King James Version

What Does Genesis 50:23 Mean?

Genesis 50:23 in the King James Version says “And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees. brought: Heb. born”

Genesis 50:23 · KJV

Context

21

Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them. kindly: Heb. to their hearts

22

And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years.

23

And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees. brought: Heb. born

24

And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

25

And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

Read Genesis 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Ma... 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 can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיַּ֤רְא1 of 14

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יוֹסֵֽף׃2 of 14

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

לְאֶפְרַ֔יִם3 of 14

“Ephraim's”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בֶּן4 of 14

“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

שִׁלֵּשִׁ֑ים5 of 14

“of the third”

H8029

a descendant of the third degree, i.e., great grandchild

גַּ֗ם6 of 14
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בֶּן7 of 14

“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

מָכִיר֙8 of 14

“also of Machir”

H4353

makir, an israelite

בֶּן9 of 14

“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

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה10 of 14

“of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

יֻלְּד֖וּ11 of 14

“were brought up”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

עַל12 of 14
H5921

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

בִּרְכֵּ֥י13 of 14

“knees”

H1290

a knee

יוֹסֵֽף׃14 of 14

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

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 50:23 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 50:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 32:39Job 42:16Genesis 30:3Joshua 17:1Genesis 48:19Psalms 128:6

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 50 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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