CINXE.COM

<!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 48:11 "I never expected to see your face again," Israel said to Joseph, "but now God has let me see your children as well."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/48-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/01_Gen_48_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 48:11 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I never expected to see your face again, Israel said to Joseph, but now God has let me see your children as well." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/48-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/48-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/48.htm">Chapter 48</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/48-10.htm" title="Genesis 48:10">◄</a> Genesis 48:11 <a href="/genesis/48-12.htm" title="Genesis 48:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/48.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/48.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Israel said to Joseph, &#8220I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/48.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Jacob said to Joseph, “I never thought I would see your face again, but now God has let me see your children, too!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/48.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/48.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I never expected to see your face again,” Israel said to Joseph, “but now God has let me see your children as well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/48.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/48.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/48.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face, and behold, God has let me see your children as well!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/48.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Israel said to Joseph, &#8220I never expected to see your face, and behold, God has let me see your children as well.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/48.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face, and behold, God has let me see your children as well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/48.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face, and behold, God has let me see your seed as well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/48.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face, but see, God has shown me your children as well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/48.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, but now God has even let me see your offspring.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/48.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Israel said to Joseph, &#8220I never expected to see your face again, but now God has even let me see your offspring.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/48.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath let me see thy seed also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/48.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jacob turned to Joseph and told him, "For many years I thought you were dead and that I would never see you again. But now God has even let me live to see your children." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/48.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath let me see thy seed also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/48.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Israel said to Joseph, "I never expected to see you again, and now God has even let me see your sons."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/48.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jacob said to Joseph, "I never expected to see you again, and now God has even let me see your children." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/48.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he told Joseph, "I never thought I'd see you again, and now God has allowed me to see your children as well!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/48.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?I never expected to see your face again,? Israel said to Joseph, ?but now God has let me see your children as well.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/48.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Israel said to Joseph, "I never expected to see you again, but now God has allowed me to see your children too." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/48.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Israel said to Joseph, "I did not expect to see your face, but look, God has let me see your offspring as well."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/48.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Israel said to Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and lo, God hath shown me also thy seed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/48.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Israel said to Joseph, “I didn’t think I would see your face, and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/48.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Israel says to Joseph, “I had not thought [possible] to see your face, and behold, God has also showed me your seed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/48.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Israel saith unto Joseph, 'To see thy face I had not thought, and lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/48.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Israel will say to Joseph, To see thy face I thought not; and behold, God caused me to see also thy seed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/48.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And said to his son: I am not deprived of seeing thee: moreover God hath shewed me thy seed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/48.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said to his son: “I have not been cheated out of seeing you. Moreover, God has shown me your offspring.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/48.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your descendants as well!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/48.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Israel said to Joseph, “I did not expect to see your face; and here God has let me see your children also.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/48.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Israel said to Joseph, I had not thought to see your face; and, lo, God has shown me your children also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/48.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Israel said to Yoseph, “The appearance of your face I had not hoped for, and behold, God has shown me also your sons.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/48.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Israel said unto Joseph: 'I had not thought to see thy face; and, lo, God hath let me see thy seed also.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/48.