King James Version

What Does Exodus 13:19 Mean?

Exodus 13:19 in the King James Version says “And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely v... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

Exodus 13:19 · KJV


Context

17

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

18

But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. harnessed: or, by five in a rank

19

And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

20

And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.

21

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses taking Joseph's bones fulfills the oath Joseph extracted in Genesis 50:25. The phrase 'Ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you' shows Joseph's faith that God would fulfill His promise to bring Israel to Canaan. Carrying these bones throughout forty wilderness years testified to covenant faithfulness—both God's (bringing Israel out) and Joseph's (trusting God's promise despite dying in Egypt).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Joseph died in Egypt (Genesis 50:26) and was embalmed. His bones were transported through wilderness wanderings and eventually buried at Shechem (Joshua 24:32), fulfilling the oath after 400+ years.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joseph's faith expressed through his burial request teach about confident hope in God's promises?
  2. What does carrying Joseph's bones throughout the wilderness teach about honoring past saints' faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּקַּ֥ח1 of 22

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁ֛ה2 of 22

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַצְמֹתַ֛י4 of 22

my bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

יוֹסֵ֖ף5 of 22

of Joseph

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

עִמּ֑וֹ6 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כִּי֩7 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִשְׁבִּ֜יעַ8 of 22

sworn

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

הִשְׁבִּ֜יעַ9 of 22

sworn

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

אֶת10 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֤י11 of 22

the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙12 of 22

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹ֔ר13 of 22

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יִפְקֹ֤ד14 of 22

visit

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

יִפְקֹ֤ד15 of 22

visit

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

אֱלֹהִים֙16 of 22

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶתְכֶ֔ם17 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְהַֽעֲלִיתֶ֧ם18 of 22

away

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶת19 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַצְמֹתַ֛י20 of 22

my bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

מִזֶּ֖ה21 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אִתְּכֶֽם׃22 of 22
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 13:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 13:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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