Understanding Genesis 50:6

In Genesis 50:6, we find a key moment in the concluding chapters of the Book of Genesis, where Joseph, having attained a position of great power in Egypt, receives permission from Pharaoh to go and bury his father Jacob in the land of Canaan. This verse highlights the themes of honor, family obligations, and respect for the deceased.

Verse Text

Genesis 50:6 (KJV): "And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father, according as he made thee swear."

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Matthew Henry emphasizes the deep respect that Joseph has for his father and the importance of fulfilling the promises made to him. The request to return to Canaan for burial symbolizes a reverence for family traditions and the rightful place of the patriarch. It also showcases Joseph's standing with Pharaoh, who is willing to accommodate Joseph's request, indicating the favor Joseph has in Egypt.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes points out the significance of burial practices in ancient times and how they demonstrate one’s respect and love for their family. He notes that Pharaoh’s permission is an indication of Joseph’s loyalty and successful standing in a foreign land, thus highlighting themes of loyalty and cultural connection.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke elaborates on the cultural implications of burial by mentioning the traditional customs of the patriarchs. He connects the act of burying Jacob in Canaan to the fulfillment of God’s promises about the land, thus emphasizing the importance of land and heritage in God’s covenant with His people.

Key Themes

• Family and Honor: Joseph's commitment to bury Jacob in Canaan reflects deep familial honor.
• Obedience to Promises: Joseph's actions depict the significance of keeping vows made to loved ones.
• Respect for Traditions: The burial in Canaan connects to the broader narrative of covenant and land in Biblical history.
• Pharaoh's Favor: This moment illustrates the integration of Joseph into Egyptian society while remaining devoted to his heritage.

Cross-References

This verse is interconnected with several other biblical passages that provide deeper insight and thematic parallels:

• Genesis 49:29-32: Jacob’s final wishes regarding his burial site in Canaan.
• Genesis 47:30: Joseph’s promise to Jacob that he would bury him in the land of Canaan.
• Exodus 13:19: The eventual carrying out of this promise during the Exodus by Joseph’s bones.
• Hebrews 11:22: The New Testament reference to Joseph's faith regarding his bones after death.
• Deuteronomy 34:5: The burial of Moses in the land, illustrating continuity of God’s promise about the land to His people.
• John 11:43-44: The theme of resurrection echoes the hope of burial and afterlife.
• Matthew 8:22: Jesus speaks to the urgency of following Him, contrasting the cultural practices of burial.

Importance of Cross-Referencing

Understanding Genesis 50:6 through the lens of Bible verse cross-references enriches our comprehension of biblical themes such as familial devotion and covenant promises. By linking this verse with others, we can identify broader connections between Bible verses that lead to a more profound understanding of the scripture's spiritual implications.

Conclusion

Genesis 50:6 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of heritage, the fulfillment of promises, and the value of tradition in biblical narratives. Through the use of tools for Bible cross-referencing, we can deepen our study and enhance our appreciation of how passages relate to one another, thereby enriching our spiritual journey.