TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 50:1–6.
Joseph is here paying his last respects to his deceased father. 1. With tears and kisses, and all the tender expressions of a filial affection, he takes leave of the deserted body, Gen 50:1. Though Jacob was old and decrepit, and must needs die in the course of nature - though he was poor comparatively, and a constant charge to his son Joseph, yet such an affection he had for a loving father, and so sensible was he of the loss of a prudent, pious, praying father, that he could not part with him without floods of tears. Note, As it is an honour to die lamented, so it is the duty of survivors to lament the death of those who have been useful in their day, though for some time they may have survived their usefulness. The departed soul is out of the reach of our tears and kisses, but with them it is proper to show our respect to the poor body, of which we look for a glorious and joyful resurrection. Thus Joseph showed his faith in God, and love to his father, by kissing his pale and cold lips, and so giving an affectionate farewell. Probably the rest of Jacob's sons did the same, much moved, no doubt, with his dying words. 2. He ordered the body to be embalmed (Gen 50:2), not only because he died in Egypt, and that was the manner of the Egyptians, but because he was to be carried to Canaan, which would be a work of time, and therefore it was necessary the body should be preserved as well as it might be from putrefaction. See how vile our bodies are, when the soul has forsaken them; without a great deal of art, and pains, and care, they will, in a very little time, become noisome. If the body have been dead four days, by that time it is offensive. 3. He observed the ceremony of solemn mourning for him, Gen 50:3. Forty days were taken up in embalming the body, which the Egyptians (they say) had an art of doing so curiously as to preserve the very features of the face unchanged; all this time, and thirty days more, seventy in all, they either confined themselves and sat solitary, or, when they went out, appeared in the habit of close mourners, according to the decent custom of the country. Even the Egyptians, many of them, out of the great respect they had for Joseph (whose good offices done for the king and country were now fresh in remembrance), put themselves into mourning for his father: as with us, when the court goes into mourning, those of the best quality do so too. About ten weeks was the court of Egypt in mourning for Jacob. Note, What they did in state, we should do in sincerity, weep with those that weep, and mourn with those that mourn, as being ourselves also in the body. 4. He asked and obtained leave of Pharaoh to go to Canaan, thither to attend the funeral of his father, Gen 50:4-6. (1.) It was a piece of necessary respect to Pharaoh that he would not go without leave; for we may suppose that, though his charge about the corn was long since over, yet he continued a prime-minister of state, and therefore would not be so long absent from his business without licence. (2.) He observed a decorum, in employing some of the royal family, or some of the officers of the household, to intercede for this licence, either because it was not proper for him in the days of his mourning to come into the presence-chamber, or because he would not presume too much upon his own interest. Note, Modesty is a great ornament to dignity. (3.) He pleaded the obligation his father had laid upon him, by an oath, to bury him in Canaan, Gen 50:5. It was not from pride or humour, but from his regard to an indispensable duty, that he desired it. All nations reckon that oaths must be performed, and the will of the dead must be observed. (4.) He promised to return: I will come again. When we return to our own houses from burying the bodies of our relations, we say, "We have left them behind;" but, if their souls have gone to our heavenly Father's house, we may say with more reason, "They have left us behind." (5.) He obtained leave (Gen 50:6): Go and bury thy father. Pharaoh was willing his business should stand still so long; but the service of Christ is more needful, and therefore he would not allow one that had work to do for him to go first and bury his father; no, Let the dead bury their dead, Mat 8:22.
Continue studying Genesis 50:1 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Genesis 50:1 captures a profoundly emotional and pivotal moment in the biblical narrative: Joseph's immediate and uninhibited reaction to the death of his beloved father, Jacob (also known as Israel). Following Jacob's final seventeen years spent under Joseph's devoted care in Egypt, this verse portrays Joseph's raw and intimate grief, setting the solemn tone for the subsequent elaborate mourning rituals and the journey to Canaan for burial.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows the solemn and prophetic scene of Jacob's final blessings upon his twelve sons, a testament to God's ongoing covenant with Abraham's descendants. Jacob's last act was to give specific instructions for his burial in the ancestral tomb at Machpelah in Canaan, underscoring the patriarch's faith in God's promises regarding the land. Joseph's emotional response in Genesis 50:1 serves as a natural and deeply human transition from Jacob's spiritual legacy to the practicalities and profound sorrow of his passing, bridging the patriarch's final words with the subsequent narrative of mourning, embalming, and the grand funeral procession back to Canaan.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the death of a patriarch was an event of immense significance, often accompanied by elaborate mourning rituals, embalming practices (especially in Egypt), and a deep respect for the deceased. Joseph's actions—falling, weeping, and kissing—were culturally appropriate expressions of profound grief and filial piety. Egyptian embalming practices, which are mentioned immediately after this verse, were a complex and lengthy process involving skilled physicians, reflecting the high status of the deceased and the deep reverence afforded to them. The intense public and private mourning for Jacob, as depicted in the following verses, aligns with the cultural expectations for a figure of his stature.
Key Themes
Genesis 50:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates the theme of filial love and devotion, showcasing the deep bond between Joseph and Jacob, a relationship that had been miraculously restored after decades of separation and hardship, as seen in their emotional reunion in Genesis 46:29. Furthermore, it highlights the humanity of biblical figures, reminding readers that even great leaders and men of faith like Joseph experienced profound human emotions, including sorrow and loss. This moment also subtly underscores the theme of divine providence, as Joseph's presence at Jacob's deathbed fulfills God's earlier promise to Jacob that Joseph would indeed "close your eyes" (Genesis 46:4).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies "to fall," but in a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, it conveys more than a mere physical descent; it suggests a collapse, an overwhelming physical manifestation of profound emotional distress. Joseph did not merely bend or kneel; he "fell upon" his father's face, indicating an immediate, visceral, and all-consuming grief that rendered him unable to stand upright in the face of such loss.
