Genesis 47:10

KJV

And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jacob {H3290} blessed {H1288} Pharaoh {H6547}, and went out {H3318} from before {H6440} Pharaoh {H6547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Ya'akov blessed Pharaoh and left his presence.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and departed from his presence.

American Standard Version

And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:10 records a profoundly significant moment where Jacob, the aged patriarch and covenant bearer, concludes his audience with Pharaoh, the reigning monarch of Egypt, by bestowing a blessing upon him. This seemingly simple act powerfully asserts the spiritual authority of God's chosen representative over the world's most formidable temporal power, underscoring the divine favor that rested upon Jacob and, through him, upon the nascent nation of Israel, even as they sought refuge in a foreign land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Jacob's initial interaction with Pharaoh, immediately following Joseph's introduction of his father and brothers to the Egyptian ruler. The preceding verses ([Genesis 47:1-9](/genesis/47-1-9 "Joseph Introduces His Family to Pharaoh")) detail Joseph's strategic presentation of his family and Jacob's initial blessing of Pharaoh upon entering his presence. The narrative flow emphasizes God's meticulous providence in preserving His covenant people through the famine, relocating them to Egypt, and ensuring their protection and provision under Joseph's high office. Jacob's two blessings of Pharaoh (upon entering and upon departing) frame this pivotal encounter, highlighting the patriarch's unique spiritual standing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt during a severe famine, a period when Pharaoh held absolute power, often considered a divine or semi-divine figure. For a foreign, elderly shepherd to bless such a powerful monarch was culturally unconventional and spiritually audacious. In the ancient Near East, blessings were typically conferred by a superior upon an inferior, or by a deity/priest invoking divine favor. Jacob's act, therefore, subtly but powerfully subverted the conventional power dynamics, asserting the supremacy of the God he served over the might of Egypt. The land of Goshen, where Jacob's family was settled, was fertile and separate, facilitating their growth while minimizing cultural assimilation.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating events (like Joseph's rise and the famine) to preserve His covenant people and fulfill His promises. It highlights the theme of **Spiritual Authority** triumphing over temporal power, as Jacob, God's chosen representative, stands in a position of spiritual superiority to the most powerful ruler on earth. Furthermore, it reinforces **Covenant Faithfulness**, showing how God continues to work through Abraham's descendants, even in foreign lands, to ensure the growth and eventual blessing of all nations, as promised in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant"). This encounter also subtly foreshadows Israel's future role as a people through whom God's light would eventually extend to the Gentiles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʻăqôb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "heel-catcher" or "supplanter," this name reflects Jacob's early life of deception and struggle, particularly in his birth and dealings with Esau. However, by this point in his life, Jacob has been transformed through encounters with God, wrestling with an angel ([Genesis 32:22-32](/genesis/32-22-32 "Jacob Wrestles with God at Peniel")) and receiving the name Israel ("struggles with God"). His act of blessing Pharaoh here demonstrates his mature faith and his established role as a patriarch, a conduit of God's blessing, transcending his earlier character flaws and embodying the divine favor that now rests upon him.
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root verb carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless God (as adoration)" or "man (as a benefit)." It can also mean to "confer favor, prosperity, or well-being." In this context, Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh is not merely a polite farewell or a wish for good fortune. It is a formal, authoritative invocation of divine favor upon the Egyptian ruler, stemming from Jacob's unique position as the recipient and bearer of God's covenant promises. It signifies a bestowal of spiritual benefit from a divinely appointed source.
* **before (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** This word, often translated as "face" or "presence," denotes a direct, face-to-face encounter or being in the immediate vicinity of someone. "From before Pharaoh" emphasizes that Jacob was in Pharaoh's direct presence, having concluded a personal audience with the monarch. This detail highlights the intimacy and directness of the interaction, underscoring the significance of Jacob's blessing as a personal act delivered directly to the most powerful man in the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob blessed Pharaoh":** This clause describes the central, climactic action of the verse. Jacob, the patriarch, performs a formal act of spiritual benediction upon Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. This blessing is not a mere courtesy but an authoritative invocation of divine favor and prosperity, stemming from Jacob's unique relationship with Yahweh and his position as the inheritor of the Abrahamic covenant. It asserts the spiritual superiority of God's representative over the most powerful earthly ruler.
* **"and went out from before Pharaoh":** This second clause marks the formal conclusion of the audience. Having delivered the blessing, Jacob physically departs from Pharaoh's immediate presence. This signifies the end of the official meeting and the successful establishment of the terms for Israel's settlement in Egypt. The departure under the weight of Jacob's blessing leaves a lasting spiritual impression on the encounter and, by extension, on Pharaoh and his kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, highlighting the stark difference in worldly status between the aged, humble shepherd, Jacob, and the mighty, divine-like sovereign, Pharaoh. This contrast serves to magnify the spiritual authority inherent in Jacob's act of blessing. There is also a strong element of **Symbolism**: Jacob's blessing symbolizes the spiritual preeminence of God's covenant people over all earthly powers. The act itself is a **Prophetic Act**, subtly foreshadowing the future relationship between Israel and the nations, where Israel, as God's chosen instrument, would be a source of blessing to the world. Furthermore, the scene presents a profound **Irony**: the seemingly lesser figure bestows a blessing upon the ostensibly greater, revealing that true greatness and ultimate authority reside with the one who represents the Most High God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 47:10 is a profound theological statement on the nature of authority and blessing. It asserts that true power and ultimate favor flow from God, not from human institutions or worldly might. Jacob, as the bearer of God's covenant promises, stands as a conduit of divine blessing, demonstrating that God's chosen people, though often seemingly insignificant in worldly terms, possess a spiritual authority that transcends temporal dominion. This act underscores the biblical principle that those who are blessed by God are empowered to be a blessing to others, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant's global scope. It also highlights God's meticulous providence in preserving and prospering His lineage, ensuring the conditions for Israel's growth before their eventual exodus.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham: I will bless you")
* [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24-26 "The Priestly Blessing")
* [Hebrews 7:7](/hebrews/7-7 "The Lesser is Blessed by the Greater")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 47:10 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us of the spiritual authority we carry as representatives of God's kingdom, regardless of our worldly position. Just as Jacob, a humble shepherd, stood with divine authority before the most powerful man of his age, so too are we called to live as ambassadors of Christ, carrying His presence and blessing into every sphere of influence. Our ability to bless others—through prayer, encouragement, acts of service, or simply invoking God's favor in our interactions—is a tangible expression of God's power working through us. This passage encourages us to approach all interactions, especially with those in authority, with a respectful demeanor, yet with the quiet confidence that our ultimate allegiance and source of blessing lie with God, who is sovereign over all earthly powers. It challenges us to be intentional conduits of God's blessing in a world that desperately needs His favor and grace, understanding that our spiritual standing in Christ empowers us to impact our surroundings for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's act of blessing Pharaoh challenge my understanding of power and authority in the world?**
* **In what ways can I, as a believer, practically "bless" those in positions of secular authority or influence in my own life or community?**
* **What does it mean for me to be a "conduit of divine favor" in my daily interactions, and how can I intentionally live this out?**

