By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

HEBREWS 11:22KJV
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Hebrews 11:22 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 11:22 mean?

Hebrews 11:22 says that Joseph, as he was dying, spoke about the future departure of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about what to do with his bones. This verse highlights Joseph’s faith that God would keep His promise to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, even though Joseph himself would not live to see it.

The writer of Hebrews is reminding readers of Joseph’s trust in God’s promises at the end of his life. Joseph’s instructions about his bones show that he believed God would one day lead his people to the land He had promised, so much so that he wanted his remains to be taken there. This verse is part of a larger section listing people from Israel’s history who acted by faith in God’s word.

The Greek behind Hebrews 11:22

  • πίστις (pistis, “faith”): This word is central to the whole chapter and means trust or confidence in God’s promises, not just belief in facts. Joseph’s actions are presented as a result of this deep trust.
  • ἔξοδος (exodos, “departing”): This word refers to the Israelites’ future exit from Egypt, the event known as the Exodus. Joseph’s mention of it shows he believed in this future event long before it happened.
  • ἐνετείλατο (eneteilato, “gave commandment”): This word means to give a specific instruction or order. Joseph’s command about his bones was a deliberate act of faith, not just a casual request.
  • ὀστέα (ostea, “bones”): Mentioning Joseph’s bones emphasizes the physical reality of his faith—he wanted his actual remains to be part of God’s promise being fulfilled.

Why Hebrews 11:22 matters

  • Hebrews 11:22 clears up the idea that faith is only about present circumstances; Joseph’s faith looked far into the future, trusting God’s word beyond his own lifetime.
  • The verse highlights that even small, practical instructions (like what to do with his bones) can be acts of faith when they are rooted in trust in God’s promises.
  • This verse connects Joseph’s story to the larger theme of Hebrews 11, showing that faith often means acting on God’s promises even when the fulfillment is not immediate or visible.

Where else these words appear

“departing” Greek G1841 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 9:31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
  • 2 Peter 1:15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

“bones” Greek G3747 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
  • Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
  • John 19:36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

“died” Greek G5053 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
  • Matthew 22:25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
  • Mark 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

“commandment” Greek G1781 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 10:3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
  • John 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.