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Israel said to Joseph, Behold, I have not been deprived of <i>seeing</i> thy face, and lo! God has showed me thy seed also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/48-11.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=12653" 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">10</span>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. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“I never</a> <a href="/hebrew/6419.htm" title="6419: p̄il·lā·lə·tî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To intervene, interpose. A primitive root; to judge; by extension, to intercede, pray.">expected</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rə·’ōh (V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">to see</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: p̄ā·ne·ḵā (N-cpc:: 2ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">your face again,”</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/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</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/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“but now</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: her·’āh (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">has let me see</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯî (DirObjM:: 1cs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2233.htm" title="2233: zar·‘e·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A sowing, seed, offspring. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity.">your children</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">as well.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>Then Joseph removed his sons from his father’s knees and bowed facedown.…<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/37-33.htm">Genesis 37:33-35</a></span><br />His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” / Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-26.htm">Genesis 45:26-28</a></span><br />“Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. / However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived. / “Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Genesis 46:29-30</a></span><br />Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. / Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a></span><br />As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-16.htm">Exodus 3:16</a></span><br />Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has appeared to me and said: I have surely attended to you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-31.htm">Exodus 4:31</a></span><br />and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD had attended to the Israelites and had seen their affliction, they bowed down and worshiped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/4-14.htm">Ruth 4:14-15</a></span><br />Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a kinsman-redeemer. May his name become famous in Israel. / He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">1 Samuel 2:1</a></span><br />At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-21.htm">1 Samuel 2:21</a></span><br />So the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14</a></span><br />For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/42-16.htm">Job 42:16-17</a></span><br />After this, Job lived 140 years and saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. / And so Job died, old and full of years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1-3</a></span><br />A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers. / Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” / The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/25-8.htm">Isaiah 25:8-9</a></span><br />He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. For the LORD has spoken. / And in that day it will be said, “Surely this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-5.htm">Isaiah 38:5</a></span><br />“Go and tell Hezekiah that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-16.htm">Jeremiah 31:16-17</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for the reward for your work will come, declares the LORD. Then your children will return from the land of the enemy. / So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Israel said to Joseph, I had not thought to see your face: and, see, God has showed me also your seed.</p><p class="hdg">I had not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Genesis 37:33,35</a></b></br> And he knew it, and said, <i>It is</i> my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-36.htm">Genesis 42:36</a></b></br> And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved <i>of my children</i>: Joseph <i>is</i> not, and Simeon <i>is</i> not, and ye will take Benjamin <i>away</i>: all these things are against me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/45-26.htm">Genesis 45:26</a></b></br> And told him, saying, Joseph <i>is</i> yet alive, and he <i>is</i> governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not.</p><p class="hdg">God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Ephesians 3:20</a></b></br> Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/31-7.htm">Allowed</a> <a href="/genesis/48-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-5.htm">Expected</a> <a href="/genesis/46-30.htm">Face</a> <a href="/revelation/12-15.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/genesis/48-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/48-10.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/43-14.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/genesis/48-4.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/revelation/22-8.htm">Shewed</a> <a href="/genesis/41-39.htm">Showed</a> <a href="/genesis/41-39.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/genesis/40-14.htm">Think</a> <a href="/genesis/45-20.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/9-16.htm">Allowed</a> <a href="/genesis/48-16.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-15.htm">Expected</a> <a href="/genesis/48-12.htm">Face</a> <a href="/ruth/1-12.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/48-12.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/exodus/15-13.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/genesis/48-19.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/exodus/15-25.htm">Shewed</a> <a href="/exodus/15-25.htm">Showed</a> <a href="/exodus/25-40.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/exodus/14-3.htm">Think</a> <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Thought</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>“I never expected to see your face again,”</b><br>This phrase reflects Jacob's deep emotional response to seeing Joseph, whom he believed to be dead for many years. The context is the reunion of Jacob and Joseph in Egypt, a significant moment in the narrative of Genesis. Jacob's statement underscores the theme of divine providence and restoration. The loss of Joseph was a pivotal event in Jacob's life, leading to years of mourning. This moment of reunion is a testament to God's faithfulness and the unexpected ways He fulfills His promises. The phrase also highlights the human element of surprise and joy in God's plans, which often exceed human expectations.