Genesis 47:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
At 130 years old, Jacob stands before Pharaoh and describes his life as a "pilgrimage," a journey marked by a span of years he considers both "few" in comparison to his ancestors and "evil" due to the significant hardships he has endured. This poignant declaration encapsulates a profound biblical perspective on the transient and often challenging nature of earthly existence, yet it remains a testament to a life lived under divine providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following Jacob's long-awaited reunion with his son Joseph, who has become the powerful governor of Egypt. The narrative of [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Genesis 46 - Jacob's Journey to Egypt") details Jacob's descent into Egypt with his entire household, fulfilling God's promise to make him a great nation there. Upon their arrival, Joseph presents his father to Pharaoh, a significant encounter that underscores the elevated status Joseph has achieved and the divine hand guiding the patriarch's family. Jacob's response to Pharaoh's inquiry about his age is not merely factual but deeply reflective, serving as a summary of his tumultuous yet divinely guided life journey before the powerful ruler of Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The encounter between Jacob and Pharaoh takes place during a severe famine that has gripped the region, forcing Jacob's family to seek refuge and sustenance in Egypt. Pharaoh, as the supreme ruler of a highly advanced civilization, would have been accustomed to receiving tribute and homage, and his inquiry about Jacob's age (likely a sign of respect for the patriarch's advanced years) provides an unexpected opportunity for Jacob to articulate a profound theological truth. The concept of "pilgrimage" (sojourning) was deeply ingrained in the patriarchal lifestyle, as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob themselves lived as nomadic shepherds, often dwelling in tents and moving between lands, never fully settling in one place. This nomadic existence reinforced their identity as temporary residents, looking forward to a permanent inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** Jacob's statement contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It reinforces the theme of **life as a sojourn**, a temporary dwelling on earth, echoing the experiences of Abraham and Isaac, who also lived as strangers and pilgrims ([Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - The Faith of the Patriarchs")). The mention of "evil" days highlights the theme of **suffering and hardship** as an integral part of the covenant journey, demonstrating how God works through adversity to fulfill His purposes, a truth powerfully illustrated by Joseph's own trials and eventual exaltation ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Declaration of God's Purpose")). Furthermore, Jacob's comparison to his fathers underscores the theme of **covenant continuity** and the generational unfolding of God's promises, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His chosen lineage despite the challenges faced by each patriarch.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pilgrimage (Hebrew, _mâgûwr'_):** From H4033, meaning a temporary abode; by extension, a permanent residence; dwelling, pilgrimage, where sojourn, be a stranger. Jacob uses this term to characterize his entire life's journey, emphasizing its transient nature. He sees himself not as a permanent resident of any earthly land, but as a sojourner, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of his forefathers and a deeper spiritual reality of humanity's temporary dwelling on earth.
* **few (Hebrew, _mᵉʻaṭ'_):** From H4592, meaning a little or few (often adverbial or compar.); almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. Despite living to a remarkable 130 years, Jacob considers his days "few" in comparison to the extraordinary lifespans of his ancestors, Abraham (175 years) and Isaac (180 years). This highlights a perceived decline in human longevity and a sense of brevity even in a long life.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, meaning bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. In this context, "evil" refers not to moral wickedness on Jacob's part, but to the numerous hardships, sorrows, and adversities that characterized his life, such as deception, family strife, the presumed loss of Joseph, and the current famine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years:"** Jacob, now 130 years old, responds to Pharaoh's inquiry about his age. He immediately frames his life not merely as a chronological span but as a "pilgrimage," a journey of temporary dwelling. This sets a profound spiritual tone, indicating that his perspective on life transcends mere physical existence.
* **"few and evil have the days of the years of my life been,"** Despite his advanced age, Jacob considers his life to have been "few" in duration, especially when compared to the longer lives of his patriarchs. More significantly, he describes his days as "evil," conveying the profound suffering, sorrow, and adversity he has experienced throughout his long journey, from his conflict with Esau to the loss of Joseph and the current famine.
* **"and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage."** Jacob explicitly compares his lifespan and the quality of his "pilgrimage" to that of Abraham and Isaac. This comparison underscores a sense of humility and perhaps even a lament, acknowledging that his life, though long, has been filled with more intense hardship and has not reached the longevity of his immediate predecessors, yet it remains a continuation of their shared journey of faith as sojourners.

