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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 47:31 "Swear to me," Jacob said. So Joseph swore to him, and Israel bowed in worship at the head of his bed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/47-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/01_Gen_47_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 47:31 - The Israelites Prosper in Goshen" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Swear to me, Jacob said. So Joseph swore to him, and Israel bowed in worship at the head of his 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'; 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/47-31.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/47-31.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/47.htm">Chapter 47</a> > Verse 31</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/47-30.htm" title="Genesis 47:30">◄</a> Genesis 47:31 <a href="/genesis/48-1.htm" title="Genesis 48:1">►</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/47.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/47.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Swear to me,&#8221 he said. Then Joseph swore to him, and Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/47.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Swear that you will do it,” Jacob insisted. So Joseph gave his oath, and Jacob bowed humbly at the head of his bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/47.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, “Swear to me”; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/47.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/47.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/47.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he said, “Swear to me.” And he swore to him. So Israel bowed himself on the head of the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/47.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he said, “Swear to me.” So he swore to him. Then Israel bowed <i>in worship</i> at the head of the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/47.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He said, &#8220Swear to me.&#8221 So he swore to him. Then Israel bowed in worship at the head of the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/47.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he said, “Swear to me.” So he swore to him. Then Israel bowed <i>in worship</i> at the head of the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/47.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he said, “Swear to me.” So he swore to him. Then Israel bowed <i>in worship</i> at the head of the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/47.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, “Swear to me [that you will do it].” So he swore to him. Then Israel (Jacob) bowed <i>in worship</i> at the head of the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/47.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob said, “Swear to me.” So Joseph swore to him. Then Israel bowed in thanks at the head of his bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/47.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob said, &#8220Swear to me.&#8221 So Joseph swore to him. Then Israel bowed in thanks at the head of his bed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/47.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, Swear unto me: and he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/47.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Will you give me your word?" Jacob asked. "Yes, I will," Joseph promised. After this, Jacob bowed down and prayed at the head of his bed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/47.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said, Swear unto me: and he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/47.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Swear to me," he said. So Joseph swore to him. Then Israel bowed down in prayer with his face at the head of his bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/47.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jacob said, "Make a vow that you will." Joseph made the vow, and Jacob gave thanks there on his bed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/47.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Promise me," Israel insisted. So Joseph promised. Then Israel collapsed on his bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/47.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/47.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jacob said, "Swear to me that you will do so." So Joseph gave him his word. Then Israel bowed down at the head of his bed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/47.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then he said, "Take an oath to me," and he took an oath to him. Then Israel bowed over the top of his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/47.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Swear to me: and he swore to him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/47.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Israel said, “Swear to me,” and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself on the bed’s head. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/47.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he says, “Swear to me”; and he swears to him, and Israel bows himself on the head of the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/47.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he saith, 'Swear to me;' and he sweareth to him, and Israel boweth himself on the head of the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/47.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, Swear to me. And he will swear to him. And Israel will worship upon the head of the rod.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/47.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said: Swear then to me. And as he was swearing, Israel adored God, turning to the bed's head. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/47.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said, “Then swear it to me.” And as he was swearing, Israel adored God, turning to the head of his resting place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/47.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But his father demanded, “Swear it to me!” So Joseph swore to him. Then Israel bowed at the head of the bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/47.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, “Swear to me”; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself on the head of his bed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/47.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he said, Swear to me. And he swore to him. And Israel bowed himself upon the head of his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/47.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he said, “Swear to me”, and he swore to him, and Israel bowed on the top of his staff. <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/47.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he said: 'Swear unto me.' And he swore unto him. And Israel bowed down upon the bed's head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/47.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Swear to me; and he swore to him. And Israel did reverence, leaning on the top of his staff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/47-31.