Genesis 50:26

KJV

So Joseph died, [being] an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Joseph {H3130} died {H4191}, being an hundred {H3967} and ten {H6235} years {H8141} old {H1121}: and they embalmed {H2590} him, and he was put {H3455} in a coffin {H727} in Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Yosef died at the age of 110, and they embalmed him and put him in a coffin in Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

So Joseph died at the age of 110. And they embalmed his body and placed it in a coffin in Egypt.

American Standard Version

So Joseph died, being a hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 50:26 brings the foundational book of the Bible to a poignant close, detailing the death of Joseph at the venerable age of 110, his subsequent embalming, and his placement in a coffin in Egypt. This final verse not only marks the end of the patriarchal era but also serves as a powerful testament to Joseph's enduring faith in God's covenant promises, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative of Israel's sojourn and eventual exodus from Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 50:26 serves as the concluding verse of the entire Book of Genesis, providing a definitive end to the patriarchal narratives that began with Abraham in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Abraham's Call and Covenant"). Following the reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers, the blessing of Jacob's sons, and Jacob's death and burial in Canaan, this verse shifts the focus back to Joseph, whose life has dominated the latter portion of Genesis from [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal") onwards. It acts as a bridge, concluding the story of the patriarchs while simultaneously foreshadowing the long period of Israelite sojourn in Egypt and their eventual deliverance, which will be the central theme of the subsequent book, Exodus. The verse directly follows Joseph's final instructions to his brothers, recorded in [Genesis 50:25](/genesis/50-25 "Joseph's Oath Regarding His Bones"), where he makes them swear an oath to carry his bones out of Egypt when God visits them to bring them to the Promised Land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of embalming and placing the deceased in a coffin was deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian funerary customs, reflecting their elaborate beliefs about the afterlife and the preservation of the body for eternity. Given Joseph's elevated status as vizier, second only to Pharaoh, his embalming would have been a meticulous and prestigious process, likely taking up to 70 days, as was typical for high-ranking officials. This act, though Egyptian in custom, was performed on a Hebrew patriarch, highlighting the unique position Joseph held within Egyptian society. The mention of "Egypt" as the place of his burial underscores the reality that the nascent nation of Israel was now firmly established within this foreign land, preparing for a long period of growth before their divine liberation.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse encapsulates several key themes woven throughout Genesis. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Enduring Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating how God meticulously orchestrates events, even death, to fulfill His long-term plans for His people. Joseph's life, marked by suffering, elevation, and leadership, consistently showcased God's hand at work, turning evil into good ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Providence in Joseph's Story")). Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Joseph's Unwavering Faith and Hope** in God's covenant promises. Despite his success and integration into Egyptian society, Joseph's final request to be buried in Canaan, as recorded in [Genesis 50:25](/genesis/50-25 "Joseph's Final Request"), reveals his spiritual allegiance to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). This act of faith, looking beyond his earthly dwelling to a future inheritance, is later commended in [Hebrews 11:22](/hebrews/11-22 "Joseph's Faith Commended"). Finally, the verse marks the **Transition from Patriarchal Narratives to National Identity**, signaling the end of the individual family stories and the impending emergence of Israel as a distinct nation, poised for the Exodus.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** From the root meaning "let him add," Joseph (H3130) is the name of the central figure in the latter half of Genesis. His name is prophetic of his life's trajectory, as God continually "added" blessing, wisdom, and responsibility to him, culminating in his role as a preserver of life for his family and for Egypt. His death marks the end of an era defined by his extraordinary life and divine favor.
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This primitive root (H4191) signifies "to die" literally or figuratively, or causatively "to kill." In this context, it marks the physical cessation of life for Joseph. The simplicity of the word belies the profound significance of his passing, bringing to a close a life that exemplified divine providence and human faithfulness.
* **embalmed (Hebrew, _chânaṭ'_):** This primitive root (H2590) means "to spice," "to embalm," or "to ripen." Here, it specifically refers to the process of mummification, a highly specialized and ceremonial practice in ancient Egypt. Joseph's embalming signifies the immense honor and respect accorded to him by the Egyptians, reflecting his unparalleled status as vizier, while also serving the practical purpose of preserving his body until its eventual removal to Canaan.
* **coffin (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** This word (H727) refers to a "box," "chest," or "ark." While commonly translated "coffin" here, it is notably the same Hebrew word used for the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred container. This linguistic choice might subtly elevate the significance of Joseph's resting place, hinting at his enduring importance within God's covenant plan, even in death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Joseph died, [being] an hundred and ten years old:"** This clause states the definitive end of Joseph's earthly life and his age at death. The age of 110 years was considered an ideal and blessed lifespan in ancient Egypt, often associated with a full and prosperous life. For Joseph, this longevity underscores God's sustained favor and blessing throughout his remarkable journey, from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt. It signifies a life fully lived in God's providence, culminating in peace and the completion of his earthly purpose.
* **"and they embalmed him,"** This phrase describes the act of mummification performed on Joseph's body. As the vizier of Egypt, Joseph would have received the most elaborate and respectful embalming process, involving a lengthy procedure (up to 70 days) to preserve his body. This practice, though Egyptian in origin, was crucial for Joseph's specific request: to have his bones preserved until they could be carried out of Egypt to the Promised Land, as he had commanded his brothers in [Genesis 50:25](/genesis/50-25 "Joseph's Final Request").
* **"and he was put in a coffin in Egypt."** This final clause specifies the immediate resting place for Joseph's preserved body. The use of the Hebrew word _'arōn_ (coffin/ark) for his container is significant, subtly elevating its status. While his body remained in Egypt, this placement was temporary, a testament to his faith that God would indeed "visit" His people and lead them out. This act of faith, looking beyond his death to the fulfillment of God's promises, is later celebrated in [Hebrews 11:22](/hebrews/11-22 "Joseph's Faith in Hebrews"), and his bones were indeed carried out by Moses nearly four centuries later, as recorded in [Exodus 13:19](/exodus/13-19 "Moses Carries Joseph's Bones").

