Genesis 48:8

KJV

¶ And Israel beheld Joseph's sons, and said, Who [are] these?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Israel {H3478} beheld {H7200} Joseph's {H3130} sons {H1121}, and said {H559}, Who are these?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Isra'el noticed Yosef's sons and asked, "Whose are these?"

Berean Standard Bible

When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?”

American Standard Version

And Israel beheld Joseph’s sons, and said, Who are these?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 48:8 poignantly captures the aged patriarch Jacob, now bearing the revered name Israel, as his failing eyesight leads him to inquire about the identity of the two figures accompanying Joseph. This moment underscores Jacob's physical vulnerability yet highlights his enduring spiritual authority, setting the stage for a pivotal patriarchal blessing that will integrate the next generation into the covenant lineage and shape the future tribal landscape of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 48 is strategically placed within the final chapters of Genesis, which recount Jacob's last days and his blessings upon his sons, establishing the foundational narratives for the twelve tribes of Israel. The immediate context of [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons") begins with Joseph being informed of his father's illness, prompting him to bring his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to Jacob. This verse, Genesis 48:8, marks the moment Jacob perceives their presence but, due to his poor vision, cannot identify them, leading to his direct inquiry. This interaction serves as the narrative pivot, allowing Joseph to formally present his sons, thus enabling Jacob to bestow the significant blessing that follows, which elevates Manasseh and Ephraim to the status of full tribal founders alongside Jacob's own direct sons. The scene sets up the dramatic reversal of the blessing in [Genesis 48:13-20](/genesis/48-13-20 "Jacob's Blessing and the Reversal of Hands"), where the younger Ephraim receives the primary blessing, a recurring theme in Genesis.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds in Egypt, where Jacob and his family have resided for seventeen years following their migration during the famine, as detailed in [Genesis 47:28](/genesis/47-28 "Jacob's Years in Egypt"). Patriarchal blessings were a profoundly significant cultural practice in the ancient Near East, carrying legal, social, and spiritual weight. These blessings often determined inheritance, status, and future destiny within the family and clan. The act of a dying patriarch bestowing a blessing was considered an authoritative and binding declaration, often believed to be divinely inspired. Jacob's advanced age and failing eyesight, explicitly mentioned in [Genesis 48:10](/genesis/48-10 "Jacob's Failing Eyesight"), were common realities of the time, emphasizing his physical frailty. However, his spiritual authority remained undiminished, allowing him to act as the conduit for God's covenant promises. The importance of lineage and the continuation of the family name were paramount, making the adoption and blessing of Joseph's sons a critical moment for the nascent nation of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Divine Sovereignty** is evident, as God's plan for the covenant people continues to unfold despite human frailty, seen in Jacob's physical decline. The **Continuity of the Covenant** is paramount; the blessing ensures that the promises made to Abraham and Isaac are passed down to the next generation, expanding the covenant family through the adoption of Joseph's sons, as outlined in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abram"). The **Significance of Blessing** is highlighted, demonstrating its power to shape destiny and establish identity within the covenant community. The **Theme of Adoption and Inclusion** is also prominent, as Manasseh and Ephraim are formally brought into the direct lineage of Israel, receiving an inheritance equal to Jacob's own sons. Finally, the **Contrast of Physical Weakness and Spiritual Strength** is powerfully portrayed, showing that God's purposes are not contingent on human perfection but can be manifested through human limitations, as Jacob's spiritual insight remains sharp even as his physical sight fails.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yisrâʼêl'_):** From the root meaning "he will rule as God," this is the symbolic name given to Jacob after his wrestling match with God in [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob's Name Change to Israel"). Its use here emphasizes Jacob's transformed identity and his role as the patriarch through whom God's covenant promises are being fulfilled, even in his physical decline. The name signifies his unique relationship with the divine and his enduring spiritual authority.
* **beheld (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to see," used literally or figuratively. In this context, it denotes Jacob's physical act of looking, but the subsequent question "Who are these?" immediately qualifies this "beholding" as impaired vision. It implies an effort to discern rather than a clear perception, setting the stage for the revelation of Joseph's sons.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From a root meaning "to build" (of the family name), referring to a male offspring in the widest sense. Here, it specifically refers to Joseph's two biological sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, whose presence is crucial for the impending patriarchal blessing and their formal integration into the tribal structure of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And Israel beheld Joseph's sons,"**: This opening clause introduces Jacob, now identified by his divinely bestowed name "Israel," as the subject of the action. The verb "beheld" suggests an attempt to see or discern. The object of his gaze is "Joseph's sons," indicating their presence before him, though their identity is not yet clear to the aged patriarch. The paragraph marker (¶) in the KJV often signifies a new section or thought, highlighting the importance of this moment.
* **"and said,"**: This simple conjunction and verb indicate Jacob's immediate verbal response to what he perceives. It sets up his direct inquiry, revealing his confusion due to his impaired vision. This spoken word is the catalyst for the subsequent dialogue and the unfolding of the blessing.
* **"Who [are] these?"**: This direct interrogative, "מִי אֵלֶּה" (mi elleh) in Hebrew, is a straightforward question of identification. It confirms Jacob's inability to clearly see and recognize the individuals with Joseph. This question is not merely a sign of physical frailty but serves a crucial narrative function, prompting Joseph to introduce his sons formally, thereby enabling Jacob to proceed with the significant act of blessing them and incorporating them into the covenant family.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony**, as Jacob, whose name "Israel" signifies one who "strives with God" and has profound spiritual insight, is physically unable to discern those directly before him. This highlights the contrast between physical limitation and spiritual clarity. **Foreshadowing** is also present, as Jacob's question sets the stage for the profound and pivotal blessing that will follow, determining the future tribal lineages of Israel. The scene also utilizes **Pathos** by emphasizing Jacob's advanced age and failing senses, evoking sympathy and underscoring the poignant nature of his final acts as patriarch. The simple, direct question itself acts as a **Dramatic Device**, creating a moment of suspense and immediately drawing the reader into the scene, anticipating Joseph's response and the subsequent events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 48:8, though brief, is rich with theological significance, underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant promises even through the frailty of His human instruments. Jacob's physical weakness does not impede the divine plan; rather, it highlights the sovereign nature of God's work, which transcends human limitations. The verse initiates the process of formally integrating Joseph's sons into the covenant family, ensuring the continuation and expansion of the lineage from which the nation of Israel would spring. This act of adoption and blessing is a testament to God's commitment to His people across generations, demonstrating how His promises are faithfully passed down and enlarged. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual legacy and the transmission of faith within the family unit, a pattern for God's people throughout history.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Promise to Abram") - God promises to make Abraham a great nation and to bless those who bless him, a promise extended through Jacob to his descendants.
* [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Not all Israel is Israel") - Paul clarifies that not all who are descended from Israel are truly Israel, emphasizing the spiritual nature of God's chosen people, foreshadowed by the adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh.
* [Hebrews 11:21](/hebrews/11-21 "Jacob's Faith in Blessing Joseph's Sons") - This verse in the "faith hall of fame" specifically commends Jacob's faith in blessing Joseph's sons, despite his physical condition, demonstrating the spiritual significance of his actions.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 48:8 offers a powerful lesson on the enduring value of spiritual legacy and the ways God works through human weakness. Jacob's failing eyesight reminds us that physical limitations are a natural part of life, particularly in old age, but they do not diminish our capacity for spiritual impact or our role in God's unfolding plan. We are called to recognize and honor the wisdom and spiritual authority of our elders, understanding that their contributions, even in frailty, can be profoundly significant in passing on faith and blessings to the next generation. This passage encourages us to be intentional about spiritual mentorship and the transmission of our faith heritage within our families and communities. It challenges us to look beyond physical appearances and perceive the spiritual realities at play, trusting that God can use us, regardless of our physical state, to fulfill His purposes and extend His covenant promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's physical frailty in this verse challenge our perceptions of strength and weakness in spiritual leadership?**
* **In what ways are we called to be intentional about passing on a spiritual legacy to the next generation, mirroring Jacob's actions?**
* **How can we better honor and learn from the wisdom and spiritual contributions of the elderly in our lives and communities?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jacob's eyesight mentioned so prominently in this chapter?**

