Genesis 48:21

KJV

And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Israel {H3478} said {H559} unto Joseph {H3130}, Behold, I die {H4191}: but God {H430} shall be with you, and bring you again {H7725} unto the land {H776} of your fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Isra'el then said to Yosef, "You see that I am dying, but God will be with you and will bring you back to the land of your ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers.

American Standard Version

And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God will be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Genesis 48:21, the patriarch Jacob, nearing the end of his life in Egypt, delivers a poignant and prophetic declaration to his beloved son Joseph. He acknowledges his impending death but immediately pivots to a powerful affirmation of God's enduring presence and faithfulness, assuring Joseph that God will certainly bring his descendants back to the promised land of their fathers. This verse encapsulates Jacob's unwavering faith in God's covenant promises, demonstrating a profound trust in divine sovereignty that transcends human mortality and geographical displacement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 48 is situated within the final chapters of Genesis, which recount Jacob's last days and his blessings upon his sons. Specifically, this chapter focuses on Jacob's adoption of Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, elevating them to the status of his own, thereby ensuring they would each receive a full tribal inheritance within Israel. This act signifies the transfer of patriarchal blessing and the continuation of the covenant lineage through Joseph's line. Jacob's words in Genesis 48:21 serve as a climactic declaration following these blessings, looking beyond his personal end to the broader fulfillment of God's promises for the entire family, underscoring the continuity of God's redemptive plan across generations. It sets the stage for the collective blessings of all twelve sons in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Jacob's Prophetic Blessings on His Sons").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in the narrative, Jacob and his entire family have been living in Egypt for seventeen years, having migrated there to escape a severe famine under Joseph's provision. While they are safe and prosperous in the land of Goshen, they are still sojourners in a foreign land, far from Canaan, the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The cultural norm of deathbed blessings and pronouncements was significant, carrying prophetic weight and serving as a final testament of the patriarch's faith and vision for his family's future. Jacob’s explicit mention of "the land of your fathers" directly invokes the [Abrahamic Covenant](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant and Promise of Land"), which promised the land of Canaan as an eternal inheritance, a promise that had yet to be fully realized.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 48:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, particularly the land promise given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Despite the family's current residence in Egypt, Jacob's words affirm that God's word will ultimately prevail. Another crucial theme is **Divine Presence and Providence**, as Jacob assures Joseph that "God shall be with you," echoing the consistent divine promise of companionship and guidance given to the patriarchs, such as God's promise to Isaac in [Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac"). The verse also highlights the theme of **Hope Beyond Mortality**, as Jacob faces his own death not with despair, but with unwavering confidence in God's future actions for his descendants, demonstrating faith's triumph over the finality of death. This prophetic outlook points to the future national identity of Israel and their eventual return to Canaan, as dramatically fulfilled in the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/1-1-15-21 "The Exodus from Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, used with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God, emphasizing His majesty, power, and comprehensive authority. Jacob's use of _ʼĕlôhîym_ here underscores the absolute sovereignty and omnipotence of the One who will be with Joseph and fulfill the covenant promises. It signifies the true and living God, distinct from the deities of Egypt.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** A primitive root meaning "to die" literally or figuratively. Jacob's declaration, "Behold, I die," is a stark and sober acknowledgment of his imminent mortality. It grounds his subsequent prophetic words in the reality of human finitude, making God's enduring presence and promises even more profound by contrast. It is not a statement of despair, but a factual preface to a declaration of enduring hope.
* **bring you again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root means "to turn back," "return," or "restore." In this context, it signifies God's active role in reversing the current situation of displacement and restoring Joseph's descendants to their rightful inheritance. It implies a deliberate, divine act of leading them back, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promise of the land, despite the family's current residence in Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die:"** Jacob, now referred to by his covenant name "Israel," addresses Joseph, his beloved son and the one through whom the family's survival in Egypt was secured. His opening statement is a direct and unvarnished acknowledgment of his impending death, setting a somber yet realistic tone. This declaration of mortality is not an expression of fear or despair, but rather a contextualizing preface, preparing Joseph for the profound spiritual legacy and prophetic assurance that follows. It signifies the passing of the patriarchal torch and the reliance on God's continuity beyond human life.
* **"but God shall be with you,"** This clause introduces a powerful contrast to Jacob's mortality, shifting the focus from human finitude to divine infinitude. It is a profound assurance of God's unwavering presence, protection, and active involvement with Joseph and, by extension, his descendants. The phrase "God shall be with you" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym yihyeh ʻimmākhem_) is a foundational promise throughout Scripture, signifying a covenantal relationship where God provides guidance, strength, and comfort. It reassures Joseph that even in the absence of his earthly father, the divine Father's presence will remain constant and active.
* **"and bring you again unto the land of your fathers."** This final clause is a direct prophetic declaration concerning the future of Israel. It explicitly refers to the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant's land promise. Despite the family's current dwelling in Egypt, Jacob firmly believes that God will orchestrate their return to Canaan, the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and himself. The phrase "the land of your fathers" (Hebrew: _ʼerets ʼăvôteykhēm_) specifically denotes Canaan, emphasizing the ancestral and covenantal right to that territory. This statement serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His long-standing promises, providing hope, direction, and a future destiny for the burgeoning nation of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 48:21 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Jacob, on his deathbed, foretells a future event—the return of his descendants to Canaan—that would not occur for centuries. This imbues his words with divine authority and foresight. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between Jacob's impending death ("Behold, I die") and God's enduring presence and faithfulness ("but God shall be with you, and bring you again"). This juxtaposition highlights the transient nature of human life versus the eternal steadfastness of God's character and promises. The verse also functions as a **Deathbed Blessing/Testament**, a common literary motif in ancient Near Eastern literature and biblical narratives, where the final words of a patriarch carry significant weight and often contain prophetic pronouncements or ethical instructions for the future generation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's final words to Joseph in Genesis 48:21 are deeply saturated with profound theological truths, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, demonstrating that His promises transcend human mortality and geographical displacement. It highlights the continuity of the Abrahamic Covenant, particularly the promise of the land, which remains valid and assured despite the patriarchs' deaths and the family's temporary residence in Egypt. Jacob's confidence in God's future actions, even in the face of his own end, provides a compelling model of faith that looks beyond present circumstances to God's sovereign plan.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "God's Promise to Be with Israel")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "God's Fulfillment of the Land Promise")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Faith of the Patriarchs Looking for a Better Country")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 48:21 offers timeless lessons for believers today, encouraging us to cultivate a steadfast trust in God's unchanging promises, regardless of our present circumstances or impending transitions. Like Jacob, we are called to face life's inevitable ends—be it personal mortality, the conclusion of a life stage, or significant changes—with unwavering confidence in God's continued presence and His ultimate fulfillment of His purposes. This verse reminds us that God is with us through every major transition, providing comfort and assurance, and it inspires us to leave a legacy of faith and trust in God for those who come after us, demonstrating that God's plan and presence extend beyond individual lives. It challenges us to assess what kind of spiritual inheritance we are passing on to the next generation—is it one of fear and uncertainty, or one of hopeful reliance on the faithful God?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's declaration of faith in the face of death challenge your perspective on mortality and the future?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's promise to "be with you," especially during times of transition or uncertainty?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are you building or hoping to leave for those who come after you, reflecting your faith in God's promises?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jacob emphasize going "again to the land of your fathers" when he's dying in Egypt?**