A primitive root meaning "to weep" or "to bemoan." This word often describes intense, unrestrained, and audible weeping, indicating a deep outpouring of sorrow. It is not a quiet shedding of tears but a lamentation that expresses profound anguish and mourning, reflecting the depth of Joseph's personal connection to his father and the magnitude of his loss.
A primitive root meaning "to kiss," literally or figuratively. This act, following the falling and weeping, signifies a tender farewell, a final, intimate gesture of affection, reverence, and respect. It seals the restored relationship between father and son with a profound act of love, marking the ultimate closure and peace found in their reconciliation.
Verse Breakdown
"And Joseph fell upon his father's face"
This clause vividly portrays the immediate and overwhelming nature of Joseph's grief. The act of "falling upon" suggests a complete physical surrender to emotion, an intimate embrace that also conveys profound reverence and sorrow. It indicates Joseph's desire for one last, close connection with his deceased father, perhaps laying his own face against Jacob's.
"and wept upon him"
This phrase emphasizes the uninhibited outpouring of Joseph's sorrow. The weeping was not merely a private moment but an intense, perhaps audible, expression of grief that occurred directly upon his father's body, signifying deep personal anguish and lamentation over the loss of his patriarch.
"and kissed him"
This final action in the verse is a tender and poignant act of farewell. It signifies deep affection, respect, and a final, loving tribute. In ancient cultures, a kiss could convey honor, loyalty, and deep personal bond, making this gesture a powerful symbol of Joseph's enduring love and the peace of their reconciled relationship.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of Joseph's emotion. Pathos is immediately evident, as the raw depiction of Joseph's grief evokes a strong emotional response in the reader. The actions described—falling, weeping, and kissing—create vivid Imagery, allowing the audience to visualize the scene and feel the weight of Joseph's sorrow. The sequence of these actions also functions as a form of Climax, building from an initial physical collapse to an intense emotional outpouring, culminating in a tender, final act of affection. Furthermore, the very specificity of Joseph's actions, touching his father's face, emphasizes the intimacy and personal nature of his loss, highlighting the profound Symbolism of a final, physical connection with the deceased patriarch.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Joseph's unreserved display of grief in Genesis 50:1 is a profound testament to the depth of human love and the validity of sorrow in the face of loss. It underscores that even figures of immense faith and strength, like Joseph, are permitted and expected to experience and express deep emotion. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the preciousness of family bonds and the ultimate peace found in reconciliation, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. The scene also subtly points to God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises, as Joseph's presence at Jacob's deathbed was a divine assurance given to Jacob upon his descent into Egypt.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 50:1 offers timeless insights into the universal human experience of loss and the profound importance of cherishing our relationships. Joseph's unreserved expression of grief—falling, weeping, and kissing his deceased father—validates the human need to mourn. It reminds us that there is no shame in deep sorrow when experiencing loss; rather, it is a natural, necessary, and even sacred part of the healing process. This verse also powerfully underscores the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness within families, as the profound love shared between Joseph and Jacob, despite their turbulent past, highlights the enduring power of restored relationships and the peace found in genuine affection. Joseph's raw emotion encourages believers to be honest with their feelings, to allow themselves to grieve fully, and to understand that even strong leaders and people of faith are permitted to show vulnerability in times of personal sorrow, mirroring the compassion of God Himself.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Joseph's grief so profound after so many years of separation from his father?
Joseph's profound grief, expressed through falling, weeping, and kissing, signifies the culmination of a long and complex relationship that had finally achieved full reconciliation. Despite decades apart, their reunion in Egypt was deeply cherished, and Joseph had devoted himself to caring for his father in his final years. His sorrow reflects not merely the loss of a parent, but the finality of a deeply restored relationship, the end of a significant patriarchal era, and the deep love and respect he held for Jacob as the bearer of God's covenant promises. This was the patriarch of his family, the one through whom the promises to Abraham and Isaac were passed, and Joseph's grief was commensurate with the magnitude of this loss.
What do Joseph's actions (falling, weeping, kissing) signify in this context?
Joseph's actions are highly symbolic and convey deep, uninhibited emotion. "Falling upon his father's face" indicates overwhelming sorrow and an intimate, final embrace, a physical collapse mirroring his emotional state. "Wept upon him" (Hebrew bâkâh) denotes an unrestrained, intense outpouring of grief, common in ancient Near Eastern mourning practices, signifying profound personal loss and lamentation. "Kissed him" (Hebrew nâshaq) is a tender act of farewell, affection, reverence, and respect, marking a final, loving tribute to his deceased father and sealing their reconciled relationship with a gesture of ultimate devotion. Together, these actions illustrate the depth of Joseph's filial love and the raw, uninhibited nature of his grief.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joseph's profound grief and tender farewell to Jacob in Genesis 50:1 powerfully foreshadow the deep humanity and boundless compassion of Christ. Just as Joseph, a figure of great authority and strength in Egypt, openly wept, so too did Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrate profound human emotion, famously weeping at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35), validating the human experience of sorrow and loss. This shows that grief is not incompatible with divine purpose or perfect love. Furthermore, Joseph's complete reconciliation with his father, culminating in this poignant moment of love and peace, points to the ultimate reconciliation achieved through Christ. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus brings humanity into a reconciled relationship with God the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), fulfilling the deepest longings for peace, reunion, and eternal fellowship that human relationships, even the most loving and restored, can only imperfectly reflect. Joseph's final, tender kiss upon his father's face anticipates the ultimate reunion believers will experience with God in Christ, where every tear will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4).