Genesis 47:29

KJV

And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the time {H3117} drew nigh {H7126} that Israel {H3478} must die {H4191}: and he called {H7121} his son {H1121} Joseph {H3130}, and said {H559} unto him, If now I have found {H4672} grace {H2580} in thy sight {H5869}, put {H7760}, I pray thee, thy hand {H3027} under my thigh {H3409}, and deal {H6213} kindly {H2617} and truly {H571} with me; bury {H6912} me not, I pray thee, in Egypt {H4714}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The time came when Isra'el was approaching death; so he called for his son Yosef and said to him, "If you truly love me, please put your hand under my thigh and pledge that, out of consideration for me, you will not bury me in Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt,

American Standard Version

And the time drew near that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found favor in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me: bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:29 captures a deeply poignant moment as Jacob, also known as Israel, senses the approach of his death after seventeen years in Egypt. He summons his beloved son Joseph, entrusting him with a solemn and binding request regarding his burial place, a plea that profoundly underscores Jacob's unwavering faith in God's covenant promises despite his temporary circumstances and the prosperity he enjoyed in Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition within the Book of Genesis. Jacob and his family have been settled in the fertile land of Goshen for seventeen years, enjoying a period of peace and prosperity under Joseph's care. The severe famine that initially brought them to Egypt has long passed. As the narrative approaches its conclusion, the focus shifts from the family's survival and growth in Egypt to the patriarch Jacob's impending death and his final instructions, which set the stage for the family's eventual return to Canaan, albeit much later in the biblical story. This passage serves as a bridge, looking back at God's faithfulness to the patriarchs and looking forward to the fulfillment of the covenant promises in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, burial practices were deeply significant, reflecting a person's identity, lineage, and hope for the afterlife. Being buried with one's ancestors in a family tomb was paramount, signifying continuity and belonging. The act of placing a hand under the thigh was a powerful and ancient custom for swearing an oath, signifying a deeply binding commitment, often invoking the reproductive organs as a symbol of the family's future and the sacredness of the lineage. For Jacob, desiring burial in Canaan, rather than the opulent land of Egypt, was a profound statement of faith, distinguishing himself from the Egyptians and aligning himself with the covenant promises given to his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac, concerning the land of Canaan.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:29 contributes to several overarching themes in the book. It highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as Jacob's request is rooted in his belief in God's promise of the land of Canaan to his descendants (e.g., [Genesis 17:8](/genesis/17-8 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")). It underscores the **Sojourner Motif**, portraying Jacob, like Abraham and Isaac, as a temporary resident in a foreign land, whose true home and inheritance lie elsewhere. The solemn oath also emphasizes the **Weight of Promises and Oaths** in ancient society and before God, a theme seen earlier when [Abraham made his servant swear](/genesis/24-2 "Abraham's Servant Taking an Oath") regarding Isaac's wife. Finally, it powerfully demonstrates **Faith Beyond Death**, as Jacob's actions, even in his final days, are driven by an enduring trust in God's future fulfillment of His Word, a faith that transcends his immediate circumstances in Egypt, as highlighted in [Genesis 47:28](/genesis/47-28 "Jacob's Age in Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** From the root `H2580`, this word signifies "graciousness," "kindness," or "favor." When Jacob says, "If now I have found grace in thy sight," he is humbly appealing to Joseph's good will and affection, seeking to secure his favor for a request of immense personal and spiritual importance. It's not a demand, but a plea for a compassionate and favorable response.
