Genesis 48:10

Authorized King James 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעֵינֵ֤י

H5869

Now the eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

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

כָּֽבְד֣וּ

H3513

were dim

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

מִזֹּ֔קֶן

H2207

for age

old age

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוּכַ֖ל

H3201

so that he could

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לִרְא֑וֹת

H7200

not see

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

וַיַּגֵּ֤שׁ

H5066

And he brought them near

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֹתָם֙

H853

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

#10

אֵלָ֔יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק

H5401

unto him and he kissed

to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons

#12

לָהֶ֖ם

#13

וַיְחַבֵּ֥ק

H2263

them and embraced

to clasp (the hands or in embrace)

#14

לָהֶֽם׃

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 48 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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