Genesis 49:29

KJV

And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that [is] in the field of Ephron the Hittite,

KJV (with Strong's)

And he charged {H6680} them, and said {H559} unto them, I am to be gathered {H622} unto my people {H5971}: bury {H6912} me with my fathers {H1} in the cave {H4631} that is in the field {H7704} of Ephron {H6085} the Hittite {H2850},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he charged them as follows: "I am to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my ancestors in the cave that is in the field of 'Efron the Hitti,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jacob instructed them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite.

American Standard Version

And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 49:29 records Jacob's final, solemn directive to his sons concerning his burial. From his deathbed in Egypt, he commands them to inter him with his patriarchal ancestors—Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah—in the sacred Cave of Machpelah in Canaan. This instruction profoundly underscores Jacob's unwavering faith in God's covenant promise of the land, his deep reverence for his family's spiritual heritage, and a foundational biblical understanding of death as a peaceful gathering to one's spiritual forebears.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic final chapter of Jacob's life, [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Blessings and Death"). Having delivered prophetic blessings and pronouncements upon each of his twelve sons, Jacob now turns to his most personal and final instruction: his burial. This command serves as the immediate precursor to his death, detailed in [Genesis 49:33](/genesis/49-33 "Genesis 49:33 - Jacob's Death"), and is subsequently fulfilled by Joseph and his brothers in [Genesis 50:1-14](/genesis/50-1-14 "Genesis 50:1-14 - Jacob's Burial"). The placement of this directive at the very end of his life highlights its profound importance to Jacob, tying his earthly existence directly to the promises of God and the lineage of faith. It echoes his earlier, fervent request to Joseph in [Genesis 47:29-31](/genesis/47-29-31 "Genesis 47:29-31 - Jacob's Oath from Joseph").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, burial practices were deeply significant, often reflecting status, family identity, and religious beliefs. Ancestral tombs, like the Cave of Machpelah, were highly valued as permanent resting places that signified continuity of lineage and a connection to the land. For the patriarchs, who were sojourners, the possession of a burial plot in Canaan was a tangible assertion of their claim to the promised land, even before its full inheritance. The mention of "Ephron the Hittite" harks back to Abraham's meticulous purchase of this land from the Hittites in [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - Abraham Buys the Cave of Machpelah"), emphasizing the legal and historical legitimacy of the family's claim to this sacred burial site. The idiom "gathered unto my people" was a common expression for death, understood as a peaceful transition to the realm of the deceased ancestors, implying a spiritual continuity beyond the physical grave.
* **Key Themes:** Jacob's instruction powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the patriarchal narratives. Foremost is the **Covenant Faithfulness** of God, as Jacob's insistence on burial in Canaan demonstrates his unwavering belief in the divine promise of the land, despite dying in Egypt. This act also underscores the **Importance of Heritage and Lineage**, connecting Jacob's descendants to the historical roots of God's redemptive plan through Abraham and Isaac. The concept of being "gathered unto my people" illuminates the **Biblical View of Death**, presenting it not as an annihilation but as a transition and reunion. Finally, the **Symbolism of the Land** is prominent; Canaan is not merely a geographical location but a tangible representation of God's faithfulness, His ultimate provision, and the promised rest for His people, a theme that resonates throughout the Pentateuch and beyond, as seen in the later journey to the [Promised Land](/numbers/33 "Numbers 33 - Stages of Israel's Journey").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **charged (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_ - H6680):** This primitive root means "(intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order." Here, it signifies a solemn, authoritative command given by Jacob, not merely a request. It conveys the weight and binding nature of his final instructions to his sons, indicating a directive that must be faithfully executed.
* **gathered (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_ - H622):** A primitive root meaning "to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)." In this context, when combined with "unto my people," it forms a common biblical idiom for death, implying a peaceful collection or reception into the company of deceased ancestors. It suggests a spiritual transition and reunion, distinct from the physical act of burial.
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_ - H5971):** From a root meaning "to be congregated," this word refers to "a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock." In the phrase "unto my people," it refers to the collective body of his deceased ancestors, particularly those who shared in the covenant promises, such as Abraham and Isaac. It emphasizes the communal aspect of death and the continuity of the covenant family.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he charged them, and said unto them,"**: This opening phrase establishes the authoritative and deliberate nature of Jacob's words. The verb "charged" (H6680, _tsâvâh'_) indicates a formal, binding command, not a casual request. As the dying patriarch, Jacob's words carried immense weight and were expected to be honored with utmost fidelity by his sons.
* **"I am to be gathered unto my people:"**: This is a profound biblical idiom for death, signifying more than just the physical act of dying. The Hebrew verb "gathered" (H622, _ʼâçaph'_) implies a peaceful transition and a spiritual reunion with the assembly of one's deceased ancestors. It suggests a belief in a conscious existence beyond the grave and a continuity of fellowship with the righteous who have passed on, as seen also in the death of [Abraham](/genesis/25-8 "Genesis 25:8 - Abraham gathered to his people").
* **"bury me with my fathers in the cave that [is] in the field of Ephron the Hittite,"**: Following the spiritual declaration, Jacob gives precise instructions for his physical interment. "My fathers" specifically refers to Abraham and Isaac, who were already buried in the Cave of Machpelah. This cave, located in the "field of Ephron the Hittite" near Hebron, was the ancestral burial ground purchased by [Abraham](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah"). It was already the resting place for Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah. Jacob's insistence on being buried there underscores his deep connection to his lineage and, more significantly, his unwavering faith in the covenant promise of the land of Canaan, even while he was dying in Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Idiom** "gathered unto my people," which is a euphemistic expression for death found throughout the Old Testament. This idiom conveys a sense of peaceful transition and spiritual continuity, suggesting a reunion with one's ancestors in the afterlife rather than mere cessation of existence. Furthermore, Jacob's command serves as a powerful act of **Symbolism**, where his desired burial place in the Cave of Machpelah in Canaan symbolizes his enduring faith in God's covenant promise of the land to his descendants. Despite being in Egypt, his final act anchors his family's future to the promised inheritance. The **Repetition** of this burial request (first to Joseph in [Genesis 47:29-31](/genesis/47-29-31 "Genesis 47:29-31 - Jacob's earlier burial request")) emphasizes its critical importance to Jacob, highlighting his deep conviction and the weight he placed upon this final testament of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's deathbed command is a profound testament to his unwavering faith in God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of the land of Canaan. Despite having spent his final years in Egypt, his heart remained fixed on the ancestral land, signifying that God's word transcends immediate circumstances and human lifespans. His desire to be buried with his fathers in the Cave of Machpelah underscores the deep importance of lineage and continuity within the covenant community, demonstrating that the promises of God are generational. The idiom "gathered unto my people" also offers a comforting biblical perspective on death, portraying it not as an ultimate end but as a transition and a reunion, implying a conscious existence beyond the grave and a spiritual communion with the righteous who have gone before. This act of faith served as a powerful, tangible witness to his sons, reinforcing their identity as heirs of the promise and future inhabitants of the land.