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=12542" 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/47.htm">The Israelites Prosper in Goshen</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.” <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: hiš·šā·ḇə·‘āh (V-Nifal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">“Swear</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to me,”</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.">Jacob said.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">So Joseph swore</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him,</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.">and Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: way·yiš·ta·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">bowed in worship</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.">at</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">the head</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.">of his bed.</a> </span><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="/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/48-1.htm">Genesis 48:1-2</a></span><br />Some time later Joseph was told, “Your father is ill.” So he set out with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. / 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="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-24.htm">Genesis 50:24-25</a></span><br />Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” / And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/13-19.htm">Exodus 13:19</a></span><br />Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear a solemn oath when he said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones with you from this place.”<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/24-2.htm">Genesis 24:2-3</a></span><br />So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, / and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-1.htm">Genesis 28:1-4</a></span><br />So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. “Do not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” he commanded. / “Go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel, and take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. / May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/49-29.htm">Genesis 49:29-33</a></span><br />Then Jacob instructed them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. / The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. / There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-5.htm">Genesis 50:5-6</a></span><br />my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.” / Pharaoh replied, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-9.htm">Genesis 24:9</a></span><br />So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.<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/25-8.htm">Genesis 25:8-9</a></span><br />And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people. / His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-15.htm">Genesis 15:15</a></span><br />You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/23-1.htm">Genesis 23:1-2</a></span><br />Now Sarah lived to be 127 years old. / She died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went out to mourn and to weep for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Genesis 12:7</a></span><br />Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said, Swear to me. And he swore to him. And Israel bowed himself on the bed's head.</p><p class="hdg">Swear.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-3.htm">Genesis 24:3</a></b></br> And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:</p><p class="hdg">And Israel bowed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">Genesis 47:29</a></b></br> And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-26.htm">Genesis 24:26</a></b></br> And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/48-1.htm">Genesis 48:1,2</a></b></br> And it came to pass after these things, that <i>one</i> told Joseph, Behold, thy father <i>is</i> sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/39-14.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/genesis/43-28.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/genesis/33-3.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/genesis/44-31.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-7.htm">Leaned</a> <a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/genesis/38-25.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/genesis/31-53.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/genesis/26-31.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/genesis/31-53.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/genesis/31-53.htm">Swore</a> <a href="/genesis/40-17.htm">Top</a> <a href="/genesis/26-25.htm">Worship</a> <a href="/genesis/24-48.htm">Worshiped</a> <a href="/genesis/24-52.htm">Worshipped</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/48-2.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/genesis/48-12.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/genesis/48-12.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/48-2.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/48-1.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/judges/16-29.htm">Leaned</a> <a href="/genesis/50-6.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/genesis/50-24.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/genesis/50-5.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-3.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/genesis/50-24.htm">Swore</a> <a href="/exodus/12-22.htm">Top</a> <a href="/genesis/48-15.htm">Worship</a> <a href="/exodus/4-31.htm">Worshiped</a> <a href="/exodus/4-31.htm">Worshipped</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 47</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-1.htm">Joseph presents his father, and five of his brothers before Pharaoh.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-11.htm">He gives them habitation and maintenance.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-13.htm">He gets the Egyptian's money;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-16.htm">their cattle;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-18.htm">and their lands, except the priests', to Pharaoh.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-23.htm">He restores the land for a fifth.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-28.htm">Jacob's age.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">He swears Joseph to bury him with his fathers.</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/47.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/47.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Swear to me,” Jacob said.</b><br>Jacob, also known as Israel, is nearing the end of his life and is deeply concerned about his burial place. This request for an oath reflects the seriousness of his desire to be buried in the land of Canaan, the land promised to his descendants by God. The act of swearing an oath was a solemn and binding agreement in ancient Near Eastern culture, often invoking the name of God as a witness. This reflects the importance Jacob places on the covenant promises and his desire to be associated with the land of promise even in death.<p><b>So Joseph swore to him,</b><br>Joseph, as the favored son and a man of integrity, honors his father's request. His willingness to swear an oath demonstrates his respect for his father and his commitment to fulfilling Jacob's wishes. This act also signifies Joseph's acknowledgment of the importance of the covenant promises tied to the land of Canaan. Joseph's position in Egypt as a powerful leader does not diminish his connection to his heritage and the promises given to his forefathers.