Genesis 50:5

KJV

My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again.

KJV (with Strong's)

My father {H1} made me swear {H7650}, saying {H559}, Lo {H2009}, I die {H4191}: in my grave {H6913} which I have digged {H3738} for me in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, there shalt thou bury me {H6912}. Now therefore let me go up {H5927}, I pray thee, and bury {H6912} my father {H1}, and I will come again {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'My father had me swear an oath. He said, "I am going to die. You are to bury me in my grave, which I dug for myself in the land of Kena'an."Therefore, I beg you, let me go up and bury my father; I will return.'"

Berean Standard Bible

my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.”

American Standard Version

My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures Joseph's solemn appeal to Pharaoh, requesting permission to travel to the land of Canaan to fulfill the dying wish of his father, Jacob, concerning his burial. It powerfully demonstrates Joseph's profound filial piety, his unwavering commitment to a sacred oath, and the deep theological significance of Jacob's desire to be interred in the Promised Land, which underscores his enduring faith in God's covenant promises for his descendants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the poignant account of [Jacob's death](/genesis/49-33 "Genesis 49:33 - Jacob's Death") and the subsequent period of mourning in Egypt. Prior to his passing, Jacob had extracted a solemn oath from Joseph, his most powerful son, ensuring he would not be buried in Egypt. Instead, Jacob insisted on being laid to rest in the ancestral burial ground, the cave of Machpelah, in the land of Canaan—a site purchased by Abraham and where Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah were interred (as detailed in [Genesis 49:29-32](/genesis/49-29-32 "Genesis 49:29-32 - Jacob's Burial Instructions")). Joseph, as the highly esteemed prime minister of Egypt, understood the necessity of obtaining Pharaoh's explicit permission for such a significant and public undertaking, particularly one involving a large retinue traveling outside Egyptian borders.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, elaborate burial rituals were paramount, often involving mummification and interment within Egypt itself, reflecting their belief in the afterlife tied to the land. For a high-ranking official like Joseph to request an external burial for his father was highly unusual and required royal decree. Oaths in the ancient Near East were extremely serious, often invoked with divine witnesses, and breaking them carried severe social and religious consequences. Furthermore, the concept of land was deeply tied to identity, inheritance, and divine promise. For the patriarchs, Canaan was not just a geographical location but the promised inheritance from God, making burial there a powerful statement of faith and continuity with their ancestral covenant.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 50:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Filial Piety and Family Loyalty**, as Joseph diligently honors his father's dying wish, even at great personal and political effort. It underscores the **Sanctity of Oaths and Covenants**, demonstrating the binding nature of promises made before God and man. Most profoundly, it reinforces the **Significance of the Promised Land** as the central locus of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, a theme that resonates throughout the [patriarchal narratives](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abraham") and culminates in the [Exodus and conquest](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Deliverance of Israel"). Jacob's insistence on burial in Canaan, despite dying in Egypt, is a powerful testament to his enduring faith in God's ultimate plan for his people to inherit the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** From H7650, meaning "to seven oneself," implying a solemn declaration repeated seven times, thus making it a binding oath. Here, it underscores the gravity and sacredness of the promise Joseph made to Jacob, invoking a divine witness to its fulfillment.
* **digged (Hebrew, _kârâh'_):** From H3738, meaning "to dig" or "to bore or open." While the family tomb was already established, Jacob's use of this word emphasizes his personal foresight and deliberate intention in securing his specific resting place within the ancestral burial plot in Canaan, highlighting his active participation in preparing for his final resting place.
* **Canaan (Hebrew, _Kᵉnaʻan'_):** From H3667, referring to the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. Jacob's insistence on burial in Canaan, despite his death in Egypt, powerfully signifies his unwavering faith in God's covenant promises regarding the land as the rightful inheritance for Israel, linking his personal destiny to the divine plan for his people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die":** This opening clause immediately establishes the solemn and binding nature of Joseph's request. The phrase "made me swear" (Hebrew: _shâbaʻ_) indicates a sacred oath, likely invoked with divine witness, emphasizing the profound obligation Joseph felt. Jacob's direct quote, "Lo, I die," conveys the urgency and finality of his dying instruction, highlighting the gravity of the promise Joseph committed to.
* **"in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me":** This segment specifies the precise location and nature of Jacob's burial wish. While the cave of Machpelah was an ancestral tomb, Jacob's phrasing "my grave which I have digged for me" (Hebrew: _asher kariti li_) suggests a personal claim or preparation within that family plot, underscoring his deliberate intention. The explicit mention of "the land of Canaan" is paramount, linking his final resting place directly to the covenant promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and himself, reinforcing his faith in the promised inheritance.
* **"Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again":** Joseph's petition to Pharaoh is both deferential and direct. The phrase "let me go up" (Hebrew: _e'eleh-na_) signifies the geographical ascent from Egypt (often seen as lower) to Canaan (often higher, both physically and spiritually). His immediate assurance, "and I will come again," is a crucial diplomatic gesture, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to Pharaoh and his commitment to returning to his duties as prime minister, thereby alleviating any potential concerns about his permanent departure from Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 50:5 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The use of **Direct Speech** is prominent, as Joseph directly quotes Jacob's dying words: "Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me." This direct quotation lends immediacy, authenticity, and solemn authority to Jacob's final wish, underscoring its binding nature. There is also a subtle **Emphasis** through repetition of the concept of burial and the specific mention of "the land of Canaan," highlighting the central importance of this geographical location as the promised inheritance. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing towards the future Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and their eventual return to the Promised Land, a journey that Jacob's burial procession prefigures. Finally, Jacob's insistence on being buried in Canaan serves as powerful **Symbolism** of his unwavering faith in God's covenant promises, representing a spiritual inheritance that transcends his physical death in a foreign land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's actions in [Genesis 50:5](/genesis/50-5 "Genesis 50:5 - Joseph's Request to Pharaoh") resonate with profound theological and thematic implications. His unwavering commitment to his father's dying wish exemplifies profound filial piety, a virtue deeply rooted in biblical ethics and reflective of a life lived in integrity and faithfulness. The solemn oath Joseph made to Jacob underscores the sanctity of promises and covenants, both human and divine, highlighting the gravity with which God views such commitments. Most significantly, Jacob's insistence on burial in Canaan, despite dying in Egypt, serves as a powerful testament to his enduring faith in God's covenant promise regarding the land. It was an act of hope, affirming his belief that his descendants would one day inherit the land God had pledged to Abraham, Isaac, and himself, thus linking his personal destiny to the broader redemptive plan for Israel. This act also subtly anticipates the future Exodus, where God's people would indeed leave Egypt to inherit the Promised Land.