#### Literary Devices
Jacob's statement is rich with literary artistry. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, as Jacob describes his entire life as a "pilgrimage." This metaphor transforms a simple chronological account into a profound theological statement, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly existence and the journey towards an ultimate, eternal home. There is also an element of **Understatement** or perhaps **Hyperbole** in his description of his days as "few," given his advanced age of 130, which serves to highlight his perception of life's brevity in the grand scheme of eternity and in comparison to his long-lived ancestors. Furthermore, the phrase "few and evil" employs **Juxtaposition**, contrasting the quantitative measure of his years ("few") with the qualitative experience of hardship ("evil"), creating a powerful summary of his life's challenges.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's poignant declaration to Pharaoh serves as a profound theological statement, reinforcing the pervasive biblical theme of humanity's earthly existence as a temporary sojourn. This perspective encourages believers to cultivate a detachment from the fleeting pursuits of this world and to fix their gaze on eternal realities, recognizing that our true citizenship and ultimate dwelling place lie beyond this earthly realm. His honest acknowledgment of "evil" days, filled with hardship and sorrow, also speaks to the reality of suffering within God's sovereign plan, demonstrating that trials are not antithetical to divine favor but can be instrumental in shaping character and fulfilling God's purposes, as seen throughout the patriarchal narratives. Jacob's comparison to his fathers further underscores the unbroken continuity of God's covenant promises, illustrating His faithfulness across generations despite human frailty and the vicissitudes of life.

* [Psalm 39:4-5](/psalms/39-4-5 "Psalm 39:4-5 - The Brevity of Life")
* [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Hebrews 11:13-16 - The Faith of Pilgrims")
* [1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Sojourners and Exiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's profound reflection before Pharaoh offers timeless wisdom for believers today, urging us to adopt an eternal perspective on our earthly existence. By viewing our lives as a "pilgrimage" rather than a permanent residence, we are called to re-evaluate our priorities, investing in what truly lasts—our relationship with God and His kingdom—rather than becoming overly attached to transient worldly gains. His candid admission that his days were "few and evil" reminds us that suffering and adversity are an inherent part of the human experience, even for those under God's favor. This perspective does not negate faith but provides a realistic lens through which to navigate trials, fostering resilience and trust in God's overarching purpose, even when circumstances are difficult. Like Jacob, we are invited to embrace our journey with humility and purpose, recognizing that every day, whether "few" or "many," "good" or "evil," is part of God's sovereign plan for our lives, preparing us for our true, eternal home. This encourages us to live faithfully and purposefully in the time allotted, for our ultimate destination lies beyond this earthly sojourn.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does viewing your life as a "pilgrimage" change your perspective on daily challenges and long-term goals?**
* **In what ways have you experienced "evil" or difficult days, and how has God demonstrated His presence or purpose within those times?**
* **What does Jacob's humility before Pharaoh teach us about acknowledging our limitations and God's sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jacob describe his life as a "pilgrimage"?**

Answer: Jacob uses the Hebrew word *magur* (H4033), which specifically means a temporary dwelling or sojourning. This choice of word reflects the deeply ingrained biblical understanding that earthly life is not our permanent home but a transient journey toward an eternal destination. It also accurately describes his literal nomadic lifestyle, as he, like his forefathers Abraham and Isaac, lived in tents and moved from place to place, never fully possessing the promised land but always living as a resident alien, looking forward to a better country ([Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Hebrews 11:13-16 - The Faith of Pilgrims")).

**What does Jacob mean by his days being "few and evil"?**

Answer: At 130 years old, Jacob's declaration that his days were "few" is a comparative statement. He is contrasting his lifespan with the even longer lives of his father Isaac (180 years) and grandfather Abraham (175 years), indicating a perceived decline in longevity. The term "evil" (Hebrew: *ra'*, H7451) in this context does not imply moral wickedness but rather signifies that his life was full of hardship, sorrow, and adversity. Jacob's life was indeed marked by numerous profound trials, including deception by Laban, conflict with Esau, the rape of Dinah, the presumed death of his beloved son Joseph, and the current severe famine that forced his family into Egypt.

**Why does Jacob compare his life to his fathers?**

Answer: Jacob's comparison serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it highlights a perceived decline in human longevity since the earlier patriarchal era, a theme that subtly runs through the early chapters of Genesis. More significantly, it underscores his profound connection to the covenant lineage. By comparing his "pilgrimage" to theirs, Jacob identifies himself as part of a continuing journey of faith, acknowledging the legacy and experiences of Abraham and Isaac. This comparison firmly roots him within the unfolding of God's covenant promises, demonstrating that his own life, despite its unique difficulties, is a continuation of God's faithfulness to their family across generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's profound declaration of his life as a "pilgrimage" and his longing for a more settled, less "evil" existence finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the true Israel and the ultimate sojourner, Christ Himself embodied this pilgrimage, leaving the glory of His heavenly home to dwell among humanity, enduring unparalleled hardship, sorrow, and rejection during His earthly ministry ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Man of Sorrows")). Yet, through His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, Jesus opened the way for humanity to find a permanent dwelling and an eternal inheritance. He is the "better country" that Jacob and the patriarchs sought by faith ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - A Better Country")). Through Christ, believers are no longer strangers and sojourners in a spiritual sense, but "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")), having a secure and eternal home in Him. Our earthly pilgrimage, though still marked by trials, is now transformed into a journey with a certain destination, guided by the One who has gone before us to prepare a place ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")).

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

Psalms 39:12

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

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

Exodus 7:7

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

Psalms 39:5

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

¶ 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

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

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