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.
GENESIS 48:10KJVWhat does Genesis 48:10 mean?
Genesis 48:10 describes how Jacob, also called Israel, was so old that his eyesight had become very poor and he could not see. Even so, he drew Joseph’s sons close to him, kissed them, and hugged them as a sign of affection and blessing.
In this scene, Jacob is near the end of his life and Joseph has brought his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to receive their grandfather’s blessing. The verse highlights Jacob’s physical weakness due to age but also his deep love for his grandsons, shown through his actions of kissing and embracing them before blessing them.
The Hebrew behind Genesis 48:10
- דִּמְּעוּת (H3513, kabed/dim): The word translated as "dim" is often used for heaviness or dullness, not just blindness. It suggests Jacob’s eyes were weighed down with age, emphasizing frailty rather than total blindness.
- זְקֵנָה (H2207, zeqenah/age): This word for "age" points to old age specifically, underlining that Jacob’s condition was a natural result of many years lived.
- נָשַׁק (H5401, nashaq/kissed): This verb describes a warm, familial kiss, showing Jacob’s affection and the importance of this moment.
- חָבַק (H2263, chabaq/embraced): This word for "embraced" conveys a close, loving hug, reinforcing the deep bond between Jacob and his grandsons.
Why Genesis 48:10 matters
- This verse clears up any idea that Jacob’s actions were formal or distant; the physical gestures of kissing and embracing show real warmth and personal connection.
- The mention of Jacob’s failing eyesight sets the stage for the blessing that follows, explaining why he might not recognize the boys by sight and why he relies on touch and closeness.
- Genesis 48:10 connects to the larger theme of blessings in Genesis, where physical acts and spoken words together pass on family legacy and God’s promises.