* **kindly (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** Derived from `H2617`, this term denotes "kindness," "loving-kindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love." It often carries the connotation of covenant loyalty or faithful devotion. Jacob is asking Joseph to act with unwavering, loyal love, reflecting a deep, enduring commitment that goes beyond mere obligation, echoing the steadfast love God shows His people.
* **truly (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** From `H571`, this word means "truth," "trustworthiness," or "reliability." When paired with _chêçêd_, as it frequently is in Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 25:10](/psalm/25-10 "The Lord's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness")), it emphasizes integrity, faithfulness, and an unwavering adherence to a promise. Jacob desires Joseph to fulfill his request not just out of love, but with absolute sincerity and reliability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the time drew nigh that Israel must die:"** This opening clause immediately sets a somber tone, indicating Jacob's advanced age (147 years, as mentioned in the preceding verse) and his recognition that his earthly life is drawing to a close. The use of "Israel" rather than "Jacob" here subtly elevates the moment, emphasizing his identity as the patriarch, the one who wrestled with God, and the progenitor of the chosen nation, whose life and death have national and covenantal significance.
* **"and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him,"** Jacob, demonstrating his wisdom and trust, summons Joseph, his most powerful and influential son in Egypt. This act highlights Joseph's unique position and the deep bond of love and respect between them. The choice of Joseph also ensures that the request has the highest possible chance of being fulfilled.
* **"If now I have found grace in thy sight,"** This phrase is a humble yet weighty appeal. It is a common ancient Near Eastern idiom used to preface a significant request, acknowledging the authority and discretion of the one being addressed while appealing to their benevolence and affection. Jacob is not commanding, but respectfully seeking Joseph's favor and willingness to grant his dying wish.
* **"put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh,"** This instruction refers to a solemn oath-taking custom in the ancient world, first seen when [Abraham made his servant swear](/genesis/24-2 "Abraham's Servant Taking an Oath") concerning Isaac's marriage. While its precise origin is debated, it likely involved the hip or reproductive area, symbolizing the perpetuation of the family line and the sacredness of the promise, making it an unbreakable vow that invoked the future generations and the very essence of one's being.
* **"and deal kindly and truly with me;"** This is the heart of Jacob's appeal for Joseph's commitment. As analyzed in the Key Word Analysis, "kindly" (_chêçêd_) denotes steadfast love and covenant loyalty, while "truly" (_ʼemeth_) signifies faithfulness and integrity. Jacob is asking Joseph to fulfill his request with unwavering devotion and absolute reliability, reflecting the divine attributes of God's own faithfulness.
* **"bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:"** This is Jacob's ultimate request, the culmination of his plea. It reveals his profound spiritual orientation and his unwavering focus on the promised land, Canaan. Despite the comfort and prosperity he enjoyed in Egypt, Jacob refused to identify it as his final resting place. His desire to be buried outside of Egypt, specifically in the family tomb in Canaan, was a powerful testament to his enduring faith in God's covenant promises concerning the land and his descendants.

#### Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs **Euphemism** when stating "the time drew nigh that Israel must die," a gentle way of referring to Jacob's impending death without using a harsh or direct term. **Symbolism** is central to the verse, particularly with the act of placing the "hand under my thigh," which symbolizes a deeply binding and sacred oath, invoking the future generations and the very essence of one's being. Furthermore, Jacob's insistence on not being buried in Egypt carries profound **Symbolism**, representing his unwavering faith in God's covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan and his rejection of Egypt as his ultimate home, even in death. This choice also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future exodus of Israel from Egypt and their eventual return to the promised land, a journey that would fulfill the very covenant Jacob clung to in his dying moments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's final request is a powerful theological statement, demonstrating that his faith was not merely intellectual assent but a deeply lived reality that shaped his ultimate desires. His insistence on being buried in Canaan, rather than the land of his temporary prosperity, underscores the transient nature of earthly life and the enduring significance of God's covenant promises. It is a testament to the patriarchs' identity as sojourners, whose hope was fixed on a divine inheritance that transcended their current circumstances. This act of faith, even in the face of death, serves as a profound example of trusting God's Word over visible realities, affirming that God's faithfulness extends beyond one's lifetime.

* [Genesis 24:2](/genesis/24-2 "Abraham's Servant's Oath"): This passage illustrates the ancient practice of the "hand under the thigh" oath, emphasizing its solemnity and binding nature as a covenantal agreement.
* [Genesis 50:13](/genesis/50-13 "Jacob's Burial in Canaan"): This verse records the fulfillment of Jacob's dying wish, demonstrating Joseph's unwavering filial piety and commitment to his father's faith.
* [Hebrews 11:21-22](/hebrews/11-21-22 "Jacob's Faith and Joseph's Charge"): The author of Hebrews highlights Jacob's faith in this act, placing it within the "hall of faith" as an example of believing in God's future promises even at the point of death.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's final request serves as a profound reminder of the enduring nature of faith and the paramount importance of our spiritual inheritance. Even as he faced death, Jacob's focus remained steadfastly on God's promises, not on earthly comforts or temporary security. For believers today, this verse encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing God's Word and trusting in His faithfulness, even when our present circumstances seem to contradict His promises. It also underscores the importance of honoring commitments made to loved ones, particularly their dying wishes, as exemplified by Joseph's subsequent actions in [Genesis 50:13](/genesis/50-13 "Jacob's Burial in Canaan"). Furthermore, Jacob's desire to be laid to rest with his fathers, Abraham and Isaac, speaks to the significance of our spiritual legacy, reminding us that our faith, even in death, should point towards the future and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, a theme later highlighted in [Hebrews 11:21-22](/hebrews/11-21-22 "Jacob's Faith and Joseph's Charge").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's focus on his burial place, despite his prosperity in Egypt, challenge our own priorities regarding earthly comforts versus eternal promises?**
* **What commitments have you made, either to God or to others, that require steadfast love and truthfulness (_chesed_ and _'emeth_) to fulfill, even when difficult?**
* **In what ways can your life, even in its final stages, serve as a testament to your faith in God's promises, just as Jacob's did?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jacob so insistent on not being buried in Egypt?**

Answer: Jacob's insistence on not being buried in Egypt was a profound act of faith and a testament to his belief in God's covenant promises. Egypt represented a temporary dwelling, a place of sojourning, while Canaan was the promised land, the eternal inheritance God had sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 17:8](/genesis/17-8 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")). By desiring burial in Canaan, Jacob affirmed his spiritual identity as a sojourner looking toward God's ultimate fulfillment, rather than identifying with the land of his temporary prosperity. It was a symbolic act of claiming his place in the lineage of faith and the promised future, a declaration that his true hope lay in God's faithfulness to His covenant.

**What is the significance of the "hand under the thigh" oath?**

Answer: The gesture of placing a hand under the thigh, as seen in Jacob's request to Joseph and Abraham's instruction to his servant in [Genesis 24:2](/genesis/24-2 "Abraham's Servant Taking an Oath"), was an ancient Near Eastern custom signifying an oath of the most solemn and binding nature. While its precise origin is debated, it is often understood to involve the reproductive organs, symbolizing the perpetuation of the family line and the sacredness of the promise. This made it an unbreakable vow that invoked the future generations and the very essence of one's being, ensuring the gravity and commitment of the promise made.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's unwavering faith, even in death, in God's promise of a physical land (Canaan) powerfully foreshadows the greater spiritual inheritance found in Christ. His desire to be buried with his fathers, looking beyond his earthly life and the temporal comforts of Egypt, points to the ultimate hope of resurrection and eternal life, which is fully realized through Jesus Christ. Christ is the true "promised land" for believers, the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, offering a heavenly inheritance that far surpasses any earthly territory (cf. [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "The Patriarchs as Sojourners Looking for a Heavenly City")). Jacob's trust in God's faithfulness to His word, even when the promise seemed distant, prefigures the complete fulfillment of all God's redemptive plans in the person and work of Jesus, who conquered death and opened the way to the true, eternal rest and the "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "The Believer's Heavenly Inheritance")). In Christ, the covenant of grace finds its ultimate expression, providing a spiritual home and an eternal future far beyond any earthly burial place (cf. [John 14:1-3](/john/14-1-3 "Jesus Promises a Place in Heaven")).

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

Deuteronomy 31:14

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Genesis 24:49

And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.

Genesis 24:2

And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

1 Kings 2:1

¶ Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,

Genesis 50:24

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.

Genesis 50:25

And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

Job 7:1

¶ [Is there] not an appointed time to man upon earth? [are not] his days also like the days of an hireling?