Genesis 48:2

KJV

And [one] told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one told {H5046} Jacob {H3290}, and said {H559}, Behold, thy son {H1121} Joseph {H3130} cometh {H935} unto thee: and Israel {H3478} strengthened {H2388} himself, and sat {H3427} upon the bed {H4296}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'akov was told, "Here comes your son Yosef."Isra'el gathered his strength and sat up in bed.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat up in bed.

American Standard Version

And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 48:2 presents a poignant scene where the aged and gravely ill Jacob, also known as Israel, receives news of his beloved son Joseph's imminent arrival. In a remarkable display of spiritual resolve and physical determination, Jacob "strengthened himself" and sat upright on his bed, preparing himself to receive Joseph and to impart significant patriarchal blessings that would shape the future of his descendants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Genesis 48:1](/genesis/48-1 "Joseph Visits His Sick Father Jacob"), which establishes Jacob's severe illness, noting that he was "sick." Joseph, upon hearing this, promptly brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to visit his ailing father. The narrative in [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons") then transitions into Jacob's final instructions and blessings, particularly those directed towards Joseph's sons, whom he elevates to the status of his own, thereby ensuring they each receive a tribal inheritance in Israel. This meeting is a crucial prelude to Jacob's final blessings and prophecies for all his sons in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Jacob's Prophetic Blessings").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the deathbed pronouncements and blessings of a patriarch carried immense legal, social, and spiritual weight. These were not mere good wishes but authoritative declarations that often determined inheritance, tribal identity, and future destiny. Jacob's act of strengthening himself to sit up underscores the solemnity and importance of the occasion, demonstrating his intent to perform these sacred duties with dignity and full consciousness, despite his physical frailty. The family structure, with the patriarch at its head, was the foundational unit of society, and his final words were meticulously heeded and remembered.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 48:2](/genesis/48-2 "Jacob Strengthens Himself") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **God's unwavering faithfulness** to His covenant promises, as Jacob's family, despite immense trials and separations, is preserved and brought together in Egypt, fulfilling the divine plan for the nascent nation of Israel (e.g., [Genesis 46:3-4](/genesis/46-3-4 "God's Promise to Jacob to Make Him a Great Nation")). The verse also underscores the theme of **strength in weakness**, portraying Jacob's spiritual resolve overcoming his physical infirmity for a divinely appointed purpose. Furthermore, it emphasizes the profound importance of **family bonds and filial piety**, as seen in Joseph's immediate response to his father's illness and Jacob's desire to properly receive his son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strengthened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." This word implies a deliberate, active exertion of will and effort, not a passive recovery. Jacob was not merely feeling better; he was actively summoning and gathering his remaining strength and resolve, demonstrating a profound determination to be fully present and authoritative for the momentous task of bestowing blessings.
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yisrâʼêl'_):** From H3478, meaning "he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity." The use of this name, rather than "Jacob," is significant. It emphasizes Jacob's covenant identity, the name given to him by God after wrestling at Peniel ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob Renamed Israel")). Here, it underscores that the actions he is about to undertake are not merely personal but carry immense spiritual and national weight for the future tribes of Israel, solidifying his role as the patriarch of God's chosen people.
* **sat (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, meaning "properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry." While simply "sitting," in this context, it signifies a deliberate posture of authority and readiness. For an infirm person, sitting up required effort, and it allowed Jacob to receive Joseph with dignity and to prepare to speak with solemnity, much like a judge or one in authority would sit to render a verdict or impart wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee:"** This opening clause sets the scene, highlighting the immediate communication of Joseph's visit to Jacob. The unspecified "one" suggests a servant or family member, emphasizing the promptness with which Joseph was informed and, in turn, how Jacob received the news. The phrase "Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee" carries a sense of urgency and importance, signaling the arrival of a pivotal moment in the family narrative.
* **"and Israel strengthened himself,"** This is the core action of the verse. The patriarch, identified by his covenant name "Israel," actively mustered his physical and mental fortitude. Despite his advanced age and critical illness, he made a conscious and deliberate effort to overcome his infirmity. This act signifies not just a physical exertion but a spiritual resolve, preparing him for the weighty spiritual and familial responsibilities he was about to fulfill.
* **"and sat upon the bed."** This final clause describes the physical outcome of Jacob's strengthening. Sitting up, rather than remaining prostrate, allowed Jacob to assume a position of greater dignity and authority. It was a necessary physical preparation for the solemn act of blessing Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and for imparting his final prophetic words, demonstrating his full engagement in the sacred proceedings.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, juxtaposing Jacob's extreme physical weakness and infirmity with his spiritual and volitional strength. This highlights the power of his resolve in the face of death. The use of the name **"Israel"** functions as a powerful form of **symbolism**, emphasizing Jacob's covenant identity and the spiritual significance of his actions, rather than merely his personal identity as "Jacob." His act of sitting up can be seen as **foreshadowing**, indicating the momentous and authoritative pronouncements he is about to make, particularly the blessings for Joseph's sons that follow in the chapter. The entire scene is imbued with a sense of **gravity** and **solemnity**, underscoring the importance of patriarchal blessings in the ancient world and their enduring theological weight within the biblical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in Jacob's life, where he musters strength in weakness, serves as a profound testament to God's enduring faithfulness and the spiritual significance of human resolve. It underscores that even in the twilight of life and amidst physical frailty, God's purposes for His covenant people continue to unfold through the actions of His chosen servants. Jacob's determination to bless his descendants reflects the ongoing transmission of the Abrahamic covenant and the divine promise of a great nation.

* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "God's Power Perfected in Weakness")
* [Hebrews 11:21](/hebrews/11-21 "Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons by Faith")
* [Ephesians 6:2-3](/ephesians/6-2-3 "Honor Your Father and Mother")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's resolute act of strengthening himself offers a powerful model for believers facing life's ultimate challenges. In an era where physical weakness and aging are often viewed with despair, Jacob demonstrates that spiritual purpose can transcend bodily limitations. His determination to be fully present for a moment of profound spiritual significance encourages us to find strength, not just for our own comfort, but for the sake of others and for fulfilling our divine callings. This narrative reminds us of the sacred duty to honor and care for our elders, as exemplified by Joseph's immediate response to his father's illness. More broadly, it challenges us to consider how we prepare ourselves, both physically and spiritually, for moments of great importance—whether it's offering counsel, imparting wisdom, or engaging in conversations that carry lasting impact. It calls us to cultivate a spiritual resilience that allows us to rise above our circumstances when God's purposes require our active participation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel physically or emotionally weak, and how might Jacob's example inspire you to find strength for a greater purpose?**
* **How does Joseph's prompt visit to his ailing father challenge or affirm your own practices of honoring and caring for elderly family members?**
* **What "bedside moments" or significant conversations in your life require you to "strengthen yourself" to be fully present and intentional?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jacob referred to as "Israel" in this verse, and what is the significance of this name change?**

Answer: The use of "Israel" (Hebrew, _Yisrâʼêl'_) instead of "Jacob" is highly significant. Jacob received the name Israel from God after wrestling with a divine being at Peniel, signifying his struggle and prevailing with God ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob Renamed Israel")). In [Genesis 48:2](/genesis/48-2 "Jacob Strengthens Himself"), the use of "Israel" emphasizes Jacob's covenant identity, his role as the patriarch of God's chosen people, and the spiritual weight of his actions. It underscores that the blessings he is about to impart to Joseph's sons are not merely personal family matters but carry immense spiritual and national implications for the future tribes of Israel, establishing their lineage and inheritance within God's covenant plan.

**What does the phrase "strengthened himself" imply about Jacob's condition and his character?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "strengthened himself" is _châzaq'_ (H2388), which implies a deliberate, active exertion of will and effort, rather than a passive or natural recovery of strength. It suggests that Jacob was not merely feeling a bit better, but actively gathering his resolve and physical capacity for the important task ahead. This highlights his profound determination despite his advanced age and severe illness. It speaks to his character as a man of faith who, even in physical weakness, was committed to fulfilling his patriarchal duties and participating in God's unfolding plan for his family and the nascent nation of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's act of summoning strength from his infirmity to bestow a blessing upon his sons profoundly foreshadows the ultimate act of self-strengthening and sacrifice by Jesus Christ. Just as Jacob, as the patriarch of Israel, mustered his will for a sacred purpose, Christ, the true Israel and ultimate Son, resolutely faced the agony of Gethsemane and the cross. Though physically and spiritually burdened to the point of death, Jesus "strengthened himself" (cf. [Luke 22:42-44](/luke/22-42-44 "Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")) to endure the suffering, knowing it would secure an eternal blessing for all humanity. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross, where He declared, "[It is finished!](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")", were the ultimate act of a divine will overcoming human weakness, not for personal gain, but to impart the spiritual inheritance of adoption, righteousness, and eternal life to all who believe. Through Christ, the promises made to Jacob and his descendants find their ultimate fulfillment, as believers are grafted into the spiritual lineage of Abraham and become co-heirs with the Son ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ"), [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to the Promise")).

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

Nehemiah 2:18

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for [this] good [work].

Deuteronomy 3:28

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

Psalms 41:3

The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

Proverbs 23:15

My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

1 Samuel 23:16

And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.