Genesis 50:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 50:14 mean?

Genesis 50:14 describes how Joseph, along with his brothers and everyone who had gone with him to bury his father Jacob, returned to Egypt after the burial was complete. The verse marks the end of the journey to Canaan for Jacob’s burial and the group's return to their life in Egypt.

Joseph is the main figure here, and the verse notes that he was accompanied by his brothers (the other sons of Jacob) and all those who traveled with them for the funeral. This moment comes right after the detailed account of Jacob’s burial in Canaan, showing the respect Joseph and his family gave to their father’s wishes before resuming their responsibilities in Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 50:14

• "Returned" (שָׁב, shav): This word means to go back or return. Its use here emphasizes that Joseph and his family were resuming their lives in Egypt after fulfilling their duty to their father.
• "Bury" (קָבַר, qavar): This word appears twice in the verse, highlighting the act of burial as a significant event. It shows that the main purpose of the journey was to honor their father through burial, not for any other reason.
• "Father" (אָב, av): Repeated twice, this word draws attention to the relationship between Joseph and Jacob, underlining the family bond and the importance of honoring one's parent.

Why Genesis 50:14 matters

• The verse makes it clear that Joseph and his brothers did not stay in Canaan but returned to Egypt, which sets up the next events in the story, including the brothers’ concerns about Joseph’s intentions after their father’s death.
• By repeating the act of burial and the mention of "father," the verse highlights the fulfillment of Jacob’s last wishes and the respect shown by his sons, connecting back to earlier promises made to Jacob.
• This return to Egypt also quietly reminds the reader that the family’s home and future are now tied to Egypt, not Canaan, which is important for understanding the context of the Israelites’ later story.