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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 48:2 When Jacob was told, "Your son Joseph has come to you," Israel rallied his strength and sat up in bed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/48-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/01_Gen_48_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 48:2 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Jacob was told, Your son Joseph has come to you, Israel rallied his strength and sat up in bed." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/48.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When it was told to Jacob, “Behold, your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel collected his strength and sat up in the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/48.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When it was told to Jacob, &#8220Behold, your son Joseph has come to you,&#8221 Israel collected his strength and sat up in the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/48.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When it was told to Jacob, “Behold, your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel collected his strength and sat up in the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/48.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then it was told to Jacob, “Behold, your son Joseph has come to you,” so Israel strengthened himself and sat up in the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/48.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And when Jacob (Israel) was told, “Look now, your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/48.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/48.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Jacob was told, &#8220Your son Joseph has come to you,&#8221 Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/48.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/48.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When Joseph arrived, someone told Jacob, "Your son Joseph has come to see you." Jacob sat up in bed, but it took almost all his strength. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/48.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/48.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Jacob was told, "Your son Joseph is here to see you," Israel gathered his strength and sat up in bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/48.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Jacob was told that his son Joseph had come to see him, he gathered his strength and sat up in bed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/48.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As soon as Jacob was informed, "Look! Your son Joseph has come to visit you," Israel rallied his strength and sat up in bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/48.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Jacob was told, ?Your son Joseph has come to you,? Israel rallied his strength and sat up in bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/48.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Jacob was told, "Your son Joseph has just come to you," Israel regained strength and sat up on his bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/48.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And someone reported to Jacob, and said, "Look, your son Joseph has come to you." Then Israel strengthened himself and sat up in the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/48.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh to thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/48.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Someone told Jacob, and said, “Behold, your son Joseph comes to you,” and Israel strengthened himself, and sat on the bed. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/48.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And [one] declares [it] to Jacob and says, “Behold, your son Joseph is coming to you”; and Israel strengthens himself, and sits on the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/48.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And one declareth to Jacob, and saith, 'Lo, thy son Joseph is coming unto thee;' and Israel doth strengthen himself, and sit upon the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/48.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be announced to Jacob, and it will be said, Behold, thy son Joseph came to thee: and Israel will be strengthened and will sit upon the rod.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/48.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And it was told the old man: Behold I thy son Joseph cometh to thee. And being strengthened he sat on his bed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/48.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And it was told to the old man, “Behold, your son Joseph is coming to you.” And being strengthened, he sat up in bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/48.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat up in bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/48.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” he summoned his strength and sat up in bed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/48.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they informed Jacob, and said to him, Behold, your son Joseph has come to you; and Israel strengthened himself, and sat up on the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/48.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they told Yaquuv, and they said to him, “Behold, your son Yoseph has come to you”, and Israel was encouraged and he sat up on the bed.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/48.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And one told Jacob, and said: 'Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee.' And Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/48.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it was reported to Jacob, saying, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh to thee; and Israel having strengthened himself, sat upon the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/48-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=12562" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/48.htm">Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Some time later Joseph was told, “Your father is ill.” So he set out with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">When Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yag·gêḏ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">was told,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bin·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">“Your son</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">has come</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: way·yiṯ·ḥaz·zêq (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">rallied his strength</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šeḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">and sat up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/4296.htm" title="4296: ham·miṭ·ṭāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A couch, bed. From natah; a bed for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier.">bed.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there He blessed me…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31</a></span><br />“Swear to me,” Jacob said. So Joseph swore to him, and Israel bowed in worship at the head of his bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-21.htm">Hebrews 11:21</a></span><br />By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/35-29.htm">Genesis 35:29</a></span><br />Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/49-33.htm">Genesis 49:33</a></span><br />When Jacob had finished instructing his sons, he pulled his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and he was gathered to his people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-47.htm">1 Kings 1:47</a></span><br />The king’s servants have also gone to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than your own name, and may He make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king has bowed in worship on his bed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-1.htm">Genesis 50:1</a></span><br />Then Joseph fell upon his father’s face, wept over him, and kissed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-1.htm">Genesis 24:1</a></span><br />By now Abraham was old and well along in years, and the LORD had blessed him in every way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-8.htm">Genesis 25:8</a></span><br />And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/46-4.htm">Genesis 46:4</a></span><br />I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-32.htm">2 Samuel 19:32-34</a></span><br />Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. / The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.” / But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-1.htm">1 Kings 2:1-2</a></span><br />As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon, / “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/20-1.htm">2 Kings 20:1</a></span><br />In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-1.htm">John 11:1-3</a></span><br />At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. / (Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.) / So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-15.htm">Acts 7:15-16</a></span><br />So Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. / Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, your son Joseph comes to you: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat on the bed.</p><p class="hdg">strengthened.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/3-28.htm">Deuteronomy 3:28</a></b></br> But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">1 Samuel 23:16</a></b></br> And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18</a></b></br> Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for <i>this</i> good <i>work</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/47-31.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/genesis/47-14.htm">Collected</a> <a href="/genesis/47-1.htm">Declareth</a> <a href="/genesis/37-7.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/genesis/47-31.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/47-28.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/48-1.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/43-29.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-25.htm">Rallied</a> <a href="/genesis/43-33.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/genesis/27-31.