Genesis 47:29
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt,
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
When Joseph had announced to Pharaoh the arrival of his relations in Goshen, he presented five out of the whole number of his brethren (אחיו מקצה; on קצה see Gen 19:4) to the king.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have instances, I. Of Joseph's kindness and affection to his relations, presenting his brethren first and then his father to Pharaoh (Gen 47:1-10), settling them in Goshen, and providing for them there (Gen 47:11, Gen 47:12), and paying his respects to his father when he sent for him (Gen 47:27-31). II. Of Joseph's justice between prince and people in a very critical affair, selling Pharaoh's corn to his subjects with reasonable profits to Pharaoh, and yet without any wrong to them (Gen 47:13, etc.). Thus he approved himself wise and good, both in his private and in his public capacity.
Open source ↗47:29-31 bury me with my ancestors: Cp. 49:29-33. Jacob wanted to be buried with Abraham and Isaac in the cave of Machpelah (see study note on 49:29-33; see 23:1-20; 25:7-10; 35:27-29). • Put your hand under my thigh: This custom (cp. 24:1-9 and study note on 24:2) was a serious oath to carry on the covenant, which had as its main promise innumerable descendants in the Promised Land.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting.
So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh,
Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; but if not, let me know, so that I may go elsewhere.”
As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon,
For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol?
“Is not man consigned to labor on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired hand?
No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God.
What man can live and never see death? Can he deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah
And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom.
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”