### FAQ
**Why would Jacob, a seemingly less powerful figure, bless Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt?**

Answer: Jacob's act of blessing Pharaoh was not an assertion of worldly power but of spiritual authority. As the patriarch carrying God's covenant promises to Abraham, Jacob represented the Most High God. In biblical tradition, the lesser is blessed by the greater, as seen in [Hebrews 7:7](/hebrews/7-7 "Hebrews 7:7 - The Lesser is Blessed by the Greater"), where Melchizedek blesses Abraham. Jacob, as God's chosen servant and the recipient of divine favor, was in a unique position to invoke God's blessing upon the secular ruler, demonstrating that Pharaoh's well-being ultimately depended on the God whom Jacob served. This act subtly yet profoundly asserted the sovereignty of Yahweh over all earthly rulers.

**What does the word "blessed" (Hebrew: *barak*) imply in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *barak* signifies more than a polite greeting or a wish. It implies conferring divine favor, prosperity, and well-being. When Jacob blessed Pharaoh, he was not merely wishing him well but was invoking God's favor upon him, recognizing God as the ultimate source of all blessing and prosperity. It was a formal benediction from a spiritual superior, a patriarchal act that carried divine weight and sought to impart God's goodness upon the recipient.

**Does this event imply that God's people should always seek to bless secular rulers?**

Answer: Yes, the principle of blessing those in authority is consistent with biblical teaching. Believers are called to pray for kings and all who are in high positions, that they may live peaceable and quiet lives in all godliness and reverence, as exhorted in [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for All People"). Jacob's act serves as an example of respectfully engaging with secular authority while subtly asserting the higher spiritual authority of God and His kingdom. It demonstrates that God's people are meant to be a source of blessing and positive influence in the world, even within non-believing contexts, reflecting God's desire for the well-being of all humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's act of blessing Pharaoh serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ, the ultimate Blesser and the true King who transcends all earthly authority. Just as Jacob, a patriarch of God's chosen line, invoked divine favor upon a powerful Gentile ruler, so Christ, the Son of God and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, came to bless all nations. Through His atoning work on the cross, He bestows the ultimate spiritual blessings—redemption, reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life—upon all who believe, regardless of their earthly status or power, fulfilling the promise that in Abraham's seed "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). Christ is the one through whom believers receive "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing")). He holds "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and it is from Him that all true blessing flows, not only to individuals but also, through His church, to the nations, extending His kingdom and grace throughout the world.

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 47:7

And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

2 Samuel 8:10

Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And [Joram] brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:

Deuteronomy 33:1

¶ And this [is] the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

2 Samuel 19:39

And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

Hebrews 7:7

And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

Genesis 14:19

And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

Psalms 129:8

Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD [be] upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.