Genesis 48:10
New International Version
Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

New Living Translation
Jacob was half blind because of his age and could hardly see. So Joseph brought the boys close to him, and Jacob kissed and embraced them.

English Standard Version
Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.

Berean Standard Bible
Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

King James Bible
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

New King James Version
Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.

New American Standard Bible
Now the eyes of Israel were so dim from age that he could not see. And Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed them and embraced them.

NASB 1995
Now the eyes of Israel were so dim from age that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed them and embraced them.

NASB 1977
Now the eyes of Israel were so dim from age that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed them and embraced them.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the eyes of Israel were so dim from age that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed them and embraced them.

Amplified Bible
Now Israel’s eyes were so dim from age that he could not see [clearly]. Then Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed and embraced them.

Christian Standard Bible
Now his eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought them to him, and he kissed and embraced them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now his eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought them to him, and he kissed and embraced them.

American Standard Version
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

English Revised Version
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Israel's eyesight was failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to his father, and Israel hugged them and kissed them.

Good News Translation
Jacob's eyesight was failing because of his age, and he could not see very well. Joseph brought the boys to him, and he hugged them and kissed them.

International Standard Version
Now Israel's eyesight had become poor from age. Because he couldn't see well, Joseph brought them close to him, and Israel kissed them both and embraced them.

Majority Standard Bible
Now Israel?s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

NET Bible
Now Israel's eyes were failing because of his age; he was not able to see well. So Joseph brought his sons near to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

New Heart English Bible
Now the eyes of Israel were failing because of his age, so that he couldn?t see. Then he brought them near to him, and he kissed them and embraced them.

Webster's Bible Translation
(Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see:) And he brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

World English Bible
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the eyes of Israel have been heavy from age—he is unable to see; and he brings them near to him, and he kisses them and cleaves to them;

Young's Literal Translation
And the eyes of Israel have been heavy from age, he is unable to see; and he bringeth them nigh unto him, and he kisseth them, and cleaveth to them;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the eyes of Israel were heavy from old age; he will not be able to see; and he will draw them near to him, and he will kiss them, and embrace them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For Israel's eyes were dim by reason of his great age, and he could not see clearly. And when they were brought to him, he kissed and embraced them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For Israel’s eyes were clouded by reason of his great age, and he was unable to see clearly. And when they were placed up against him, he kissed and embraced them.

New American Bible
Now Israel’s eyes were dim from age; he could not see well. When Joseph brought his sons close to him, he kissed and embraced them.

New Revised Standard Version
Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, and he could not see well. So Joseph brought them near him; and he kissed them and embraced them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now the eyes of Israel were dim because of age, so that he could not see well. And Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them and embraced them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the eyes of Israel were dim from old age, and he was not able to see well, and he brought them to him, and he kissed them and he embraced them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now the eyes of Israel were dim through age, and he could not see; and he brought them near to him, and he kissed them, and embraced them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh
9Joseph said to his father, “They are the sons God has given me in this place.” So Jacob said, “Please bring them to me, that I may bless them.” 10Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. 11“I never expected to see your face again,” Israel said to Joseph, “but now God has let me see your children as well.”…

Cross References
Genesis 27:1
When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied.

Deuteronomy 34:7
Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished.

1 Samuel 3:2
And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room.

1 Kings 14:4
Jeroboam’s wife did as instructed; she arose and went to Shiloh and arrived at Ahijah’s house. Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age.

1 Kings 18:43
“Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”

2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Job 17:7
My eyes have grown dim with grief, and my whole body is but a shadow.

Job 29:15
I served as eyes to the blind and as feet to the lame.

Psalm 6:7
My eyes fail from grief; they grow dim because of all my foes.

Psalm 31:9
Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well.

Psalm 38:10
My heart pounds, my strength fails, and even the light of my eyes has faded.

Ecclesiastes 12:3
on the day the keepers of the house tremble and the strong men stoop, when those grinding cease because they are few and those watching through windows see dimly,

Isaiah 42:16
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.

Matthew 9:27-30
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” / After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered. / Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” ...

Matthew 20:30-34
And there were two blind men sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” / The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” / Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

the eyes.

Genesis 27:1
And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.

1 Samuel 3:2
And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

1 Samuel 4:15
Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.

dim.

Isaiah 6:10
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

Isaiah 59:1
Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

kissed.

