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.

And forty {H705} days {H3117} were fulfilled {H4390} for him; for so are fulfilled {H4390} the days {H3117} of those which are embalmed {H2590}: and the Egyptians {H4714} mourned {H1058} for him threescore and ten {H7657} days {H3117}.

Forty days were spent at this, the normal amount of time for embalming. Then the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.

taking the forty days required to complete the embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.

And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of embalming: and the Egyptians wept for him threescore and ten days.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 50:3

This verse describes the immediate aftermath of Jacob's death in Egypt, following his request to be buried in the land of Canaan. Jacob had made his son Joseph promise to bury him with his fathers. Joseph, now a powerful ruler in Egypt, ensures his father receives an honorable and culturally significant burial. This specific verse details the duration of the embalming process and the subsequent mourning period observed by the Egyptians for Jacob.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Respect and Honor: The elaborate embalming and extended mourning period demonstrate the immense respect accorded to Jacob, not only by his family but also by the Egyptians. This honor was largely due to Joseph's high status and influence in the pharaoh's court, reflecting the profound impact Joseph had on the nation.
  • Grief and Mourning: The passage highlights the deep and prolonged grief associated with death in ancient cultures. The 70 days of mourning signify a significant national expression of sorrow, underscoring the universal human experience of loss.
  • Cultural Practices: The verse offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian burial customs, specifically the process of embalming (mummification) and the societal rituals surrounding death. It illustrates how these practices were integrated into the narrative of God's people, even while they were living in a foreign land.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The verse distinguishes between two timeframes: "forty days" for embalming and "threescore and ten days" (70 days) for mourning.

  • Forty Days for Embalming: This period likely refers to the actual process of desiccation, where the body was dried with natron salts to prevent decay. Ancient Egyptian medical texts and archaeological findings corroborate that the active embalming process could take around 40 days. This was the critical phase for preserving the body.
  • Seventy Days for Mourning: The 70 days of mourning was a more comprehensive period. It is believed to encompass the entire mummification process (which included washing, anointing, wrapping, and placing in coffins, potentially taking up to 70 days in total), as well as the public mourning rituals and ceremonies that accompanied it. The fact that the Egyptians, not just Jacob's family, mourned for this duration, is a testament to Joseph's standing and the positive relationship he fostered between his family and the Egyptian people. This national mourning period is also mentioned again in Genesis 50:10 when Jacob's body was transported to Canaan.

Practical Application

Genesis 50:3, while detailing ancient customs, offers timeless insights:

  • Honoring the Deceased: It underscores the importance of honoring those who have passed away, a practice common across many cultures and faiths. The care taken for Jacob's body reflects a deep respect for life and legacy.
  • The Process of Grief: The extended mourning period acknowledges that grief is a process that requires time. It reminds us that there is no shortcut through sorrow, and communities often play a vital role in supporting the bereaved.
  • Impact of a Righteous Life: Joseph's righteous life and integrity allowed his father to receive an honor typically reserved for Egyptian nobility, illustrating how one person's character can positively influence the circumstances of those connected to them. Joseph's faithfulness to God led to his elevation, which in turn brought blessings and respect to his family, even in death.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 20:29

    And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, [even] all the house of Israel.

  • Deuteronomy 34:8

    And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping [and] mourning for Moses were ended.

  • Genesis 50:10

    And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which [is] beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.

  • Deuteronomy 21:13

    And she shall put the raiment of her captivity from off her, and shall remain in thine house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month: and after that thou shalt go in unto her, and be her husband, and she shall be thy wife.
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