TRV
Translation
King James Version
So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
So Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old, and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So Ioseph died, when he was an hundreth and ten yere olde: and they enbaumed him and put him in a chest in Egypt.
Young's Literal Translation
And Joseph dieth, a son of an hundred and ten years, and they embalm him, and he is put into a coffin in Egypt.
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Commentary on Genesis 50 verses 22–26
22 ¶ And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.
23 And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.
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.
25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.
26 So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.
Here is, I. The prolonging of Joseph's life in Egypt: he lived to be a hundred and ten years old, Gen 50:22. Having honoured his father, his days were long in the land which, for the present, God had given him; and it was a great mercy to his relations that God continued him so long, a support and comfort to them.
II. The building up of Joseph's family: he lived to see his great-grand-children by both his sons (Gen 50:23), and probably he saw his two sons solemnly owned as heads of distinct tribes, equal to any of his brethren. It contributes much to the comfort of aged parents if they see their posterity in a flourishing condition, especially if with it they see peace upon Israel, Psa 128:6.
III. The last will and testament of Joseph published in the presence of his brethren, when he saw his death approaching. Those that were properly his brethren perhaps were some of them dead before him, as several of them were older than he; but to those of them who yet survived, and to the sons of those who were gone, who stood up in their fathers' stead, he said this. 1. He comforted them with the assurance of their return to Canaan in due time: I die, but God will surely visit you, Gen 50:24. To this purport Jacob had spoken to him, Gen 48:21. Thus must we comfort others with the same comforts with which we ourselves have been comforted of God, and encourage them to rest on those promises which have been our support. Joseph was, under God, both the protector and the benefactor of his brethren; and what would become of them now that he was dying? Why, let this be their comfort, God will surely visit you. Note, God's gracious visits will serve to make up the loss of our best friends. They die; but we may live, and live comfortably, if we have the favour and presence of God with us. He bids them be confident: God will bring you out of this land, and therefore, (1.) They must not hope to settle there, nor look upon it as their rest for ever; they must set their hearts upon the land of promise, and call that their home. (2.) They must not fear sinking, and being ruined there; probably he foresaw the ill usage they would meet with there after his death, and therefore gives them this word of encouragement: "God will bring you in triumph out of this land at last." Herein he has an eye to the promise, Gen 15:13, Gen 15:14, and, in God's name, assures them of the performance of it. 2. For a confession of his own faith, and a confirmation of theirs, he charges them to keep him unburied till that day, that glorious day, should come, when they should be settled in the land of promise, v. 25. He makes them promise him with an oath that they would bury him in Canaan. In Egypt they buried their great men very honourably and with abundance of pomp; but Joseph prefers a significant burial in Canaan, and that deferred too almost 200 years, before a magnificent one in Egypt. Thus Joseph, by faith in the doctrine of the resurrection and the promise of Canaan, gave commandment concerning his bones, Heb 11:22. He dies in Egypt; but lays his bones at stake that God will surely visit Israel, and bring them to Canaan.
IV. The death of Joseph, and the reservation of his body for a burial in Canaan, Gen 50:26. He was put in a coffin in Egypt, but not buried till his children had received their inheritance in Canaan, Jos 24:32. Note, 1. If the separate soul, at death, do but return to its rest with God, the matter is not great though the deserted body find not at all, or not quickly, its rest in the grave. 2. Yet care ought to be taken of the dead bodies of the saints, in the belief of their resurrection; for there is a covenant with the dust, which shall be remembered, and a commandment is given concerning the bones.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 22–26. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 67.22
The text goes on: “Joseph passed away at one hundred and ten.” Why did it indicate to us his age too? For you to learn how long he had been entrusted with the control of Egypt. He was seventeen when he went down to Egypt, and it was when he reached the age of thirty that he appeared before Pharaoh and interpreted his dreams. Joseph then held complete control of Egypt for eighty years. Do you see how the rewards were greater than the hardships and the recompense manifold? For thirteen years he struggled with temptations, suffering servitude, that illicit accusation, ill treatment in prison. Since he nobly bore everything with thankfulness, accordingly he attained generous rewards even in the present life. Consider, after all, I ask you, that as a result of that short period that he endured servitude and imprisonment Joseph occupied a royal position for eighty years. For proof that it was by faith that he did all this and for the same motive gave directions about the transfer of his bones, listen to Paul’s words: “It was by faith that at the point of death Joseph gave a reminder about the exodus of the sons of Israel.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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. 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). 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). 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). 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), leading His people from spiritual bondage to their eternal home with Him.