Genesis 47:30

KJV

But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I will lie {H7901} with my fathers {H1}, and thou shalt carry {H5375} me out of Egypt {H4714}, and bury {H6912} me in their buryingplace {H6900}. And he said {H559}, I will do {H6213} as thou hast said {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, when I sleep with my fathers, you are to carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried." He replied, "I will do as you have said."

Berean Standard Bible

but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.”

American Standard Version

but when I sleep with my fathers, thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying-place. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 47:30 captures the poignant and faith-filled final request of Jacob (Israel) to his beloved son Joseph. Recognizing his approaching death, Jacob solemnly asks Joseph to ensure his burial is not in Egypt, the land of his temporary dwelling, but rather with his ancestors in the Promised Land. Joseph's immediate and respectful affirmation of this request underscores not only his filial devotion but also the profound significance of Jacob's unwavering trust in God's covenant promises, his deep attachment to his lineage, and his enduring hope for an eternal inheritance that transcends his earthly life in a foreign land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the life of Jacob and the unfolding narrative of the patriarchal history. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Genesis 47:29](/genesis/47-29 "Jacob's Oath from Joseph"), Jacob summons Joseph and makes him swear a solemn oath by placing his hand under Jacob's thigh, an ancient and binding custom, to fulfill this specific burial request. This emphasizes the gravity and importance Jacob placed on this final wish. Following Joseph's agreement in [Genesis 47:30](/genesis/47-30 "Jacob's dying wish to Joseph"), the narrative transitions to Jacob's final blessings upon Joseph's sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) in [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh") and then his prophetic blessings to all his sons in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Jacob's Prophetic Blessings"). The meticulous fulfillment of Jacob's burial wishes is detailed in [Genesis 50:1-14](/genesis/50-1-14 "The Burial of Jacob"), highlighting the profound impact of this request on the family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, burial practices were deeply significant, reflecting beliefs about family, land, and the afterlife. Being buried with one's ancestors in a family tomb was a profound expression of identity, continuity, and belonging. To be buried in a foreign land, especially for a patriarch like Jacob, would have signified a severance from one's heritage and a lack of connection to the ancestral land. The specific "buryingplace" Jacob refers to is the [Cave of Machpelah in Hebron](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah"), which Abraham had purchased as a family burial plot. This cave held the remains of Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah, making it a sacred site for the patriarchs and a tangible link to God's covenant promises concerning the land of Canaan. Jacob's request, therefore, was not merely sentimental but culturally and spiritually charged.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 47:30 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite living in a foreign land (Egypt), Jacob's desire to be buried in Canaan demonstrates his unwavering belief that God would ultimately fulfill His promise to give the land to his descendants, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Familial Loyalty and Piety**, as Joseph's immediate and respectful agreement to his father's dying wish exemplifies the strong bonds and honor within the patriarchal family. This filial devotion is a recurring motif in the Joseph narrative. Lastly, it subtly points to the theme of **Hope Beyond Death**, as Jacob's insistence on being gathered to his "fathers" in the promised land, rather than remaining in Egypt, suggests a profound spiritual longing for his true home and a future inheritance, a concept later developed more fully in the New Testament concerning a [heavenly country](/hebrews/11-16 "The Longing for a Heavenly Country").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lie (Hebrew, _shâkab'_ H7901):** This primitive root signifies "to lie down" for various purposes, including rest, sleep, sexual connection, or, as here, decease. In this context, "I will lie with my fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for dying and being gathered to one's ancestors, implying a peaceful end to earthly life and a joining of the deceased family members in their designated resting place. It emphasizes the communal aspect of death and burial within the family lineage.
* **Egypt (Hebrew, _Mitsrayim'_ H4714):** This dual form refers to "Upper and Lower Egypt," encompassing the entire land. In this verse, "out of Egypt" is a crucial geographical and theological distinction. Egypt represents a temporary dwelling, a land of provision during famine but not the ultimate inheritance. Jacob's desire to be carried out of Egypt underscores his rejection of it as his final resting place, reinforcing his identity as a sojourner whose ultimate hope and belonging lay elsewhere, in the Promised Land.
* **buryingplace (Hebrew, _qᵉbûwrâh'_ H6900):** This feminine passive participle, derived from the root "to inter," refers to "sepulture" or, concretely, "a sepulchre." The specific "buryingplace" in mind is the [Cave of Machpelah](/genesis/23-20 "Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah"), which Abraham had purchased as a permanent family burial site. Jacob's insistence on being buried there signifies his profound connection to his ancestral heritage and, more importantly, his faith in God's covenant promise regarding the land of Canaan, even in death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will lie with my fathers,"**: This clause expresses Jacob's impending death using a common biblical euphemism. It signifies a peaceful passing and the expectation of being interred with his deceased patriarchal family members (Abraham, Isaac, Sarah, Rebekah, and Leah) in their shared burial site in Canaan. This phrase emphasizes continuity of lineage and identity.
* **"and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt,"**: This is Jacob's explicit instruction to Joseph, demanding a physical removal from the land where he currently resides. This command is highly significant, highlighting Jacob's spiritual conviction that Egypt, despite its present provision, is not his ultimate home or the land of God's promise. It underscores his desire to be detached from the foreign land in death.
* **"and bury me in their buryingplace."**: This specifies the desired destination for his burial: the ancestral tomb in Canaan. This is not merely a sentimental wish but a profound act of faith, a symbolic claim on the land God had promised to Abraham and his descendants. It demonstrates Jacob's belief that God would ultimately fulfill His covenant to bring His people back to Canaan, and he desired to be part of that future inheritance, even in death.
* **"And he said, I will do as thou hast said."**: This records Joseph's immediate and unequivocal response. His ready agreement signifies profound respect, filial piety, and an understanding of the immense spiritual and familial importance of his father's dying wish. Joseph's commitment here sets the stage for the elaborate funeral procession and burial recounted in [Genesis 50](/genesis/50 "The Death and Burial of Jacob and Joseph").

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Euphemism** is evident in the phrase "I will lie with my fathers," which serves as a gentle and respectful way to refer to death without explicitly stating it. This common biblical idiom highlights the continuity of family lineage even in the grave. **Symbolism** is powerfully present in Jacob's desire to be carried "out of Egypt" and buried in "their buryingplace." Egypt symbolizes the temporary, foreign sojourn, while the ancestral burial ground in Canaan symbolizes the Promised Land, God's covenant faithfulness, and the ultimate spiritual inheritance. Jacob's choice is a symbolic act of faith, claiming the land even in death. Furthermore, this request serves as a clear **Foreshadowing** of Joseph's own dying wish in [Genesis 50:25](/genesis/50-25 "Joseph's Dying Request"), where he similarly instructs his brothers to carry his bones out of Egypt when God leads them back to the Promised Land, reinforcing the theme of faith in God's future deliverance and promises. The **Contrast** between Egypt (a land of temporary refuge) and Canaan (the land of permanent promise) is also a key element, emphasizing Jacob's spiritual allegiance over his physical circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's earnest and specific request regarding his burial place in Genesis 47:30 is far more than a personal preference; it is a profound theological statement. It stands as a testament to his unwavering faith in God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants. Despite living in prosperity in Egypt, Jacob's heart remained fixed on the divine pledge, demonstrating that his identity and ultimate hope were tied to God's faithfulness, not to earthly comfort or security. This act underscores the generational nature of faith, where the patriarchs consistently looked beyond their immediate circumstances to the fulfillment of God's word. Joseph's ready agreement further highlights the biblical value of filial piety and the sacred duty to honor parental wishes, especially those rooted in spiritual conviction. This passage, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of God's promises and the call for believers to live with an eternal perspective, even in the face of death.

