King James Version

What Does Genesis 50:2 Mean?

Genesis 50:2 in the King James Version says “And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel.”

Genesis 50:2 · KJV

Context

1

And Joseph fell upon his father's face, and wept upon him, and kissed him.

2

And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel.

3

And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days. mourned: Heb. wept

4

And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,

Read Genesis 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed I... 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 should this truth about Joseph's Death shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיְצַ֨ו1 of 13

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יוֹסֵ֤ף2 of 13

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶת3 of 13
H853

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

עֲבָדָיו֙4 of 13

“his servants”

H5650

a servant

אֶת5 of 13
H853

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

הָרֹֽפְאִ֖ים6 of 13

“and the physicians”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

וַיַּֽחַנְט֥וּ7 of 13

“embalmed”

H2590

to spice; by implication, to embalm; also to ripen

אֶת8 of 13
H853

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

אָבִ֑יו9 of 13

“his father”

H1

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

וַיַּֽחַנְט֥וּ10 of 13

“embalmed”

H2590

to spice; by implication, to embalm; also to ripen

הָרֹֽפְאִ֖ים11 of 13

“and the physicians”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

אֶת12 of 13
H853

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“Israel”

H3478

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

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 50:2 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 50:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 16:14Genesis 50:26John 19:39-40Mark 16:1Matthew 26:12Mark 14:8

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