Genesis 47:8
Genesis 47:8 in Multiple Translations
“How many years have you lived?” Pharaoh asked.
And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?
And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How many are the days of the years of thy life?
And Pharaoh said to him, How old are you?
Pharaoh asked him, “So how long have you lived?”
Then Pharaoh sayde vnto Iaakob, Howe olde art thou?
And Pharaoh saith unto Jacob, 'How many [are] the days of the years of thy life?'
Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How old are you?”
And Pharaoh said to Jacob, How old art thou?
And being asked by him: How many are the days of the years of thy life?
Then the king asked Jacob, “How old are you?”
Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How old are you?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 47:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 47:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
אֶֽל
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
כַּ/מָּ֕ה
יְמֵ֖י
שְׁנֵ֥י
חַיֶּֽי/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
כַּ/מָּ֕ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
יְמֵ֖י
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
שְׁנֵ֥י
shâneh
H8141
year
Adj
חַיֶּֽי/ךָ
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 47:8
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
כַּ/מָּ֕ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יְמֵ֖י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
שְׁנֵ֥י
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Adj
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
חַיֶּֽי/ךָ
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 47:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jacob Settles in Goshen
6the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock.”
7Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and presented him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
8“How many years have you lived?” Pharaoh asked.
9“My travels have lasted 130 years,” Jacob replied. “My years have been few and hard, and they have not matched the years of the travels of my fathers.” 10Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and departed from his presence.Genesis 47:8 Summary
In Genesis 47:8, Pharaoh asks Jacob how many years he has lived, showing interest in Jacob's life and experiences. This simple question gives Jacob an opportunity to share his faith and trust in God, as seen in Genesis 47:9. We can learn from Pharaoh's example by being curious about others and showing respect for their lives and experiences (as seen in 1 Thessalonians 2:8). By doing so, we can build meaningful relationships and share our faith with others in a natural and respectful way, just like Jacob did with Pharaoh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pharaoh ask Jacob about his age?
Pharaoh asked Jacob about his age as a sign of respect and interest in Jacob's life, as seen in Genesis 47:8, and it gave Jacob an opportunity to share his life experiences and faith with Pharaoh, similar to how Moses shared his faith with others in Exodus 2:10-12.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's interaction with Jacob?
We can learn that even those in positions of power, like Pharaoh, can show humility and interest in others, as seen in Genesis 47:8, and that sharing our faith and life experiences with others can be a powerful witness, as seen in 1 Peter 3:15-16.
How does Jacob's response to Pharaoh reflect his faith?
Jacob's response to Pharaoh, as seen in Genesis 47:9, reflects his faith by acknowledging the difficulties he faced in his life, but also trusting in God's sovereignty, similar to how Joseph trusted in God's plan, as seen in Genesis 50:20.
What does this verse reveal about the character of Pharaoh?
This verse reveals that Pharaoh was a curious and respectful leader, interested in the lives of others, as seen in Genesis 47:8, and willing to listen to and learn from them, which is a characteristic of a wise and humble leader, as seen in Proverbs 1:7.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from Pharaoh's curiosity about Jacob's life, and how can I apply that to my own interactions with others?
- How can I, like Jacob, share my faith and life experiences with others in a way that is respectful and meaningful?
- What are some ways that I can show respect and interest in others, like Pharaoh did with Jacob, and how can that reflect my faith?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, like Jacob did, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 47:8
And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, how old [art] thou?] Or, "how many are the days of the years of thy life?" which way of speaking Jacob takes up, and very pertinently makes use of in his answer that follows: Dr.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 47:8
And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou? Pharaoh said unto Jacob ... The question was put from the deep and impressive interest which the appearance of the old patriarch had created in the minds of Pharaoh and his court.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 47:8
Genesis 47:8 And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old [art] thou?Ver. 8. And Pharaoh said unto Jacob.] This king took not pleasure, as those Persian kings did, in a wild retiredness, or stern austerity, but in a mild affableness, and heart attracting courtesy, He shows not himself strange or stoical, but sweet and sociable. So Atticus seemed in his carriage, cornraunls infimis, par principibus. Adrian, the Emperor, would most courteously confer with the lowest. Vespasian was wont, not only to greet the chief senators, but even private persons; inviting them many times to his table; himself again going to their houses, especially if he found them learned and virtuous. Pharaoh might find Jacob both these; and so make very good use of him, as his faithful counsellor. Princes had learned men ever with them, called monitors or remembrancers (μνημονες): as Dio had his Plato; Scipio, his Polybius, &c. Abimelech made much of Abraham, and afterwards of Isaac; some think it was for their skill in physic and astronomy. Why might not Pharaoh find and favour the same worth in Jacob, and learn the same wisdom from him, that his senators, by his appointment, did of his son Joseph? Corn.
Nepos. Spartan. Dio. Patriarchae praecipue professionis medicae studiosi fuerunt, ut Abraham, Isaac, Iacob: unde regibus grati, quos postea in doctrina Christiana simul instituerunt. - Melanc.