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/genesis/48-1.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/genesis/31-6.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/revelation/3-2.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-9.htm">Strengthened</a> <a href="/genesis/26-9.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/genesis/46-15.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/exodus/15-8.htm">Collected</a> <a href="/exodus/4-28.htm">Declareth</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-9.htm">Getting</a> <a href="/genesis/48-8.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/48-3.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/48-3.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/exodus/6-8.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Rallied</a> <a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/exodus/4-13.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-38.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/exodus/14-4.htm">Strengthened</a> <a href="/genesis/49-1.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/genesis/49-1.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 48</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/48-1.htm">Joseph with his sons visits his sick father.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/48-2.htm">Jacob strengthens himself to bless them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/48-3.htm">He repeats God's promise.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/48-5.htm">He takes Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/48-7.htm">He tells Joseph of his mother's grave.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/48-8.htm">He blesses Ephraim and Manasseh.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">He prefers the younger before the elder.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/48-21.htm">He prophesies their return to Canaan.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/48.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/48.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When Jacob was told</b><br>This phrase indicates a moment of communication and transition. Jacob, also known as Israel, is nearing the end of his life. The act of being told suggests the presence of others around him, likely his family or servants, who are attending to his needs. This moment sets the stage for a significant family event, highlighting the importance of communication in passing down blessings and heritage.<p><b>“Your son Joseph has come to you,”</b><br>Joseph, Jacob's beloved son, holds a special place in his heart, being the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's favored wife. Joseph's arrival is significant because he is not only a son but also a powerful figure in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. This visit underscores the reconciliation and restoration of the family, as Joseph had been separated from Jacob for many years. The mention of Joseph also foreshadows the blessings Jacob is about to bestow, which have implications for the future tribes of Israel.<p><b>Israel rallied his strength</b><br>The use of "Israel" instead of "Jacob" here is significant, as it reflects Jacob's God-given name, which denotes his role as the patriarch of the Israelite nation. Rallying his strength suggests a moment of divine empowerment or determination, as Jacob prepares to perform an important spiritual and familial duty. This act of gathering strength can be seen as a type of Christ, who, despite physical weakness, fulfills His mission with divine purpose.<p><b>and sat up in bed.</b><br>Sitting up in bed indicates a posture of readiness and authority. Despite his frailty, Jacob assumes a position that allows him to speak and act with intention. This physical movement symbolizes his readiness to impart blessings and prophetic words to his descendants. It reflects the cultural importance of the patriarchal blessing, a practice deeply rooted in the traditions of the ancient Near East, where the spoken word carried significant weight and authority.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob/israel.htm">Jacob/Israel</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob is also known as Israel. In this passage, he is nearing the end of his life and is preparing to bless his descendants.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>Jacob's beloved son, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. He visits his father Jacob in this passage.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where Joseph has risen to power and where Jacob and his family have settled during a time of famine.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/blessing_of_the_sons.htm">Blessing of the Sons</a></b><br>This event is part of the larger account where Jacob blesses Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which has significant implications for the tribes of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_legacy.htm">The Importance of Legacy</a></b><br>Jacob's act of sitting up to bless his sons underscores the importance of passing on a spiritual legacy. As believers, we are called to invest in the next generation, imparting wisdom and faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strength_in_weakness.htm">Strength in Weakness</a></b><br>Despite his frailty, Jacob rallies his strength to fulfill his duty. This teaches us that God can use us in our weakness to accomplish His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a></b><br>Jacob's actions are rooted in his faith in God's promises to his forefathers. We are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_family.htm">The Role of Family</a></b><br>The family unit is central to God's plan, as seen in Jacob's blessing of his grandsons. We should prioritize family relationships and seek to nurture them in faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_48.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 48</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_tribe_of_ephraim.htm">What is the Tribe of Ephraim?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jacob_adopt_joseph's_sons.htm">Genesis 48:5 - Why does Jacob adopt Joseph's sons as his own, and does this practice have any verifiable historical precedent?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_favor_ephraim_over_manasseh.htm">Genesis 48:17-19 - Why would God supposedly favor Ephraim over Manasseh despite established primogeniture traditions, and is there any extrabiblical data supporting this choice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_hilkiah_in_the_bible.htm">What does Rachel weeping for her children signify?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/48.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Strengthened himself.</span>--Jacob thus prepared himself, not merely because he wished to receive Joseph in a maimer suitable to his rank, but chiefly because he was about himself to perform a sacred act, under the influence of the Divine Spirit.<p><span class= "bld">Sat upon the bed.</span>--We learn that he left his bed, and placed himself upon it in a sitting posture, from what is recorded in <a href="/genesis/48-12.htm" title="And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.">Genesis 48:12</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/48.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And one told Jacob</span> (<span class="hebrew">וַיַּגֵּד</span>, also used impersonally, like <span class="hebrew">וַלֺיּאמֶר</span> in ver. 1), <span class="cmt_word">and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel</span> - the significance of this change of name it is impossible to overlook (cf. <a href="/genesis/45-27.htm">Genesis 45:27, 28</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">strengthened himself</span> (for the work which, as head of the theocratic family, he now felt himself inwardly moved to perform), <span class="cmt_word">and sat upon the bed</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> he raised himself up to a sitting posture. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/48-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was told,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּגֵּ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yag·gêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Your son</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּנְךָ֥</span> <span class="translit">(bin·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Joseph</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסֵ֖ף</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·sêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has come</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(bā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you,”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלֶ֑יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rallied his strength</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּתְחַזֵּק֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiṯ·ḥaz·zêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and sat up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·šeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bed.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּטָּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miṭ·ṭāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4296.htm">Strong's 4296: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bed, for, sleeping, eating, a sofa, litter, bier</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/48-2.htm">Genesis 48:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/48-2.htm">Genesis 48:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/48-2.htm">Genesis 48:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/48-2.htm">Genesis 48:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/48-2.htm">Genesis 48:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/48-2.htm">Genesis 48:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/48-2.htm">Genesis 48:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/48-2.htm">Genesis 48:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/48-2.htm">Genesis 48:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/48-2.htm">Genesis 48:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/48-2.htm">OT Law: Genesis 48:2 Someone told Jacob and said Behold your (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/48-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 48:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 48:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/48-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 48:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 48:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>