Answer: Jacob's emphasis on returning to the "land of your fathers" (Canaan) even as he dies in Egypt highlights his unwavering faith in God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and himself. This promise of the land was central to the identity and future of Israel. By reiterating it, Jacob was not expressing a personal wish for his burial (though he also desired this, as seen in [Genesis 49:29-32](/genesis/49-29-32 "Jacob's burial instructions")), but rather a prophetic assurance to Joseph and his descendants that God would indeed bring the entire nation back to their promised inheritance, despite their current displacement. It served as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the future destiny of the Israelites, providing hope and direction for generations to come, ultimately fulfilled in the [Book of Joshua](/joshua/1 "Joshua and the Conquest of Canaan").

**What is the significance of Jacob's declaration, "God shall be with you"?**

Answer: Jacob's declaration, "God shall be with you," is a profound statement of divine presence and assurance. It signifies that God's active involvement, protection, and guidance would continue with Joseph and his descendants even after Jacob's death. This promise of God's presence is a recurring and foundational theme throughout the Old Testament, serving as a source of comfort, strength, and confidence for God's people in the face of challenges, transitions, and the unknown future. It underscores that God's plan does not cease with the passing of human leaders but continues through His unchanging faithfulness, as seen in God's similar promise to Joshua in [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "God's Promise to Joshua").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 48:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jacob's assurance of God's enduring presence ("God shall be with you") points forward powerfully to the incarnation, where God literally became "God with us" (Immanuel) in the person of Jesus Christ, as prophesied in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Prophecy of Immanuel") and fulfilled in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew's Fulfillment of Immanuel"). Furthermore, the promise of being brought "again unto the land of your fathers" transcends the physical land of Canaan, finding its spiritual and eternal reality in the heavenly inheritance that Christ secures for all believers. Through Christ's atoning death and glorious resurrection, the ultimate hope beyond mortality is realized, promising not merely a return to an earthly territory, but an eternal dwelling in God's very presence, the true "land of our fathers" and the "better country" that the patriarchs longed for ([Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Faith Looking to a Heavenly Country")). Jesus is the one who leads His people into this ultimate rest and inheritance, fulfilling the deepest longings of the covenant promises and ensuring that all who are in Him will share in His glorious, eternal dwelling with God ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus Prepares a Place for Believers")).

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 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 46:4

I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up [again]: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.

Genesis 26:3

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

Genesis 28:15

And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of.

Hebrews 7:23

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:3

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.