Answer: Jacob's failing eyesight is a significant detail emphasized throughout [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons"), particularly in [Genesis 48:10](/genesis/48-10 "Jacob's Failing Eyesight"), to highlight his advanced age and physical frailty. This physical limitation explains why he initially cannot discern Joseph's sons and must ask "Who are these?". The emphasis on his physical weakness serves to contrast with his enduring spiritual authority, demonstrating that God's work and the transmission of His covenant promises are not hindered by human limitations but can be powerfully manifested through them.

**What is the significance of Jacob asking "Who are these?"**

Answer: Jacob's question, "Who are these?", serves multiple crucial purposes in the narrative. Dramatically, it underscores his diminished vision and sets a poignant tone for the scene, highlighting his vulnerability. More importantly, it prompts Joseph to formally present his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, by name. This formal introduction is a necessary precursor to Jacob's pivotal patriarchal blessing, which will formally adopt them into the covenant family of Israel and grant them tribal status equal to Jacob's own direct sons, as detailed in [Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5-6 "Joseph's Sons Adopted by Jacob"). Thus, the question is the gateway to a profound act of covenant continuation.

**Why is Jacob referred to as "Israel" in this verse?**

Answer: Jacob was given the name "Israel" by God Himself after wrestling with a divine being in [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob's Name Change to Israel"), a name signifying "he strives with God" or "God strives." His consistent identification as "Israel" in this chapter, even as his physical body weakens, is highly significant. It emphasizes his transformed spiritual identity and his unique role as the patriarch through whom God's covenant promises are being fulfilled. It underscores that his spiritual authority and his covenant relationship with God remain intact and active, even in his final days, making his blessings profoundly authoritative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 48:8, with Jacob's failing physical sight and his subsequent act of blessing Joseph's sons, profoundly foreshadows aspects of Christ's redemptive work. Jacob's physical blindness stands in stark contrast to Jesus, who is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), possessing perfect spiritual insight and divine knowledge, seeing and knowing all things without any physical or spiritual limitation. The adoption and blessing of Manasseh and Ephraim into the covenant family of Israel prefigure the ultimate spiritual adoption and blessing offered through Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice, believers from all nations, regardless of their physical lineage, are adopted into God's family, becoming spiritual heirs to the promises made to Abraham, as articulated by Paul in [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise"). Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all patriarchal blessings, the one through whom all nations are blessed, and the one who establishes a spiritual lineage that transcends physical boundaries, bringing all who believe into the true Israel of God, the church, His body, as seen in [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints").

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.