<p><b>Israel said to Joseph,</b><br>The use of the name "Israel" instead of "Jacob" is significant. It emphasizes Jacob's role as the patriarch of the Israelite nation, linking this personal family moment to the broader narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This covenantal context is crucial, as it frames the events of Genesis within God's redemptive plan for His people. Joseph, as a key figure in this plan, is instrumental in preserving the family line during the famine, which ultimately leads to the growth of the Israelites in Egypt.<p><b>“but now God has let me see your children as well.”</b><br>This statement acknowledges God's sovereignty and grace. Jacob recognizes that it is by God's will that he not only sees Joseph again but also meets his grandchildren, Ephraim and Manasseh. This moment is significant in the biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for the blessing of Joseph's sons, who will become tribes of Israel. The mention of "children" connects to the theme of generational blessing and the continuation of God's promises through the descendants of the patriarchs. This also foreshadows the future multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham of numerous descendants. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, where the unexpected and gracious acts of God bring about salvation and blessing beyond human comprehension.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel (Jacob)</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, father of Joseph, and grandfather to Ephraim and Manasseh. In this verse, he expresses his gratitude and amazement at seeing his son Joseph and his grandsons.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>The favored son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. He is the father of Ephraim and Manasseh.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephraim_and_manasseh.htm">Ephraim and Manasseh</a></b><br>The sons of Joseph, who are being blessed by their grandfather Jacob in this chapter. They are significant as they become the heads of two of the tribes of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_providence.htm">God's Providence</a></b><br>The overarching theme of God's providence and faithfulness is evident as Jacob acknowledges God's role in reuniting him with Joseph and allowing him to see his grandsons.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where Joseph rose to power and where Jacob and his family settled during the famine. It serves as the backdrop for this family reunion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_across_generations.htm">God's Faithfulness Across Generations</a></b><br>Jacob's joy in seeing Joseph and his grandsons is a testament to God's faithfulness. Despite years of separation and hardship, God fulfilled His promises to Jacob's family.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_family_blessings.htm">The Importance of Family Blessings</a></b><br>Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh highlights the significance of passing on faith and blessings to the next generation. It encourages us to be intentional in imparting spiritual heritage to our descendants.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_providence.htm">Recognizing God's Providence</a></b><br>Jacob's acknowledgment of God's role in his life challenges us to recognize and give thanks for God's providence in our own lives, even when circumstances seem dire.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_promises.htm">Hope in God's Promises</a></b><br>The fulfillment of God's promises to Jacob encourages believers to hold onto hope, trusting that God will bring about His plans in His perfect timing.<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/how_does_wisdom_lead_to_foolishness.htm">Is there only one shepherd?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happens_in_exodus.htm">What events occur in the biblical book of Exodus?</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/how_accurate_is_israel's_fall_to_sodom's.htm">Amos 4:11 - How accurate is the parallel between Israel's downfall and God's earlier destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/48.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God</span> (Elohim) <span class="cmt_word">hath showed me also thy seed</span>. The first half of Israel s utterance is rendered by the LXX. "<span class="greek">Ιδοὺ τοῦ  ῞προωσ´που σου οὐκ ἐστερήθην</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/48-11.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">“I never</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">expected</span><br /><span class="heb">פִלָּ֑לְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(p̄il·lā·lə·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6419.htm">Strong's 6419: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, to intercede, pray</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to see</span><br /><span class="heb">רְאֹ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(rə·’ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your face again,”</span><br /><span class="heb">פָנֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ā·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵל֙</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">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<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">Joseph,</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסֵ֔ף</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">“but now</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִנֵּ֨ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has let me see</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶרְאָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(her·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your children</span><br /><span class="heb">זַרְעֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(zar·‘e·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as well.”</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/48-11.htm">Genesis 48:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/48-11.htm">Genesis 48:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/48-11.htm">Genesis 48:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/48-11.htm">Genesis 48:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/48-11.htm">Genesis 48:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/48-11.htm">Genesis 48:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/48-11.htm">Genesis 48:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/48-11.htm">Genesis 48:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/48-11.htm">Genesis 48:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/48-11.htm">Genesis 48:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/48-11.htm">OT Law: Genesis 48:11 Israel said to Joseph I didn't think (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/48-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 48:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 48:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/48-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 48:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 48:12" /></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>