* [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham Buries Sarah in Machpelah") - Abraham's purchase and use of the Cave of Machpelah as a family burial site, establishing the precedent for Jacob's request.
* [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "The Faith of the Patriarchs") - This passage commends the patriarchs, including Jacob, for living as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth," seeking "a better, that is, a heavenly country," directly connecting their longing for the Promised Land to a deeper spiritual reality.
* [Genesis 50:25](/genesis/50-25 "Joseph's Dying Request") - Joseph's own dying request mirrors Jacob's, asking his brothers to carry his bones out of Egypt when God leads them back to the Promised Land, demonstrating a continuity of faith across generations.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's final request in Genesis 47:30 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His insistence on being buried in the Promised Land, despite his comfortable life in Egypt, serves as a powerful illustration of enduring faith and an eternal perspective. It challenges us to consider where our ultimate allegiance lies – is it with the temporary comforts and securities of this world, or with the enduring promises of God's kingdom? Like Jacob, we are called to live as sojourners, recognizing that our true home and inheritance are not found in earthly possessions or achievements, but in God's eternal plan. This passage encourages us to cultivate a faith that looks beyond the immediate, trusting in God's faithfulness even when His promises seem distant or unfulfilled in our lifetime. Furthermore, Joseph's immediate and respectful agreement to his father's request highlights the timeless value of honoring our parents and faithfully keeping our commitments, particularly those that carry spiritual weight. It reminds us of the importance of passing on a legacy of faith to future generations, living in such a way that our lives point to a hope beyond this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Egypts" (temporary comforts or securities) in your life might be distracting you from your ultimate spiritual inheritance and God's eternal promises?**
* **How does Jacob's unwavering faith in God's promises, even in death, challenge your own trust in God when circumstances are difficult or uncertain?**
* **In what ways can you honor your spiritual heritage and pass on a legacy of faith to the next generation, mirroring the commitment seen between Jacob and Joseph?**

### FAQ
**Why was burial in Canaan so important to Jacob?**

Answer: Burial in Canaan was crucial for Jacob primarily as an act of profound faith in God's covenant promises. The land of Canaan was the [Promised Land](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham"), given by God to Abraham and his descendants as an eternal inheritance. By desiring to be buried there, Jacob was symbolically claiming his portion of that inheritance and expressing his unwavering belief that God would fulfill His promise to bring his people back to that land. It was a testament to his spiritual identity, his connection to his patriarchal lineage, and his enduring hope in God's faithfulness, even in death. It also distinguished him from the Egyptians, affirming his identity as a sojourner whose true home was with God's covenant people.

**What does the phrase "I will lie with my fathers" signify?**

Answer: "I will lie with my fathers" is a common biblical euphemism for dying and being gathered to one's ancestors. It signifies a peaceful departure from earthly life and a communal burial with one's deceased family members in their designated resting place. This phrase emphasizes a deep connection to one's lineage, heritage, and the continuity of the family unit, even in death. While it speaks to a physical burial alongside one's kin, in the broader biblical context, it also carries a spiritual dimension, implying a joining of the departed in the realm of the dead, though not necessarily a shared conscious existence in the grave. It is a phrase that highlights the importance of family and ancestral ties in ancient Israelite culture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's profound longing to be buried in the Promised Land, rather than in the land of Egypt where he found temporary refuge, serves as a powerful type and shadow of the believer's ultimate hope and inheritance found in Jesus Christ. Jacob's desire for a physical resting place in the land of promise points beyond itself to the spiritual rest and eternal home secured for us in Christ. The "better, heavenly country" that Jacob and the other patriarchs implicitly yearned for, as highlighted in [Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "The Longing for a Heavenly Country"), is ultimately realized through Christ's redemptive work. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has conquered death and opened the way to a true and everlasting inheritance for all who believe, as promised in [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance"). Our true citizenship is not in any earthly nation, but in heaven, from which we eagerly await our Savior ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). Just as Jacob's burial in Canaan was an act of faith in a future promise, so too our hope in Christ secures for us a spiritual resurrection and a place in the new heavens and new earth, where we will dwell eternally with God, in a fulfillment far grander than any earthly burying place ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 49:29

And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that [is] in the field of Ephron the Hittite,

Genesis 49:32

The purchase of the field and of the cave that [is] therein [was] from the children of Heth.

Genesis 25:9

And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which [is] before Mamre;

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.

Nehemiah 2:5

And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

Genesis 50:5

My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again.

Genesis 50:14

And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father.