Genesis 50:7

KJV

¶ And Joseph went up to bury his father: and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph {H3130} went up {H5927} to bury {H6912} his father {H1}: and with him went up {H5927} all the servants {H5650} of Pharaoh {H6547}, the elders {H2205} of his house {H1004}, and all the elders {H2205} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714},

Complete Jewish Bible

So Yosef went up to bury his father. With him went all Pharaoh's servants, the leaders of his household and the leaders of the land of Egypt,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Joseph went to bury his father, and all the servants of Pharaoh accompanied him—the elders of Pharaoh’s household and all the elders of the land of Egypt—

American Standard Version

And Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 50:7 describes the impressive commencement of Jacob's funeral procession, as Joseph, fulfilling his solemn promise to his deceased father, leads a distinguished delegation from the highest echelons of Egyptian society. This grand retinue, comprising Pharaoh's servants, the elders of his household, and the elders from across the land of Egypt, embarks on the journey from Goshen towards Canaan to inter Jacob in the ancestral burial ground. The verse powerfully illustrates the immense honor bestowed upon Jacob and underscores Joseph's unparalleled status and profound influence within the Egyptian empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the Genesis narrative, following the death and embalming of Jacob, which occupied a significant period (forty days for embalming, seventy days of mourning, as described in [Genesis 50:3](/genesis/50-3 "Jacob's embalming and mourning period")). Joseph had previously secured a solemn oath from Jacob to be buried in Canaan ([Genesis 47:29-31](/genesis/47-29-31 "Joseph's oath to Jacob")), and Jacob himself had reiterated this desire to all his sons, emphasizing the importance of interment in the cave of Machpelah alongside his patriarchal ancestors ([Genesis 49:29-32](/genesis/49-29-32 "Jacob's final instructions for burial")). Genesis 50:7 marks the pivotal moment when Joseph, having obtained explicit permission from Pharaoh in [Genesis 50:4-6](/genesis/50-4-6 "Joseph's request to Pharaoh"), begins to execute this sacred promise, transforming a family burial into an event of national significance, thereby concluding the patriarchal narratives with a demonstration of God's faithfulness and Joseph's exalted position.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, embalming was a meticulous and lengthy process, reserved primarily for royalty and high-ranking officials, signifying the deceased's importance and the family's wealth. The seventy-day mourning period mentioned in [Genesis 50:3](/genesis/50-3 "Jacob's embalming and mourning period") aligns with known Egyptian practices for royal mourning. The presence of "servants of Pharaoh" and "elders of his house" indicates the direct involvement and endorsement of the royal court, while "elders of the land of Egypt" suggests representatives from various regions or administrative districts. This level of participation for a non-Egyptian's funeral was extraordinary, reflecting Joseph's unparalleled influence as vizier and the deep respect he commanded. The journey from Egypt to Canaan was a significant undertaking, requiring considerable logistical planning and resources, further underscoring the magnitude of the event and the honor accorded to Jacob.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 50:7 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Genesis. Firstly, it highlights **filial piety and covenant faithfulness**, as Joseph meticulously honors his father's dying wish and the oath he made, echoing the importance of oaths and promises seen throughout the patriarchal narratives. Secondly, it serves as a vivid demonstration of **God's providential care and Joseph's exaltation**, showcasing how God elevated Joseph from slavery to a position of such power that the entire Egyptian court honors his family, fulfilling the dreams of his youth ([Genesis 37:5-11](/genesis/37-5-11 "Joseph's dreams")). Thirdly, the journey back to Canaan for burial, rather than interment in Egypt, profoundly underscores the **enduring connection to the Promised Land** and the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even in death. This act reaffirms the identity of the patriarchs as sojourners whose ultimate hope lay in the land of promise, a theme vital to understanding the future of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "let him add," Joseph's name itself is prophetic of his life, where God continually "added" to him—first, favor and dreams, then wisdom and power, and finally, a position to preserve his family and nations. Here, Joseph is the central figure orchestrating this grand procession, signifying his role as the one through whom God's promises to Jacob's family are being meticulously fulfilled, even in death.
* **went up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** This verb signifies an ascent, both literally and figuratively. Geographically, it accurately describes the movement from the lower elevation of Egypt to the higher terrain of Canaan. Theologically, "going up" often denotes a movement towards a place of spiritual significance or prominence, such as Jerusalem or the Promised Land. In this context, it subtly reinforces Canaan's status as the covenant land, a place of divine promise and ultimate rest for the patriarchs, contrasting with the temporary dwelling in Egypt.
* **elders (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** This term refers to individuals who are "old" in age, but by extension, denotes respected leaders, wise men, or magistrates. Their presence signifies not merely age but authority, experience, and societal standing. The inclusion of "elders of his house" (Pharaoh's palace) and "elders of the land of Egypt" indicates a broad representation of the highest levels of Egyptian administration and society, transforming Jacob's funeral into an event of national importance and royal endorsement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joseph went up to bury his father:"**: This opening clause establishes Joseph as the primary agent of the action, fulfilling his solemn oath to Jacob. The phrase "went up" is significant, indicating the geographical ascent from the lower Nile Valley to the higher ground of Canaan, but also carrying a symbolic weight of moving towards the land of promise. This act of burial is not merely a personal duty but a profound act of filial piety and covenant faithfulness, ensuring Jacob's final rest is in the land God promised his ancestors.
* **"and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh,"**: The inclusion of "all the servants of Pharaoh" is a striking detail. These were not mere household staff but high-ranking officials, ministers, and personal attendants of the king. Their presence signifies Pharaoh's direct endorsement and participation in the funeral, lending it immense royal authority and prestige. It underscores the extraordinary respect Pharaoh had for Joseph and, by extension, for Joseph's family and the deceased patriarch.
* **"the elders of his house,"**: This refers to the senior officials, administrators, and venerable advisors within Pharaoh's own royal household and government. Their participation further emphasizes the state-level involvement in Jacob's funeral. It highlights the deeply integrated nature of Joseph within the highest echelons of Egyptian power, demonstrating that his influence extended even to the most intimate circles of the monarchy.
* **"and all the elders of the land of Egypt,"**: This phrase indicates that representatives from various regions, cities, or administrative districts across Egypt were present. These "elders" were respected community leaders, magistrates, or wise men. Their collective presence signifies broad societal representation and national importance, elevating Jacob's funeral from a private family affair to a public spectacle of national mourning and respect, a testament to Joseph's unparalleled standing and the profound honor accorded to him and his family by the entire nation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Genesis 50:7 employs several literary devices to convey the magnitude and significance of Jacob's burial. The sheer enumeration of high-ranking Egyptian officials—"all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt"—functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the unprecedented scale and grandeur of the procession. While perhaps not literally "all" individuals in these categories, the phrase conveys an overwhelming presence, underscoring the immense honor and respect. This grand procession also serves as powerful **Symbolism**. The journey itself, from Egypt to Canaan, symbolizes the enduring connection of the patriarchs to the Promised Land, even in death, and foreshadows the future exodus of the entire nation of Israel. Furthermore, the presence of such a distinguished Egyptian retinue is a symbolic testament to Joseph's extraordinary influence and God's providential hand in elevating him to a position where he could command such an honor for his family. The entire scene also subtly **Foreshadows** the eventual return of the Israelites to Canaan, not as a funeral procession, but as a nation fulfilling God's covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 50:7 is far more than a historical account of a funeral; it is a profound theological statement on God's faithfulness, the significance of covenant, and the enduring hope of the Promised Land. Joseph's unwavering commitment to his father's dying wish exemplifies profound filial piety and faithfulness to a solemn oath, reflecting a core biblical value of honoring parents and keeping one's word. The grand procession itself is a visible manifestation of God's providential hand in Joseph's life, elevating him from a slave and prisoner to a position of such power that the entire Egyptian court honors his family. This extraordinary display of respect for Jacob, a non-Egyptian patriarch, underscores the divine favor resting upon Joseph and, by extension, upon the nascent nation of Israel. The journey back to Canaan for burial, rather than interment in Egypt, powerfully reinforces the patriarchal identity and their enduring connection to the land promised by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even in death. It speaks to a hope that transcends the immediate circumstances of death, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant with his descendants.

* [Genesis 47:29-31](/genesis/47-29-31 "Joseph's oath to Jacob regarding his burial")
* [Genesis 49:29-32](/genesis/49-29-32 "Jacob's final instructions for burial")
* [Hebrews 11:22](/hebrews/11-22 "Joseph's faith concerning his bones")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The extraordinary scale of Jacob's funeral procession, meticulously orchestrated by Joseph, serves as a powerful testament to the importance of honoring one's parents and fulfilling solemn commitments, even when doing so requires significant effort and crosses cultural and national boundaries. For contemporary believers, this act provides a profound example of integrity, demonstrating that true honor is not merely a matter of sentiment but of tangible action, rooted in love and respect. Joseph's unwavering dedication to his father's final wish, despite his immense responsibilities in Egypt, challenges us to prioritize family obligations and sacred promises. Furthermore, the scene subtly redirects the reader's attention back to the covenant land, reminding us of God's larger, unfolding plans for Jacob's descendants and their future return to Canaan, not as a funeral procession, but as a thriving nation. This links personal faithfulness to a grander divine purpose, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective, remembering that our ultimate hope and inheritance lie beyond this temporary world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's commitment to burying his father in Canaan challenge our understanding of filial piety and the importance of honoring family commitments today?**
* **In what ways does this grand procession reflect God's faithfulness to Joseph and His providential care for the nascent nation of Israel?**
* **What "promises" or "inheritances" are we called to hold onto and pursue, even when circumstances make them seem distant or difficult to achieve?**

### FAQ
**Why was such a grand procession necessary for Jacob's burial, and what does it signify?**

Answer: The lavish funeral procession for Jacob was not strictly "necessary" in a practical sense, but it served multiple crucial purposes and carried significant symbolic weight. Firstly, it was Joseph's profound act of filial piety, honoring his father's dying wish and the solemn oath he had made to him, demonstrating a deep respect for his parent and his word. Secondly, it was a public display of Joseph's immense power, influence, and esteemed status within Egypt. Having risen to the position of vizier, Joseph could command the highest echelons of Egyptian society—including Pharaoh's own servants and the elders of the land—to participate in what was ostensibly a private family matter. This showcased his unparalleled authority and the deep respect the Egyptians had for him. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it underscored the deep reverence the Egyptians had for Joseph, and by extension, for the patriarch Jacob. By elevating Jacob's burial to an event of national significance, it highlighted the unique position of Joseph and the implicit recognition of the God he served, even in a polytheistic society. This extraordinary honor for a non-Egyptian patriarch also subtly foreshadowed the future prominence of the Israelite people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jacob's burial in the Promised Land signifies a deep connection to God's covenant promises and the hope of a future inheritance, it ultimately foreshadows the far greater hope found in Christ Jesus. Jacob's "going up" from Egypt to Canaan for burial points to the ultimate "going up" – Christ's glorious ascension to the right hand of the Father after His resurrection, securing for all believers a heavenly inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1-peter/1-3-4 "A living hope through resurrection")). Just as Jacob's body was brought to the land of promise, believers, through their union with Christ, are promised an eternal dwelling in the true Promised Land, the New Heavens and New Earth, where God will dwell with His people forever ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "New Heavens and New Earth")). Christ's death and resurrection fulfill the deepest longing for a permanent home and a final rest, offering a hope far grander than any earthly burial place. Through His victory over death, Christ ensures that those who are "in Christ" are truly "going up" to an eternal inheritance, not merely to a physical land, but to the very presence of God, where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore ([Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Fullness of joy in God's presence")).

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 14:16

And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.