Genesis 47:31
And he said, “Swear to me”; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
In this solemn moment, as Jacob receives Joseph's oath, his "bowing himself upon the bed's head" isn't just a physical act of weariness, but a profound expression of heartfelt gratitude and worship toward God for the fulfillment of His promises. This gesture, though physically limited by his frail state, powerfully conveys his deep peace and trust in God's faithfulness.
As Jacob's life draws to a close in Egypt, he calls his son Joseph to his side, not for worldly affairs, but for a solemn promise regarding his burial. Jacob makes Joseph swear that he will carry his body out of Egypt and lay him to rest with his fathers in Canaan, a land deeply significant to their family's faith and future. After Joseph solemnly swears, Jacob expresses his profound gratitude and peace by bowing himself in reverence.
Why would Jacob, a man of God, demand an oath from his own son, Joseph, regarding his burial? It speaks volumes about the weight of promises and the human heart's deepest longings.
In this pivotal moment, Jacob's request for an oath from Joseph isn't about distrust, but about the immense significance he places on his final wish. Oaths in Scripture are not trivial; they are solemn declarations invoking God's name, binding individuals to their word. Jacob wants to ensure his desire to be buried in the promised land of Canaan, not in Egypt, is honored. This highlights how deeply the promise of the land was woven into Jacob's identity and faith, serving as a tangible symbol of God's covenant. An oath provides a powerful assurance, a safeguard against potential forgetfulness or shifting circumstances, ensuring his final journey aligns with his lifelong faith.
Jacob is near death, weak and frail, yet he performs a profound act of worship. What does this posture tell us about his heart and his perspective on life?
The phrase 'Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head' is rich with meaning. While some ancient texts and translations suggest he leaned on his staff (a symbol of his journey and authority), the most straightforward reading points to him bowing on his bed. This isn't a polite gesture to Joseph, but an act of religious devotion directed towards God. Despite his physical weakness and approaching death, Jacob's heart overflows with gratitude. He's thanking God for Joseph's faithfulness, for the promise of burial in the promised land, and for all the divine provisions throughout his life. This act shows that even in extreme physical frailty, the spirit can be vibrant with worship and thankfulness, finding strength to express devotion.
Understand the original words
shaba' · Hebrew Verb
To take an oath, calling upon God as a witness to the truthfulness of a promise or the sincerity of an intention, often involving a commitment to consequences if the oath is broken. It is a solemn act that establishes a covenantal or binding obligation between parties.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name given to Jacob by God, meaning 'God strives' or 'he struggles with God.' It represents the patriarch of the twelve tribes and is frequently used to denote the covenant community of God's people.
shachah · Hebrew Verb
A physical act of reverence, submission, or worship, often involving bending the body or prostrating oneself. It signifies humble acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, authority, or a higher status of another person.
Jacob's request for burial in Canaan, and his final act of bowing on his bed's head after Joseph's oath, underscores the deep yearning of the patriarchs for the Promised Land, even while living out their days in Egypt.
c. 1800 BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Jacob's favorite son, Joseph, is sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers, beginning a chain of events that leads his family to Egypt.
c. 1750 BC
Joseph rises to power in Egypt
Through God's providence and his own wisdom, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and rises to become the second-in-command of Egypt, tasked with managing its resources.
c. 1740 BC
Jacob's family moves to Egypt
A severe famine grips Canaan, forcing Jacob and his entire family to relocate to Egypt, where they are settled in the land of Goshen by Joseph.
c. 1723 BC— this verse
Jacob's final years and arrangements
Jacob, now elderly and residing in Egypt, makes final arrangements for his burial, requesting to be laid to rest with his fathers in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan.
This passage directly references Jacob's action, interpreting his bowing as worship and linking it to faith in God's promises concerning the land, highlighting its spiritual significance.
1 Kings 1:47This verse describes King David bowing on his bed, mirroring Jacob's posture of quiet reflection and gratitude at the end of his life, showing a similar picture of a leader concluding his days.
Genesis 48:2Immediately following this event, Jacob sits up in bed to bless Joseph's sons, showing a transition from his weakened state to a moment of spiritual strength and affirmation, offering context to his posture in verse 31.
Psalm 37:37This Psalm speaks of the 'end of the blameless man' being peace, which resonates with Jacob's peaceful resolution and final act of worship after securing his burial promise, reflecting a life lived in faithfulness.
calvinGenesis 47:1-31: "Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen."
- Et dixerunt ad Pharaonem, Ut peregrinaremur in hac terra, venimus, quia non est pascuum pecudibus, quae sunt servis tuis: gravis enim fames est in terra Chenaan: nunc igitur habitent quaeso servi tui in terra Gosen.
5 And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy fat…
pulpitGenesis 47:31: "And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head."
Verse 31. - And he (i.e. Jacob) said, Swear unto me (in the manner indicated in ver. 29). And he (i.e. Joseph) sware unto him. And (having concluded this touching and impressive ceremonial) Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head. Though supported by many eminent authorities (Chaldee Pard. phrase, Symmachus, Vulgate, Calvin, Willet, Rosenmüller, Delitzsch, Keil, Kalisch, &c., &c.),…
In this solemn moment, as Jacob receives Joseph's oath, his "bowing himself upon the bed's head" isn't just a physical act of weariness, but a profound expression of heartfelt gratitude and worship toward God for the fulfillment of His promises. This gesture, though physically limited by his frail state, powerfully conveys his deep peace and trust in God's faithfulness.
As Jacob's life draws to a close in Egypt, he calls his son Joseph to his side, not for worldly affairs, but for a solemn promise regarding his burial. Jacob makes Joseph swear that he will carry his body out of Egypt and lay him to rest with his fathers in Canaan, a land deeply significant to their family's faith and future. After Joseph solemnly swears, Jacob expresses his profound gratitude and peace by bowing himself in reverence.
As Jacob's life draws to a close in Egypt, he calls his son Joseph to his side, not for worldly affairs, but for a solemn promise regarding his burial. Jacob makes Joseph swear that he will carry his body out of Egypt and lay him to rest with his fathers in Canaan, a land deeply significant to their family's faith and future. After Joseph solemnly swears, Jacob expresses his profound gratitude and peace by bowing himself in reverence.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Genesis 47:31 is available in the Sola app.
c. 1723 BC
Jacob's death and burial
After Jacob's death, Joseph, with Pharaoh's permission, carries his father's body back to Canaan for burial, fulfilling his oath and honoring his father's last wishes.
"And he said, “Swear to me”; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed." — In this solemn moment, as Jacob receives Joseph's oath, his "bowing himself upon the bed's head" isn't just a physical act of weariness, but a profound expression of heartfelt gratitude and worship t…
