Genesis 50:4

KJV

And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the days {H3117} of his mourning {H1068} were past {H5674}, Joseph {H3130} spake {H1696} unto the house {H1004} of Pharaoh {H6547}, saying {H559}, If now I have found {H4672} grace {H2580} in your eyes {H5869}, speak {H1696}, I pray you, in the ears {H241} of Pharaoh {H6547}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

When the period of mourning was over, Yosef addressed to the household of Pharaoh: "I would like to ask a favor. Tell Pharaoh,

Berean Standard Bible

When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please tell Pharaoh that

American Standard Version

And when the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found favor in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 50:4 captures a pivotal moment following Jacob's death, where Joseph, having meticulously observed the extensive Egyptian mourning rites for his father, respectfully initiates a diplomatic appeal to Pharaoh's inner circle. This verse underscores Joseph's deep filial piety, his astute understanding of royal protocol, and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling the solemn oath he made to Jacob regarding his burial in Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the seventy-day period of mourning and embalming for Jacob, as detailed in [Genesis 50:1-3](/genesis/50-1-3 "Jacob's Death, Embalming, and Mourning"). Joseph's actions here are a direct consequence of his father's dying wish, expressed in [Genesis 47:29-31](/genesis/47-29-31 "Jacob's Request to Joseph") and reiterated in [Genesis 49:29-32](/genesis/49-29-32 "Jacob's Final Instructions for Burial"). The verse sets the stage for Pharaoh's permission and the subsequent grand procession to Canaan for Jacob's burial, which is described in [Genesis 50:7-14](/genesis/50-7-14 "The Burial Procession to Canaan"). It highlights Joseph's character as a faithful son and a wise administrator, even in a foreign land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egyptian mourning customs, particularly for high-ranking individuals, were elaborate and protracted, often involving a seventy-day period, with forty days dedicated specifically to embalming, as alluded to in [Genesis 50:3](/genesis/50-3 "The mourning period for Jacob"). Joseph, despite his immense power as vizier, meticulously adhered to these protocols, demonstrating respect for the land and its customs. His decision to address "the house of Pharaoh" – referring to the king's trusted officials, advisors, and perhaps even members of the royal family – rather than directly approaching the monarch, was a shrewd diplomatic move. It reflected a deep understanding of Egyptian court etiquette, where direct appeals to the king, especially on personal matters, were often made through intermediaries to ensure proper decorum and a higher likelihood of success.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 50:4 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates **filial piety** and **covenant faithfulness**, as Joseph goes to great lengths to honor his father's dying wish and ensure his burial in the promised land, a place central to God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "The Covenant with Abraham")). The verse also showcases **wisdom and diplomacy in leadership**, as Joseph, despite his unparalleled authority in Egypt, navigates complex court protocols with humility and strategic foresight. This reflects a broader theme of God's providence working through human agency and wisdom, as seen throughout Joseph's life, from his rise to power in [Genesis 41:37-45](/genesis/41-37-45 "Joseph's Elevation by Pharaoh") to his reconciliation with his brothers in [Genesis 45:5-8](/genesis/45-5-8 "Joseph's Forgiveness and God's Plan").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mourning (Hebrew, _bᵉkîyth'_):** From H1068, this word means "a weeping; mourning." It emphasizes the deep sorrow and lamentation associated with Jacob's death. The completion of these "days of mourning" signifies the formal end of the period of grief and the transition to the practical matters of burial.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, this primitive root means "perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak." While it can mean to command or declare, in this context, Joseph's "speaking" is framed as a polite and deferential request, indicating a carefully arranged and articulated plea rather than a direct order.
* **grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** From H2580, this word signifies "graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty); favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured." Joseph's use of "found grace in your eyes" is a humble and diplomatic idiom, seeking favor and goodwill from Pharaoh's officials to facilitate his request. It highlights his reliance on established relationships and the goodwill he had cultivated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the days of his mourning were past,"**: This opening clause establishes the temporal setting. It signifies the completion of the formal, extended period of lamentation and embalming for Jacob, as prescribed by Egyptian custom. This completion marks the appropriate time for Joseph to address the practicalities of his father's burial.
* **"Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying,"**: This phrase reveals Joseph's strategic and respectful approach. Instead of directly addressing Pharaoh, Joseph communicates with "the house of Pharaoh," which refers to the high-ranking officials, courtiers, and trusted advisors who had direct access to the monarch. This indirect method demonstrates Joseph's profound understanding of royal protocol and his desire to present his request through the proper, most effective channels.
* **"If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,"**: This is the core of Joseph's diplomatic appeal. The phrase "If now I have found grace in your eyes" is a common Hebrew idiom expressing a humble and polite request for favor or acceptance. Joseph, despite his immense power, positions himself deferentially. He then explicitly asks these officials to "speak... in the ears of Pharaoh," meaning to present his petition directly to the king on his behalf. This shows his reliance on their intercession and influence within the royal court.

#### Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs **Diplomacy** and **Rhetoric**. Joseph's choice to speak to "the house of Pharaoh" rather than directly to the king, despite his high status, is a masterclass in diplomatic maneuvering. It demonstrates his astute understanding of court etiquette and his respect for the established hierarchy. His phrasing, "If now I have found grace in your eyes," is a classic example of **Humility** and polite **Persuasion**, utilizing an idiomatic expression to soften his request and appeal to the officials' goodwill. This rhetorical strategy ensures his petition is received favorably and presented to Pharaoh with the necessary endorsement and decorum, ultimately securing the desired outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's actions in Genesis 50:4 are rich with theological significance, demonstrating profound biblical values. His meticulous adherence to his father's dying wish, even after a lengthy mourning period, exemplifies the importance of **filial piety** and **integrity in promise-keeping**. This commitment underscores the sacred nature of oaths and familial obligations within the biblical narrative. Furthermore, Joseph's humble and strategic approach to Pharaoh's court, despite his immense power, highlights the virtue of **wisdom in leadership** and the importance of respecting established authority and channels. This passage subtly reinforces the theme of **divine providence** working through human wisdom and diligence, as Joseph's careful actions ultimately facilitate the fulfillment of God's long-standing covenant promise regarding the land of Canaan, even in the context of a foreign nation.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "The Fifth Commandment")
* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Keeping a Vow to the Lord")
* [Proverbs 25:15](/proverbs/25-15 "Patience and a Soft Tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's conduct in Genesis 50:4 offers timeless lessons for believers today. His unwavering commitment to his father's final request, even after the passage of time and despite his elevated position, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity and faithfulness in fulfilling our own commitments—whether to family, friends, or God. In a world that often prioritizes expediency over principle, Joseph's example calls us to honor our word and uphold our responsibilities with diligence. Moreover, his humble and strategic approach to authority, choosing to work through proper channels despite his immense power, teaches us the value of respect, diplomacy, and seeking wise counsel or intercession. This passage encourages us to cultivate good relationships and to navigate complex situations with wisdom and grace, recognizing that demonstrating integrity and respect can open doors and foster positive outcomes in our interactions, reflecting Christ's own example of humility and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate greater integrity and faithfulness in keeping your commitments?**
* **How can Joseph's example of humility and diplomatic wisdom inform your approach to authority figures or difficult conversations in your own life?**
* **What "oaths" or promises, whether explicit or implicit, do you need to revisit and ensure you are honoring?**
* **How might seeking "grace in the eyes" of others, even when you hold a position of influence, lead to more favorable outcomes?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph not approach Pharaoh directly, given his high position?**

Answer: Joseph, despite being the second most powerful man in Egypt, chose to approach Pharaoh indirectly through "the house of Pharaoh" (his high-ranking officials and trusted advisors) out of profound respect for established court protocol and etiquette. This demonstrated his humility, wisdom, and understanding that even those in positions of great authority should honor proper channels and seek intercession when making significant requests. His diplomatic approach ensured the request was presented with due decorum, likely endorsement from key officials, and a higher probability of a favorable response from the monarch, as seen in [Genesis 50:5-6](/genesis/50-5-6 "Joseph's direct message to Pharaoh via his officials").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 50:4 directly concerns Joseph's filial devotion and diplomatic skill, it indirectly points to Christ through its profound themes of intercession, obedience, and the fulfillment of divine promises. Joseph, acting as an intercessor before Pharaoh's court on behalf of his deceased father's burial wish, foreshadows Christ, our ultimate and perfect High Priest and Intercessor. Just as Joseph pleaded a case before an earthly king, Christ continually pleads our case before the heavenly Father, making intercession for us (cf. [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ ever lives to make intercession") and [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ intercedes for us at the right hand of God")). Moreover, Joseph's unwavering commitment to fulfill his father's dying wish for burial in the promised land prefigures Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His own death and resurrection (cf. [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "Jesus came to do the Father's will") and [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's obedience unto death")). Through Christ's ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice, He secures for believers their eternal inheritance in the true promised land, the heavenly Canaan, a reality far surpassing any earthly burial site (cf. [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "A living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ") and [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ, the mediator of a new covenant")).

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

Esther 4:2

And came even before the king's gate: for none [might] enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.

Genesis 18:3

And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: