Hebrews 11:22

KJV

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

KJV (with Strong's)

By faith {G4102} Joseph {G2501}, when he died {G5053}, made mention {G3421} of {G4012} the departing {G1841} of the children {G5207} of Israel {G2474}; and {G2532} gave commandment {G1781} concerning {G4012} his {G846} bones {G3747}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By trusting, Yosef, near the end of his life, remembered about the Exodus of the people of Isra’el and gave instructions about what to do with his bones.

Berean Standard Bible

By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.

American Standard Version

By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:22 profoundly illustrates the unwavering faith of Joseph, who, even on his deathbed, demonstrated a resolute trust in God's covenant promises. Despite his high standing in Egypt, Joseph's final acts—making explicit mention of the future departure of the Israelites from Egypt and giving specific instructions concerning the transport of his bones to the Promised Land—served as a powerful testament to his conviction that God would fulfill His word, even generations after Joseph's own passing. This verse showcases a faith that transcends personal lifespan, focusing on God's enduring faithfulness to His people and their ultimate inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the illustrious "Hall of Faith" in [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Hall of Faith"), a chapter dedicated to chronicling the lives of Old Testament figures who exemplified extraordinary trust in God. Joseph's inclusion follows the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and precedes Moses, placing him firmly within the lineage of those who lived by faith, often in anticipation of promises yet unfulfilled. The recurring phrase "by faith" serves as the unifying motif, emphasizing that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but an active, enduring confidence in God's character and His future plans, even when the fulfillment seems distant or impossible from a human perspective. Joseph's example specifically highlights faith in a future national deliverance and an ultimate inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joseph's life unfolded in ancient Egypt, a highly advanced civilization with distinct cultural and religious practices. As Pharaoh's vizier, Joseph held immense power and prestige, a position that typically would have entailed an elaborate Egyptian burial, possibly even mummification and entombment in a grand tomb. However, Joseph's actions directly countered these cultural norms. His insistence on his bones being carried out of Egypt reflected his deep-seated identity as a member of God's covenant people, Israel, rather than an adopted Egyptian. This act was a profound statement of allegiance to the divine promises made to his forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, concerning the land of Canaan as their eternal inheritance ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). His foresight regarding the "departing of the children of Israel" also speaks to the historical reality of the Israelites' eventual enslavement and the subsequent miraculous Exodus, which occurred centuries after Joseph's death.
* **Key Themes:** Joseph's deathbed declarations powerfully underscore several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Faith in Future Promises**, demonstrating a belief in God's word that extended far beyond his immediate circumstances or personal lifespan. He trusted that God's covenant with Israel would indeed be fulfilled, even if it took generations. Secondly, it exemplifies **Hope Beyond Mortality**, showcasing an eternal perspective that transcended the finality of death. Joseph's actions were driven by a conviction in God's long-term plan for His people. Thirdly, his command concerning his bones powerfully conveys **Identity and Allegiance**. By rejecting a permanent Egyptian burial in favor of a future interment in Canaan, Joseph affirmed his true identity as an heir to God's covenant, not merely an Egyptian dignitary. Finally, his declaration about the Exodus reveals **Prophetic Insight**, indicating that he was privy to divine revelation regarding God's future redemptive acts for Israel, and he trusted implicitly in that revelation, even to his last breath, as recorded in [Genesis 50:24-25](/genesis/50-24-25 "Joseph's Dying Prophecy and Command").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This term (G4102) signifies persuasion, credence, and a moral conviction of religious truth, particularly reliance upon God's truthfulness. In Joseph's context, it denotes his profound assurance and confidence in God's promises regarding the future of Israel and their inheritance of the land, despite the visible reality of their long sojourn in Egypt. His actions were a direct outflow of this deep-seated conviction.
* **Made mention (Greek, _mnēmoneúō'_):** The word (G3421) means to exercise memory, recollect, or rehearse. Here, it implies a solemn and deliberate declaration, a purposeful recounting of God's future plan. Joseph was not merely reminiscing; he was prophesying and giving a charge based on his unwavering remembrance and belief in God's word, making a public and final testament to his conviction.
* **Departing (Greek, _éxodos'_):** This term (G1841) literally means "an exit." In this context, it specifically refers to the great "Exodus," the future departure of the children of Israel from Egypt. Joseph's use of this word underscores his prophetic foresight and his certain belief that God would indeed lead His people out of bondage and into the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, an event that would not occur for centuries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By faith Joseph, when he died":** This opening clause immediately establishes the foundational principle of Joseph's actions: they were motivated by faith, not by worldly considerations or fear of death. The timing, "when he died," highlights the profound nature of this faith, as it was expressed at the very end of his life, a moment when one's deepest convictions often surface. It signifies a faith that endured to the very end.
* **"made mention of the departing of the children of Israel":** This phrase reveals Joseph's prophetic insight and his unwavering belief in God's covenant promises. He foresaw the future liberation of his people from Egypt, an event that was generations away. His "mention" was a solemn declaration, a testament to God's faithfulness and a directive for his family.
* **"and gave commandment concerning his bones":** This final clause specifies the concrete act that demonstrated Joseph's faith. Rather than being buried permanently in Egypt, where he had achieved immense power and honor, Joseph commanded that his bones be carried with the Israelites when they departed for the Promised Land. This instruction was a tangible expression of his allegiance to God's covenant and his hope for the future inheritance, serving as a powerful symbol of their true home and destiny.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 11:22 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where Joseph's "bones" serve as a potent symbol. They represent not just his physical remains, but his enduring identity, his covenantal allegiance, and the future hope of the entire Israelite nation. By commanding that his bones be carried to Canaan, he transformed them into a tangible sign of God's promise and a rallying point for future generations. Furthermore, the verse contains **Foreshadowing** and **Prophecy**, as Joseph's mention of the "departing of the children of Israel" explicitly predicts the Exodus, an event that would unfold centuries later. This prophetic utterance underscores Joseph's divine insight and God's sovereign plan. Finally, while not exclusively within this verse, the overarching **Anaphora** of "By faith" throughout [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Hall of Faith") frames Joseph's act, connecting his specific demonstration of faith to a broader pattern of divine trust exemplified by other biblical heroes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's faith, as highlighted in Hebrews 11:22, resonates deeply with the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. His actions demonstrate a profound understanding that God's plans transcend individual lifespans and human limitations. Joseph's ultimate allegiance was not to the temporal glories of Egypt, but to the eternal purposes of God for His chosen people. This commitment to a future, unseen reality underscores the nature of true faith: a conviction that God will do what He has promised, regardless of the immediate circumstances. Joseph's command concerning his bones served as a tangible, enduring reminder to the Israelites of their true identity and their promised inheritance, fostering hope and perseverance across generations until the Exodus occurred. His example challenges believers to cultivate a faith that looks beyond the present, trusting in God's long-term faithfulness and His ultimate fulfillment of all His word.

* [Genesis 50:24-25](/genesis/50-24-25 "Joseph's Prophecy and Command")
* [Exodus 13:19](/exodus/13-19 "Moses Carries Joseph's Bones")
* [Acts 7:15-16](/acts/7-15-16 "Stephen's Account of Joseph's Burial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's profound faith, reaching beyond his own death, provides a powerful model for contemporary believers. His unwavering trust in God's promises, even those that would not be fulfilled for centuries, challenges us to examine the depth and breadth of our own faith. Do we trust God's word for our future, for our children, and for the generations to come, even when we may not see the complete fulfillment in our lifetime? Joseph's refusal to be permanently interred in Egypt, despite his high status, serves as a poignant reminder of where our ultimate allegiance truly lies. It calls us to consider whether our focus is on building earthly kingdoms and securing temporal comforts, or on investing in God's eternal purposes and identifying with His covenant people. Living with an eternal perspective, as Joseph did, means prioritizing God's kingdom and His will above all else, trusting that He is faithful to complete His plans across all generations. What "bones"—what legacy of faith, hope, and obedience—are we preparing to leave behind for those who will follow us?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's faith, spanning generations, challenge my own short-term perspective and immediate desires?**
* **In what practical ways can I demonstrate my ultimate allegiance to God's eternal promises over the temporary comforts or successes of this world?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I building today that will speak of God's faithfulness to future generations, much like Joseph's command concerning his bones?**

### FAQ
**Why is Joseph's request about his bones considered an act of faith?**

Answer: Joseph's request was a profound act of faith because it defied the cultural norms of his time and demonstrated an unwavering belief in God's future promises. As Pharaoh's vizier, he could have expected a grand Egyptian burial, possibly mummification, signifying his status. However, his command to be buried in Canaan, the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise to Abraham")), showed that his ultimate allegiance was not to Egypt, but to God's covenant with Israel. It was a tangible expression of his conviction that God would indeed lead His people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, even though this event would not occur for several centuries after his death. His faith was in the unseen future fulfillment of God's word.

**How does Joseph's faith relate to the overall message of Hebrews 11?**

Answer: Joseph's faith perfectly encapsulates the central message of [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Nature of Faith"), which defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" ([Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Definition of Faith")). Joseph's actions were based entirely on things "not seen"—the future Exodus and the inheritance of a land he would not personally enter in his lifetime. He acted with conviction regarding God's unseen plan and trusted in God's character to fulfill His promises, even unto death. His example, alongside the other heroes of faith, serves to encourage the original Jewish Christian audience of Hebrews to persevere in their own faith, trusting in God's ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Christ, despite present difficulties or delayed expectations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's faith, expressed in his dying command concerning his bones and his prophetic mention of the Exodus, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Joseph's anticipation of a physical exodus from bondage and a journey to a promised earthly land beautifully foreshadows the greater spiritual exodus that Christ accomplishes for humanity. Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus leads His people out of the bondage of sin and death, offering true freedom and entrance into a spiritual promised land, the Kingdom of God ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Joseph's insistence on his bones being carried to the land symbolized his hope in a future inheritance; in Christ, believers are given a living hope and an imperishable inheritance in the new heavens and new earth ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")). Furthermore, Joseph's bones, carried as a testament to God's promise, subtly point to the resurrection of Christ, the ultimate triumph over death, and the guarantee of our own future resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). All of God's promises, including those foreshadowed by Joseph's life and faith, find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), who is the true and greater deliverer, leading His people to their eternal rest.

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

Exodus 13:19

And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

Genesis 50:24

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.

Genesis 50:25

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.

Joshua 24:32

And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

Acts 7:16

And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem.