Genesis 47:31

French S21 2007 (Bible Segond 21)

Jacob dit: «Jure-le-moi!» Et Joseph le lui jura. Puis Israël *se prosterna à la tête de son lit.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Jacob (also known as Israel) asks Joseph to swear a promise, and Joseph agrees. Jacob then shows his respect by bowing on his bed. This shows the bond between these two, with Jacob seeking assurance from Joseph.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your grandpa asked your dad to promise something very important, and your dad agreed. Then, grandpa showed how much he appreciated this by giving a big bow. That's what this verse is about, showing how much Jacob trusted and loved Joseph.

Historical Background

The book of Genesis was compiled over centuries, likely by several authors including Moses. This verse is part of the account of Jacob's later years in Egypt with his son Joseph, written for the Israelites to understand their heritage and God's promises.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse teaches us about the importance of making and keeping promises. For example, if a parent asks a child to promise to be home by a certain time, the child should take this seriously and show respect by keeping the promise.

Topics

• promises
• family
• respect
• trust
• legacy
• elderly

Related Verses

• Genesis 42:36
• Genesis 50:25
• Joshua 24:27
• Hebrews 11:21
• Matthew 26:63-64

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Jacob asking Joseph to promise?

Jacob was likely asking Joseph to make a promise about his burial or about protecting his family after his death, showing the importance of his request.

Why did Jacob bow on the bed's head?

Bowing was a sign of respect and trust. Jacob showed deep respect for Joseph and the promise he made.

How does this verse relate to family dynamics?

This verse highlights the trust and respect in a family relationship, specifically between a father and his son, and how promises within a family can be very meaningful.

What can we learn about promises from this verse?

We can learn that promises are important and should be honored. This verse shows the weight of promises, especially those made between family members.