Genesis 27:27
And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:

Genesis 31:55
And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

Genesis 45:15
Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

Jump to Previous
Able Age Clear Cleaveth Close Couldn't Dim Embraced Eyes Failing Folding Hardly Israel Israel's Joseph Kiss Kissed Kisseth Longer Nearer Nigh Unable
Jump to Next
Able Age Clear Cleaveth Close Couldn't Dim Embraced Eyes Failing Folding Hardly Israel Israel's Joseph Kiss Kissed Kisseth Longer Nearer Nigh Unable
Genesis 48
1. Joseph with his sons visits his sick father.
2. Jacob strengthens himself to bless them.
3. He repeats God's promise.
5. He takes Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons.
7. He tells Joseph of his mother's grave.
8. He blesses Ephraim and Manasseh.
17. He prefers the younger before the elder.
21. He prophesies their return to Canaan.














Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age;
This phrase highlights the physical decline associated with aging, a common theme in biblical narratives. Similar to Isaac's failing eyesight in Genesis 27:1, this detail underscores the human frailty of the patriarchs. It also sets the stage for the significant blessing that follows, emphasizing the importance of spiritual insight over physical sight. The mention of Israel, formerly Jacob, reflects his transformation and the fulfillment of God's promises to him as the father of the twelve tribes.

he could hardly see.
The inability to see clearly is symbolic of the need for spiritual discernment. In biblical literature, physical blindness often parallels spiritual insight, as seen in the story of Saul's conversion in Acts 9. This moment foreshadows the spiritual blessings that Israel is about to bestow upon Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which will have lasting implications for the tribes of Israel.

Joseph brought his sons to him,
Joseph's action of bringing his sons to Israel signifies the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through the next generation. This act is reminiscent of the patriarchal blessings passed from Abraham to Isaac and from Isaac to Jacob. It also highlights Joseph's role as a preserver of his family's legacy, despite his Egyptian status. The presence of Ephraim and Manasseh in this scene underscores the integration of Joseph's Egyptian-born sons into the Israelite heritage.

and his father kissed them and embraced them.
The gesture of kissing and embracing is a sign of affection and acceptance, reflecting the deep familial bonds and the importance of kinship in ancient Near Eastern culture. This act of love and blessing is reminiscent of the prodigal son's return in Luke 15:20, where the father embraces his son. It signifies the passing of the covenantal promise and the inclusion of Ephraim and Manasseh into the lineage of Israel, foreshadowing their future roles as tribes within the nation of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel (Jacob)
The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob, who is now old and nearly blind, is preparing to bless his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh.

2. Joseph
Jacob's son, who has risen to a position of power in Egypt, brings his sons to receive a blessing from their grandfather.

3. Ephraim and Manasseh
The sons of Joseph, who are about to receive a significant blessing from their grandfather, Jacob.

4. Egypt
The land where this event takes place, as Jacob and his family have moved there during the famine.

5. Blessing Ceremony
A significant event where Jacob imparts a blessing to his grandsons, which has implications for their future and the future of the tribes of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Blessings
In biblical times, blessings were not just well-wishes but carried prophetic and spiritual significance. They were a means of passing on God's promises and favor to future generations.

Spiritual Vision vs. Physical Sight
Jacob's physical blindness contrasts with his spiritual insight. Despite his failing eyesight, he perceives God's plan for his descendants, reminding us that spiritual discernment is more crucial than physical sight.

Legacy and Heritage
Jacob's act of blessing his grandsons underscores the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy. As believers, we are called to impart our faith and values to the next generation.

God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics
The blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh shows God's hand in family dynamics, often working in unexpected ways. It encourages us to trust God's plan for our families, even when it diverges from cultural norms or expectations.

Embracing God's Promises
Jacob's embrace of his grandsons symbolizes the acceptance and transmission of God's promises. We are encouraged to embrace God's promises in our lives and share them with others.Verse 10. - Now (literally, and) the eyes of Israel were dim (literally, heavy) for age, so that he could not see. This explains why he did not earlier recognize his grandchildren, and why he asked them to be set close by his bed. And he (their father) brought them near unto him; and he (their old grandfather) kissed them, and embraced them (cf. Isaac's blessing of Jacob, Genesis 27:26, 27).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now Israel’s
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

eyesight
וְעֵינֵ֤י (wə·‘ê·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

was poor
כָּבְד֣וּ (kā·ḇə·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome

because of old age;
מִזֹּ֔קֶן (miz·zō·qen)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2207: Old age

he could
יוּכַ֖ל (yū·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power

hardly
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

see.
לִרְא֑וֹת (lir·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

Joseph brought
וַיַּגֵּ֤שׁ (way·yag·gêš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

[his sons] to him,
אֵלָ֔יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

and [his father] kissed
וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק (way·yiš·šaq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons

them
לָהֶ֖ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

and embraced
וַיְחַבֵּ֥ק (way·ḥab·bêq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2263: To clasp, embrace

them.
לָהֶֽם׃ (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Law: Genesis 48:10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 48:9
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