* [Exodus 13:19](/exodus/13-19 "Exodus 13:19 - Joseph's Bones Carried Out of Egypt")
* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows")
* [Hebrews 11:22](/hebrews/11-22 "Hebrews 11:22 - Joseph's Faith Regarding the Exodus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 50:5](/genesis/50-5 "Genesis 50:5 - Joseph's Request to Pharaoh") offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, transcending its historical context. Joseph's unwavering commitment to fulfilling his solemn oath to Jacob powerfully illustrates the vital importance of integrity and faithfulness in upholding our commitments, whether they are made to family, friends, or God Himself. His actions serve as a compelling example of honoring one's parents, not merely out of obligation, but from a place of deep love, respect, and filial piety. This narrative challenges us to consider the weight we give to our own words and promises, recognizing that our faithfulness reflects God's own unchanging character. Furthermore, Jacob's dying insistence on being buried in the Promised Land, despite his death in a foreign land, calls us to anchor our ultimate hopes and faith not in transient earthly circumstances, but in God's eternal promises. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's ultimate plan for our spiritual inheritance and our future with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's commitment to his oath challenge my own faithfulness in keeping promises?**
* **In what ways can I better honor my parents or elders, even beyond their earthly lives, reflecting the respect Joseph showed Jacob?**
* **What "promised land"—spiritual inheritance or future hope—am I living for, and how does that hope shape my present actions and priorities?**

### FAQ
**Why was burial in Canaan so important to Jacob?**

Answer: Burial in Canaan was profoundly important to Jacob because it symbolized his unwavering faith in God's covenant promises regarding the land. For Jacob, it was not merely about a physical resting place but an act of hope, affirming his belief that his descendants would one day inherit the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and himself (as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Covenant of Land")). It was a tangible expression of his spiritual identity, his connection to the divine inheritance, and his confidence in God's faithfulness to His word, even as he died outside the promised territory.

**Did Joseph need Pharaoh's permission for everything he did?**

Answer: While Joseph held immense power and authority as the prime minister of Egypt, for a significant undertaking like leading a large funeral procession out of Egypt into a foreign land, especially for a non-Egyptian patriarch, Pharaoh's explicit permission was absolutely essential. Such a journey would involve a large retinue, security, and complex logistical arrangements that only the highest authority could sanction. Joseph's request demonstrates his respect for Pharaoh's sovereignty and the established protocols of the Egyptian court, ensuring the expedition would proceed without incident and reinforcing his loyalty to the crown.

**What is the significance of Jacob saying "my grave which I have digged for me"?**

Answer: While the family burial plot in the cave of Machpelah was purchased by Abraham ([Genesis 23:16-20](/genesis/23-16-20 "Genesis 23:16-20 - Abraham Buys Machpelah")), Jacob's specific phrasing "my grave which I have digged for me" (Hebrew: _asher kariti li_) emphasizes his personal claim and preparation for his own resting place within that ancestral tomb. It underscores his foresight, his deliberate intention to be buried there, and the deeply personal nature of his desire to be laid to rest in the Promised Land. This phrasing reinforces his active participation in securing his place within the covenant land, even in death, and highlights his unwavering faith in God's promises for his descendants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jacob's burial in the Promised Land, meticulously facilitated by Joseph's faithfulness, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate hope and inheritance found in Jesus Christ. Jacob's deep desire for burial in Canaan points to the believer's profound longing for the true spiritual "Promised Land"—the eternal rest and inheritance in God's presence, fully realized through Christ's redemptive work. Joseph's unwavering commitment to his solemn oath and his father's final wish mirrors Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, an obedience that culminated in His sacrificial death, burial, and glorious resurrection. It is through Christ's finished work on the cross that our ultimate "return" to God and our secure place in His eternal kingdom are guaranteed (as promised in [John 14:1-3](/john/14-1-3 "John 14:1-3 - Jesus Promises to Return")). Just as Jacob's burial was a testament to a promise fulfilled, Christ's own burial and subsequent resurrection are the ultimate guarantee of God's promises of eternal life, resurrection for believers ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), and a new heaven and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). In Christ, believers find their true and everlasting home, an inheritance far surpassing any earthly territory, secured by His faithfulness and love.

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

Isaiah 22:16

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, [as] he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, [and] that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?

2 Chronicles 16:14

And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds [of spices] prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him.

Matthew 27:60

And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Genesis 47:29

And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:

Genesis 47:31

And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.

Genesis 48:21

And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Psalms 79:3

Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and [there was] none to bury [them].