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 48:10KJV
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Genesis 48:10 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“embraced” Hebrew H2263 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 29:13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.
  • Job 24:8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

“kissed” Hebrew H5401 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
  • Exodus 18:7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

“dim” Hebrew H3513 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • 2 Samuel 10:3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
  • Proverbs 12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

“near” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Joshua 3:9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.
  • 2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.