Genesis 48:10
Genesis 48:10 in Multiple Translations
Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
Now because Israel was old, his eyes were no longer clear, and he was not able to see. So he made them come near to him, and he gave them a kiss, folding them in his arms.
Israel's eyesight was failing because of his age and he couldn't see well, so Joseph brought them close to his father, and he kissed and hugged them.
(For the eyes of Israel were dimme for age, so that hee coulde not well see) Then he caused them to come to him, and he kissed them and embraced them.
And the eyes of Israel have been heavy from age, he is unable to see; and he bringeth them nigh unto him, and he kisseth them, and cleaveth to them;
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
(Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see:) And he brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
For Israel’s eyes were dim by reason of his great age, and he could not see clearly. And when they were brought to him, he kissed and embraced them.
Jacob was almost blind because he was very old. He could not recognize the boys. So Joseph brought his sons close to his father, and Jacob kissed them and hugged them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 48:10
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 48:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עֵינֵ֤י
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
כָּבְד֣וּ
מִ/זֹּ֔קֶן
לֹ֥א
יוּכַ֖ל
לִ/רְא֑וֹת
וַ/יַּגֵּ֤שׁ
אֹתָ/ם֙
אֵלָ֔י/ו
וַ/יִּשַּׁ֥ק
לָ/הֶ֖ם
וַ/יְחַבֵּ֥ק
לָ/הֶֽם
וְ/עֵינֵ֤י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cd
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
כָּבְד֣וּ
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִ/זֹּ֔קֶן
zôqen
H2207
old age
Prep | N-ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִ/רְא֑וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וַ/יַּגֵּ֤שׁ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ/ם֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּשַּׁ֥ק
nâshaq
H5401
to kiss
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
וַ/יְחַבֵּ֥ק
châbaq
H2263
to embrace
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 48:10
וְ/עֵינֵ֤י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
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 § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
כָּבְד֣וּ
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
מִ/זֹּ֔קֶן
zôqen
H2207
"old age"
Prep | N-ms
This term signifies old age, implying a long life and experience, as described in Psalms 71:9 and 18. It highlights the respect given to elderly individuals in Israelite society.
Definition: old age
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: age. See also: Genesis 48:10.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לִ/רְא֑וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וַ/יַּגֵּ֤שׁ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
אֹתָ/ם֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
וַ/יִּשַּׁ֥ק
nâshaq
H5401
"to kiss"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To kiss or touch, also to equip with weapons, as seen in armed men or rulers. It appears in various forms, including a romantic kiss or a mode of attachment. In the Bible, it is used to describe intimate touch.
Definition: 1) to put together, kiss 1a) (Qal) to kiss 1b) (Piel) to kiss 1c) (Hiphil) to touch gently
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: armed (men), rule, kiss, that touched. See also: Genesis 27:26; 2 Samuel 14:33; Psalms 2:12.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יְחַבֵּ֥ק
châbaq
H2263
"to embrace"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To embrace means to clasp someone or something tightly, like when Jonathan and David hugged each other in 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) to embrace, clasp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to embrace 1a2) to fold one's hands in idleness (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to embrace
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: embrace, fold. See also: Genesis 29:13; Proverbs 5:20; Proverbs 4:8.
לָ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 48:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh
8When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?”
9Joseph said to his father, “They are the sons God has given me in this place.” So Jacob said, “Please bring them to me, that I may bless them.”
10Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.
11“I never expected to see your face again,” Israel said to Joseph, “but now God has let me see your children as well.” 12Then Joseph removed his sons from his father’s knees and bowed facedown.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 27:1 | When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied. |
| 2 | Genesis 27:27 | So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 3:2 | And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 4:15 | Now Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his gaze was fixed because he could not see. |
| 5 | Isaiah 6:10 | Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ” |
| 6 | Isaiah 59:1 | Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 19:20 | So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” |
| 8 | Genesis 31:55 | Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. |
| 9 | Genesis 45:15 | Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept over them. And afterward his brothers talked with him. |
Genesis 48:10 Summary
[Genesis 48:10 tells us that Israel's eyesight was poor because of old age, but even with physical limitations, he was still able to show love and bless his grandchildren, just like God shows love to us despite our weaknesses (Psalm 103:13-14). This verse shows the importance of family and physical touch, as Israel kisses and embracing his grandchildren, which is a way of showing love and blessing, similar to the way that Jesus showed love to the children in Mark 10:16. We can learn from Israel's example to trust God's plan for our families and to show love and affection to those around us, even in our physical weaknesses, and to remember that God is always faithful to His promises (Hebrews 10:23).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Israel's eyesight poor in Genesis 48:10?
Israel's eyesight was poor because of old age, as stated in Genesis 48:10, which is a natural part of the aging process, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Genesis 27:1 where Isaac's eyesight was also dim.
What is the significance of Joseph bringing his sons to Israel in Genesis 48:10?
The significance of Joseph bringing his sons to Israel is so that Israel can bless them, as seen in Genesis 48:9, which is an important tradition in the biblical account, similar to Isaac blessing Jacob in Genesis 27:27-29.
How does Israel's reaction to seeing his grandchildren relate to God's promises?
Israel's reaction to seeing his grandchildren is a fulfillment of God's promises to him, as seen in Genesis 46:3 where God tells Israel that He will make him a great nation, and in Genesis 48:11 where Israel says that God has let him see his children, showing that God is faithful to His promises.
What can we learn from Israel's physical limitations in Genesis 48:10?
We can learn that even in physical weakness, God can still work and fulfill His plans, as seen in Genesis 48:10 where despite Israel's poor eyesight, he is still able to bless his grandchildren, similar to Moses' leadership in Exodus 4:10-12 despite his speech limitations.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust God's plan for my family, just like Israel trusted God's plan for his?
- How can I, like Israel, show physical affection to those around me, such as hugging or kissing, as a way of showing love and blessing?
- What are some promises that God has made to me, and how can I trust that He will fulfill them, just like Israel trusted God's promises?
- In what ways can I, like Joseph, bring people to meet my spiritual fathers or mentors, so that they can receive blessing and guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 48:10
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age,.... Or "heavy" (p), that he could not lift them up easily and see clearly; his eyebrows hung over, his eyes were sunk in his head, and the humours pressed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 48:10
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 48:10
10. the eyes of Israel] Cf. the similar account of Isaac, Genesis 27:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 48:10
8-13. “Israel groped to embrace the children whom his dim eyes could not see, and Joseph placed them between his knees, and afterwards withdrew them (Genesis 5:12,) to present them in the order of
Sermons on Genesis 48:10
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:7-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a passage from the Bible, specifically Genesis 48. The passage describes the interaction between Jacob, Joseph, and Joseph's sons, Ephraim a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 12 Intro by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of Abraham in the Bible and how he has remained famous for over 4,000 years. Abraham was not only a wealthy man but also a gen |
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(Genesis) Genesis 27:1-4 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 27th chapter of the book of Genesis. The main theme of the chapter is Jacob and Rebecca's plan to deceive Isaac in order to obtain the b |
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When Darkness Turns to Light by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and obeying the stories in the Bible. He explains that these stories can either harden our hearts if we don't |
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(Genesis) 41 - Esau's Profane Act by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses an incident that reveals two views of life. One view focuses on material things and the visible aspects of life, while the other view emphasi |
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(Genesis) 43 - the Stolen Blessing by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the Welsh minister begins by posing a question that no one can answer: "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" He emphasizes the eternal consequence |
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Esau Lost His Birthright by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Esau losing his material blessing. Isaac, who is old and blind, calls for his son Esau to receive his blessing before his |