Genesis 47:9

And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage [are] an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.

And Jacob {H3290} said {H559} unto Pharaoh {H6547}, The days {H3117} of the years {H8141} of my pilgrimage {H4033} are an hundred {H3967} and thirty {H7970} years {H8141}: few {H4592} and evil {H7451} have the days {H3117} of the years {H8141} of my life {H2416} been, and have not attained {H5381} unto the days {H3117} of the years {H8141} of the life {H2416} of my fathers {H1} in the days {H3117} of their pilgrimage {H4033}.

and Ya'akov replied, "The time of my stay on earth has been 130 years; they have been few and difficult, fewer than the years my ancestors lived."

β€œMy travels have lasted 130 years,” Jacob replied. β€œMy years have been few and hard, and they have not matched the years of the travels of my fathers.”

And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty years: few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 47:9

This verse occurs during a pivotal moment in the life of Jacob, also known as Israel. Having been reunited with his long-lost son Joseph, who is now the powerful governor of Egypt, Jacob and his entire family have moved to Egypt to escape a severe famine in Canaan. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, has granted them the fertile land of Goshen. In this specific encounter, Pharaoh asks Jacob about his age, and Jacob's response in Genesis 47:9 is not just a statement of years, but a profound reflection on his life's journey, marked by both longevity and significant hardship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Life as a Pilgrimage: Jacob describes his life as a "pilgrimage." The Hebrew word here, magur (ΧžΦΈΧ’Χ•ΦΌΧ¨), signifies a temporary dwelling or sojourning. This concept underscores the biblical view that earthly life is not a permanent home, but a journey towards an ultimate, eternal dwelling. This echoes the faith of his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac, who also lived as sojourners, looking for a better country (see Hebrews 11:13-16 for a New Testament perspective on this theme).
  • Brevity and Hardship of Life: At 130 years old, Jacob still considers his days "few and evil." While 130 is a remarkable age, it was indeed "few" compared to his grandfather Abraham (175 years - Genesis 25:7) and his father Isaac (180 years - Genesis 35:28). The "evil" refers not to moral wickedness, but to the many sorrows and adversities he experienced: deception by Laban, conflict with Esau, the rape of Dinah, the supposed death of Joseph, and the ongoing famine. This statement is a humble acknowledgment of life's often harsh realities.
  • Generational Comparison: Jacob explicitly compares his lifespan and experience to that of his fathers. This highlights a perceived decline in human longevity since the early patriarchs, but also emphasizes his connection to the covenant promises made to them.

Linguistic Insights

The term "pilgrimage" (Hebrew: magur) is crucial. It evokes the idea of a temporary resident or a sojourner, someone passing through. It paints a picture of Jacob's life not as settled, but as a journey fraught with challenges, yet ultimately guided by God's providence. This term resonates with the broader biblical understanding of human life as a temporary existence on earth, pointing towards a spiritual homeland.

Practical Application

Jacob's reflection offers several insights for believers today:

  • Perspective on Life: We are encouraged to view our lives on earth as a temporary sojourn, not our ultimate destination. This perspective can help us prioritize eternal values over fleeting worldly pursuits.
  • Acknowledging Hardship: Jacob's honest admission that his days were "evil" (full of trouble) reminds us that suffering is a part of the human experience, even for those blessed by God. It doesn't negate faith but provides a realistic lens through which to view our trials. Even in adversity, God is at work, as seen in Joseph's statement in Genesis 50:20.
  • Embracing Our Journey: Despite the difficulties, Jacob continued to walk by faith, demonstrating resilience. His life reminds us that our true home is not here, motivating us to live purposefully and faithfully in the time we are given (Psalm 90:12).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 39:12 (6 votes)

    Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I [am] a stranger with thee, [and] a sojourner, as all my fathers [were].

  • Genesis 35:28 (5 votes)

    And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.

  • Exodus 7:7 (4 votes)

    And Moses [was] fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.

  • Psalms 39:5 (4 votes)

    Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity. Selah.

  • Joshua 24:29 (4 votes)

    ΒΆ And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, [being] an hundred and ten years old.

  • Deuteronomy 34:7 (4 votes)

    And Moses [was] an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

  • Genesis 50:26 (4 votes)

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