My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again.
My father made me promise him, saying, 'Look, I am dying. You must bury me in the grave I have prepared for myself in the land of Canaan.' So now please let me go and bury my father, and I will return.
Joseph is asking Pharaoh for permission to travel to Canaan to fulfill his dying father's wish to be buried in the Promised Land.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Genesis, Joseph, who had risen to power in Egypt, is speaking to Pharaoh about his father Jacob's dying request to be buried in the land of Canaan, in the family tomb he had prepared. This reflects the ancient cultural emphasis on burial in ancestral lands, which was important for maintaining a connection to one's heritage and God's promises to the patriarchs. The scene occurs after Jacob's death, as Joseph seeks permission to fulfill this oath, underscoring themes of loyalty and family honor in the midst of exile.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.