King James Version

What Does Genesis 47:31 Mean?

Genesis 47:31 in the King James Version says “And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 47:31 · KJV

Context

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
And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head.... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How should this truth about Jacob's Last Days shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 10

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיִּשָּׁבַ֖ע2 of 10

“Swear”

H7650

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

לִ֔י3 of 10
H0
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֖ע4 of 10

“Swear”

H7650

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

ל֑וֹ5 of 10
H0
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ6 of 10

“bowed”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל7 of 10

“unto him And Israel”

H3478

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

עַל8 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹ֥אשׁ9 of 10

“head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַמִּטָּֽה׃10 of 10

“himself upon the bed's”

H4296

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

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 47:31 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 47:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 1:47Genesis 24:3Hebrews 11:21Genesis 47:29Genesis 24:26Genesis 48:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 47 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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