* [Genesis 15:15](/genesis/15-15 "Genesis 15:15 - Abraham gathered to his people")
* [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah")
* [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Hebrews 11:13-16 - The Faith of the Patriarchs Looking for a Better Country")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 49:29 offers timeless insights into the nature of faith, legacy, and the hope found in a biblical understanding of death. Jacob's final act serves as a powerful example of unwavering trust in God's promises, even when their full realization seems distant or when one's present circumstances appear to contradict them. This challenges believers today to cultivate a similar steadfast faith, anchoring our hope not in visible realities but in the unchanging word of God. Furthermore, Jacob's deep connection to his ancestral heritage and his desire to be buried with his fathers prompts us to consider the spiritual legacy we are building and passing on to future generations. What values, truths, and commitments are we modeling that will endure beyond our lifetime? Finally, the comforting concept of being "gathered unto my people" provides a profound perspective on death, transforming it from a feared ending into a hopeful transition and a reunion with the communion of saints, offering solace and assurance to those who grieve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate unwavering faith in God's promises, even when their fulfillment seems distant or uncertain?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are you actively building and hoping to pass on to future generations?**
* **How does the biblical concept of being "gathered unto my people" shape your understanding of death and the hope you have beyond this life?**
* **How can remembering the faith of those who have gone before you (ancestors, spiritual mentors) strengthen your own walk with God?**

### FAQ
**What is the meaning of "gathered unto my people"?**

Answer: The phrase "gathered unto my people" is a significant biblical idiom for death, found frequently in the Old Testament (e.g., [Genesis 25:8](/genesis/25-8 "Genesis 25:8 - Abraham gathered to his people")). It signifies a peaceful passing and a spiritual reunion with one's deceased ancestors. This idiom implies a belief in a conscious existence beyond physical death, where the soul joins the assembly of those who have gone before, distinct from the physical act of burial. It speaks to a continuity of identity and fellowship within the spiritual community of the righteous.

**Why was Jacob's burial in Canaan so crucial to him?**

Answer: Jacob's insistence on being buried in Canaan, specifically the Cave of Machpelah, was profoundly crucial for several reasons. Primarily, it was a powerful act of faith in God's covenant promise of the land to Abraham, Isaac, and himself ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). By requesting burial there, Jacob was making a symbolic and prophetic gesture, demonstrating his unwavering belief that his descendants would one day inherit the promised land, even though they were currently sojourning in Egypt. It served as a tangible link to the covenant and a testament to future generations that the land was their divine inheritance. Furthermore, it underscored the importance of family heritage and the continuity of the covenant lineage, as the cave was already the sacred resting place of his most revered ancestors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's longing to be "gathered unto his people" and buried in the promised land of Canaan finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jacob yearned for an earthly inheritance and a reunion with his physical ancestors in a specific geographical location, Christ offers a heavenly inheritance and an eternal spiritual gathering into the very family of God. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the power of death, transforming it from a mere "gathering to one's people" into a glorious transition into His presence ([Philippians 1:21-23](/philippians/1-21-23 "Philippians 1:21-23 - To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain")). Believers in Christ are not merely gathered to their physical forebears but are spiritually united with Christ and brought into the true "land of promise"—the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). He is the ultimate heir of all promises, and in Him, the deepest human longings for a secure homeland and eternal fellowship are perfectly realized, transcending the earthly boundaries of Canaan and the limitations of physical death ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - The Patriarchs Desired a Heavenly Country")). In Christ, we are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - 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.

Cross-References

Genesis 50:13

For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.

Genesis 47:30

But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.

Genesis 15:15

And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

Romans 12:6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

2 Samuel 19:37

Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, [and be buried] by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

Genesis 35:29

And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, [being] old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.