<p><b>and Israel bowed in worship at the head of his bed.</b><br>The name "Israel" is used here, emphasizing Jacob's role as the patriarch of the nation. His act of bowing in worship signifies his deep faith and gratitude towards God for His faithfulness throughout his life. This moment of worship at the end of his life reflects Jacob's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. The phrase "at the head of his bed" indicates Jacob's frailty and impending death, yet even in his weakness, he demonstrates a posture of reverence and trust in God. This act can be seen as a type of Christ, who, in His own death, demonstrated ultimate trust and submission to the Father's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob (Israel)</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, who is nearing the end of his life. He is concerned about his burial place and makes Joseph swear to bury him in Canaan.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>Jacob's son, who has risen to a position of power in Egypt. He is asked by his father to swear an oath regarding Jacob's burial.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where Jacob and his family are residing due to a severe famine. It is a place of provision but not the promised land.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>The promised land where Jacob desires to be buried, signifying his faith in God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and himself.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/o/oath.htm">Oath</a></b><br>A solemn promise made by Joseph to Jacob, highlighting the importance of fulfilling one's word and honoring family wishes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a></b><br>Jacob's insistence on being buried in Canaan reflects his unwavering faith in God's promises. Believers are encouraged to hold fast to God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_family_legacy.htm">The Importance of Family Legacy</a></b><br>Jacob's request to Joseph underscores the significance of family legacy and honoring the wishes of our elders. It reminds us to respect and uphold family values and traditions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/worship_in_all_circumstances.htm">Worship in All Circumstances</a></b><br>Israel's act of worship at the head of his bed, even in his frailty, teaches us to maintain a posture of worship and gratitude to God in all stages of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_and_keeping_promises.htm">Integrity and Keeping Promises</a></b><br>Joseph's commitment to his father's request highlights the importance of integrity and keeping our promises, especially to those we love.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_47.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 47</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_non-biblical_record_of_gen_47.htm">Why is there no clear non-biblical documentation of both a severe seven-year famine and the Hebrews thriving in Egypt (Genesis 47)?</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><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/what_does_'vagabond'_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What is Goshen's biblical significance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/47.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.</span>--The LXX., followed by the Epistle to the Hebrews (<a href="/genesis/11-21.htm" title="And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters.">Genesis 11:21</a>) and the Syriac, read, "on the top of his staff." The word in the Hebrew, without vowels, may mean either <span class= "ital">bed </span>or <span class= "ital">staff, </span>and as we have mentioned above (<a href="/genesis/22-14.htm" title="And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.">Genesis 22:14</a>), the points indicating the vowels were added in later times, and while valuable as representing a very ancient tradition, are nevertheless not of final authority. The rendering, however, of the Authorised Version is the most satisfactory. It was scarcely worth mentioning that Jacob bowed before Joseph, leaning on his staff; but the picture of the aged patriarch leaning back upon his bed, content and happy in his son's promise, and giving thanks to God for the peace of his approaching end, is one full of pathos and dignity.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/47.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - And he (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> Jacob) <span class="cmt_word">said, Swear unto me</span> (in the manner indicated in ver. 29). <span class="cmt_word">And he</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> Joseph) <span class="cmt_word">sware unto him. And</span> (having concluded this touching and impressive ceremonial) <span class="cmt_word">Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.</span> Though supported by many eminent authorities (Chaldee Pard. phrase, Symmachus, Vulgate, Calvin, Willet, Rosenmüller, Delitzsch, Keil, Kalisch, etc., etc.), the present rendering is not entirely free from difficulty, since not until the next chapter is there any mention of Jacob's sickness; while in favor of the reading, "<span class="accented">And</span> Israel bowed himself on the top of his staff" (LXX.), it may be urged <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> that it is adopted by the writer to the Hebrews (<a href="/hebrews/11-21.htm">Hebrews 11:21</a>), <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> that the Hebrew words for staff and bed differ only in the punctuation, and <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> that the action of leaning on his staff was quite as suitable to Jacob's circumstances as turning over and bowing on his bed's head. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/47-31.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">“Swear</span><br /><span class="heb">הִשָּֽׁבְעָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(hiš·šā·ḇə·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seven oneself, swear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me,”</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jacob said.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֗אמֶר</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">So Joseph swore</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשָּׁבַ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seven oneself, swear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him,</span><br /><span class="heb">ל֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל</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">bowed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·ta·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> </span><span class="str2">To depress, prostrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in worship at</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">the head</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֥אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his 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/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/47-31.htm">Genesis 47:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/47-31.htm">OT Law: Genesis 47:31 He said Swear to me and he (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/47-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 47:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 47:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/48-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 48:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 48:1" /></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>