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Joseph's temporary burial in Egypt, with the explicit instruction for his bones to be carried out, powerfully anticipates the future Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. This act sets the stage for the next major phase of God's redemptive plan. There is also a subtle **irony** in Joseph, a man who became the savior of Egypt, choosing not to be permanently buried in the land where he achieved such greatness, but rather to await transport to the land of promise, demonstrating his true allegiance. Furthermore, the use of the word _'arōn_ for "coffin" carries **symbolism**, as it is the same term used for the sacred Ark of the Covenant. This linguistic choice subtly imbues Joseph's coffin with a sense of importance and sacredness, underscoring his pivotal role in the unfolding divine narrative and his connection to God's covenant promises, even in death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 50:26 serves as a powerful theological capstone to the book, marking the end of the patriarchal era and the definitive establishment of Israel within Egypt, setting the stage for their growth into a nation and their eventual exodus. Joseph's death, though a natural end to a remarkable life, is imbued with profound spiritual significance, primarily highlighting his unwavering faith in God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. Despite his immense power and prestige in Egypt, Joseph's final request to have his bones carried out of Egypt when God "visits" His people demonstrates his conviction that Egypt was not their permanent home, and God's faithfulness would ultimately lead them to their promised inheritance. This act of faith underscores God's meticulous providence, working through generations to fulfill His redemptive plan, ensuring that His people, though seemingly settled in a foreign land, remained focused on their ultimate destiny.

* [Genesis 50:25](/genesis/50-25 "Joseph's Final Request to His Brothers")
* [Exodus 13:19](/exodus/13-19 "Moses Carries Joseph's Bones from Egypt")
* [Hebrews 11:22](/hebrews/11-22 "Joseph's Faith Regarding the Exodus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's death and temporary burial in Egypt, coupled with his unwavering faith in God's future deliverance of his people, offer profound lessons for believers today. We are called to live with a steadfast hope in God's promises, even when their full realization seems distant or when our circumstances appear contrary to His plan. Joseph's legacy extends beyond his lifetime, demonstrating that our actions, faithfulness, and witness can have a lasting impact across generations, testifying to God's enduring faithfulness. Furthermore, the centuries-long delay in Joseph's bones reaching the Promised Land highlights God's perfect timing and sovereignty; He works out His purposes in His own way and time, often over long periods, requiring patience, trust, and an eternal perspective from His people. We, too, are often called to live in a "foreign land" (this world) while our true home and inheritance await. Joseph's example encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting that God will bring all His promises to fruition in His perfect timing, even if we do not see their full realization in our lifetime. Our faith, like Joseph's, should anchor us to God's future plans, not merely our present circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's final act of faith challenge my own trust in God's promises, especially when their fulfillment seems distant or delayed?**
* **In what ways am I living as a "sojourner" in this world, with my ultimate hope fixed on God's eternal promises rather than earthly comforts?**
* **What legacy of faith am I building that might impact future generations, even beyond my lifetime?**

### FAQ
**Why was Joseph embalmed if he was a Hebrew, not an Egyptian?**

Answer: Joseph was embalmed primarily due to his exceptionally high status as the vizier of Egypt. While embalming was a distinct Egyptian practice, it was a profound sign of honor and respect bestowed upon him by the Egyptians, reflecting his immense contribution to their nation. Furthermore, Joseph's embalming served a crucial practical and theological purpose for his family: it preserved his body until the time came for his bones to be carried out of Egypt to the Promised Land, as he had commanded in [Genesis 50:25](/genesis/50-25 "Joseph's Final Request"). This preservation was a testament to his faith in God's future deliverance of Israel.

**What is the significance of Joseph's age at death, 110 years old?**

Answer: In ancient Egyptian culture, 110 years was considered the ideal lifespan, a symbol of a complete, blessed, and prosperous life, often associated with divine favor and wisdom. For Joseph, this age signifies that he lived a full and divinely purposed life, marked by extraordinary trials and triumphs, culminating in peace. His longevity underscores God's blessing and faithfulness throughout his journey, affirming that he died having seen God's faithfulness to his family and the initial stages of the covenant promise to make them a great nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's death, temporary burial in Egypt, and the anticipation of his bones being carried to the Promised Land powerfully foreshadow the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the ultimate hope of believers. Joseph's faith in a future deliverance for his people, even beyond his own life, points to Christ's ultimate work of delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and death through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Christ's Love and Our Justification")). Just as Joseph's body lay in a coffin in Egypt, a temporary resting place, awaiting a journey to the promised inheritance, Christ's body lay in the tomb, a temporary resting place, before His glorious resurrection on the third day ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Gospel: Christ's Death, Burial, and Resurrection")). His resurrection secured for all who believe their eternal inheritance in the true Promised Land—heaven, the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "The New Heaven and New Earth")). Joseph's story is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, culminating in Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")), leading His people from spiritual bondage to their eternal home with Him.

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 50:22

¶ And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.

Genesis 47:9

And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage [are] an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.

Genesis 47:28

And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years.

Genesis 50:2

And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel.

Genesis 50:3

And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days.

Joshua 24:29

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, [being] an hundred and ten years old.