrating that even after decades of bitterness and separation, unity can emerge through shared purpose and grief, reflecting a divine capacity for restoration.

* [Genesis 25:8](/genesis/25-8 "Abraham's Death and Burial"): Abraham also "died in a good old age, an old man, and full of days; and was gathered to his people." This parallel emphasizes the blessed nature of their deaths and the continuity of the patriarchal lineage.
* [Numbers 27:13](/numbers/27-13 "Moses to be Gathered to His People"): Moses is told he will "be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered." This shows the consistent use of the idiom for a peaceful, natural death among God's chosen leaders.
* [Psalm 90:10](/psalms/90-10 "The Brevity of Life"): This psalm reflects on the brevity of human life, making Isaac's "full of days" even more remarkable as a divine blessing, contrasting with the typical lifespan.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaac's death serves as a profound reminder of the natural cycle of life and death, yet within the comforting framework of God's enduring faithfulness across generations. His peaceful passing, described as being "full of days," offers a comforting image of a life well-lived and completed under divine blessing, encouraging us to seek a life of contentment and purpose, trusting in God's provision for our days. This narrative invites us to reflect on what it means to live a "full" life—not necessarily one devoid of hardship, but one lived in faithful obedience and trust in God, culminating in a peaceful end. Furthermore, the powerful image of Esau and Jacob burying their father together provides a timeless lesson on the possibility of healing fractured relationships. It underscores that even in sorrow, unity can emerge, and that forgiveness and reconciliation are vital for familial and communal well-being, demonstrating that no relationship is beyond the reach of healing and restoration when hearts are open to it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for us today to live a life "full of days," even if our physical lifespan is not as long as Isaac's?**
* **How can the reconciliation between Esau and Jacob at their father's burial inspire us to seek healing in our own strained relationships?**
* **In what ways can we honor our ancestors and lineage while still pressing forward in our own faith journey?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's faithfulness to Isaac's covenant promises encourage us in our own walk with God?**

### FAQ
**What does "gave up the ghost" mean in modern English?**

Answer: "Gave up the ghost" is an archaic idiom from the King James Version of the Bible that simply means "died." It reflects an older understanding of death as the departure of the spirit or breath from the body. It emphasizes a natural and peaceful cessation of life.

**Does "gathered unto his people" imply a specific afterlife location?**

Answer: The phrase "gathered unto his people" (or "gathered to his ancestors") primarily signifies a peaceful, natural death within one's lineage and heritage. While it suggests a reunion with deceased family members, it does not explicitly define a specific location or detailed nature of the afterlife. It emphasizes the manner of death and inclusion among one's departed kin rather than a theological description of heaven or hell. It points to a continuity of existence beyond the physical, a joining with those who have gone before.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaac's life and death, particularly his role as a recipient of the Abrahamic covenant and a link in the patriarchal lineage, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise of a great nation and a blessing to all families of the earth, first given to Abraham and reiterated to Isaac, culminates in Christ, through whom all nations are blessed ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "The Gospel Preached to Abraham")). Isaac's peaceful passing, "full of days," underscores God's faithfulness to His promises, ensuring the continuation of the line that would eventually lead to the Messiah, the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise to Abraham's Seed")). Furthermore, the poignant reconciliation between Esau and Jacob at Isaac's burial powerfully foreshadows the far greater reconciliation offered through Christ. He is the ultimate peacemaker who breaks down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")), uniting all who believe into one new humanity, fulfilling the covenant promises made to Isaac and his forefathers by bringing together a spiritual family from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "A Great Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, Isaac's story, marked by divine promise and familial reconciliation, points forward to the comprehensive redemption and unity found in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 15:15

And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

Genesis 49:33

And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

Genesis 49:31

There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.

Job 5:26

Thou shalt come to [thy] grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.

Genesis 25:17

And these [are] the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.

Genesis 23:19

And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 23:20

And the field, and the cave that [is] therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.