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.
Now Israel's eyes were clouded with old age, so he couldn't see well. So Joseph brought his sons close to their grandfather, and Israel kissed them and hugged them.
This verse shows the tender moment when the aging Jacob (Israel), nearly blind from old age, lovingly embraces his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh.
📚 Historical Context
This scene takes place near the end of Jacob's life when he was around 147 years old, living in Egypt during the great famine. Joseph had brought his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to receive their grandfather's blessing before Jacob died. Physical blindness or dim eyesight was common in elderly people of that era, as there were no medical treatments available.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.