King James Version

What Does Genesis 47:30 Mean?

Genesis 47:30 in the King James Version says “But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.”

Genesis 47:30 · KJV

Context

28

And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years. the whole: Heb. the days of the years of his life

29

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:

30

But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.

31

And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.

Read Genesis 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingpl... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְשָֽׁכַבְתִּי֙1 of 11

“But I will lie”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עִם2 of 11
H5973

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

אֲבֹתַ֔י3 of 11

“with my fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּנְשָׂאתַ֙נִי֙4 of 11

“and thou shalt carry”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם5 of 11

“me out of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וּקְבַרְתַּ֖נִי6 of 11

“and bury”

H6912

to inter

בִּקְבֻֽרָתָ֑ם7 of 11

“me in their buryingplace”

H6900

sepulture; (concretely) a sepulcher

וַיֹּאמַ֕ר8 of 11

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָֽנֹכִ֖י9 of 11
H595

i

אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה10 of 11

“I will do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִדְבָרֶֽךָ׃11 of 11

“as thou hast said”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Genesis 47:30 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 Genesis 47:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:29-32Genesis 25:9Genesis 23:19Genesis 50:5-14Nehemiah 2:52 Samuel 19:37

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Genesis 47 →

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