Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. New Living Translation Jacob was half blind because of his age and could hardly see. So Joseph brought the boys close to him, and Jacob kissed and embraced them. English Standard Version Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. Berean Standard Bible Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. New American Standard Bible Now the eyes of Israel were so dim from age that he could not see. And Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed them and embraced them. NASB 1995 Now the eyes of Israel were so dim from age that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed them and embraced them. NASB 1977 Now the eyes of Israel were so dim from age that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed them and embraced them. Legacy Standard Bible Now the eyes of Israel were so dim from age that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed them and embraced them. Amplified Bible Now Israel’s eyes were so dim from age that he could not see [clearly]. Then Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed and embraced them. Christian Standard Bible Now his eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought them to him, and he kissed and embraced them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now his eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought them to him, and he kissed and embraced them. American Standard Version 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. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Israel's eyesight was failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to his father, and Israel hugged them and kissed them. Good News Translation Jacob's eyesight was failing because of his age, and he could not see very well. Joseph brought the boys to him, and he hugged them and kissed them. International Standard Version Now Israel's eyesight had become poor from age. Because he couldn't see well, Joseph brought them close to him, and Israel kissed them both and embraced them. NET Bible Now Israel's eyes were failing because of his age; he was not able to see well. So Joseph brought his sons near to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. New Heart English Bible Now the eyes of Israel were failing because of his age, so that he couldn’t see. Then he brought them near to him, and he kissed them and embraced them. Webster's Bible Translation (Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see:) And he brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. World English Bible Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the eyes of Israel have been heavy from age—he is unable to see; and he brings them near to him, and he kisses them and cleaves to them; Young's Literal Translation And the eyes of Israel have been heavy from age, he is unable to see; and he bringeth them nigh unto him, and he kisseth them, and cleaveth to them; Smith's Literal Translation And the eyes of Israel were heavy from old age; he will not be able to see; and he will draw them near to him, and he will kiss them, and embrace them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor Israel's eyes were dim by reason of his great age, and he could not see clearly. And when they were brought to him, he kissed and embraced them. Catholic Public Domain Version For Israel’s eyes were clouded by reason of his great age, and he was unable to see clearly. And when they were placed up against him, he kissed and embraced them. New American Bible Now Israel’s eyes were dim from age; he could not see well. When Joseph brought his sons close to him, he kissed and embraced them. New Revised Standard Version Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, and he could not see well. So Joseph brought them near him; and he kissed them and embraced them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow the eyes of Israel were dim because of age, so that he could not see well. And Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them and embraced them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the eyes of Israel were dim from old age, and he was not able to see well, and he brought them to him, and he kissed them and he embraced them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation Now the eyes of Israel were dim through age, and he could not see; and he brought them near to him, and he kissed them, and embraced them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh…9Joseph said to his father, “They are the sons God has given me in this place.” So Jacob said, “Please bring them to me, that I may bless them.” 10Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. 11“I never expected to see your face again,” Israel said to Joseph, “but now God has let me see your children as well.”… Cross References Genesis 27:1 When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied. Deuteronomy 34:7 Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished. 1 Samuel 3:2 And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room. 1 Kings 14:4 Jeroboam’s wife did as instructed; she arose and went to Shiloh and arrived at Ahijah’s house. Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age. 1 Kings 18:43 “Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” 2 Kings 6:17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Job 17:7 My eyes have grown dim with grief, and my whole body is but a shadow. Job 29:15 I served as eyes to the blind and as feet to the lame. Psalm 6:7 My eyes fail from grief; they grow dim because of all my foes. Psalm 31:9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well. Psalm 38:10 My heart pounds, my strength fails, and even the light of my eyes has faded. Ecclesiastes 12:3 on the day the keepers of the house tremble and the strong men stoop, when those grinding cease because they are few and those watching through windows see dimly, Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. Matthew 9:27-30 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” / After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered. / Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” ... Matthew 20:30-34 And there were two blind men sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” / The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” / Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked. ... Treasury of Scripture Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. the eyes. Genesis 27:1 And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I. 1 Samuel 3:2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; 1 Samuel 4:15 Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see. dim. Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: kissed. Genesis 27:27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed: Genesis 31:55 And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place. Genesis 45:15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him. Jump to Previous Able Age Clear Cleaveth Close Couldn't Dim Embraced Eyes Failing Folding Hardly Israel Israel's Joseph Kiss Kissed Kisseth Longer Nearer Nigh UnableJump to Next Able Age Clear Cleaveth Close Couldn't Dim Embraced Eyes Failing Folding Hardly Israel Israel's Joseph Kiss Kissed Kisseth Longer Nearer Nigh UnableGenesis 48 1. Joseph with his sons visits his sick father.2. Jacob strengthens himself to bless them. 3. He repeats God's promise. 5. He takes Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons. 7. He tells Joseph of his mother's grave. 8. He blesses Ephraim and Manasseh. 17. He prefers the younger before the elder. 21. He prophesies their return to Canaan. Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; This phrase highlights the physical decline associated with aging, a common theme in biblical narratives. Similar to Isaac's failing eyesight in Genesis 27:1, this detail underscores the human frailty of the patriarchs. It also sets the stage for the significant blessing that follows, emphasizing the importance of spiritual insight over physical sight. The mention of Israel, formerly Jacob, reflects his transformation and the fulfillment of God's promises to him as the father of the twelve tribes. he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. Persons / Places / Events 1. Israel (Jacob)The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob, who is now old and nearly blind, is preparing to bless his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh. 2. Joseph Jacob's son, who has risen to a position of power in Egypt, brings his sons to receive a blessing from their grandfather. 3. Ephraim and Manasseh The sons of Joseph, who are about to receive a significant blessing from their grandfather, Jacob. 4. Egypt The land where this event takes place, as Jacob and his family have moved there during the famine. 5. Blessing Ceremony A significant event where Jacob imparts a blessing to his grandsons, which has implications for their future and the future of the tribes of Israel. Teaching Points The Importance of BlessingsIn biblical times, blessings were not just well-wishes but carried prophetic and spiritual significance. They were a means of passing on God's promises and favor to future generations. Spiritual Vision vs. Physical Sight Jacob's physical blindness contrasts with his spiritual insight. Despite his failing eyesight, he perceives God's plan for his descendants, reminding us that spiritual discernment is more crucial than physical sight. Legacy and Heritage Jacob's act of blessing his grandsons underscores the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy. As believers, we are called to impart our faith and values to the next generation. God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics The blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh shows God's hand in family dynamics, often working in unexpected ways. It encourages us to trust God's plan for our families, even when it diverges from cultural norms or expectations. Embracing God's Promises Jacob's embrace of his grandsons symbolizes the acceptance and transmission of God's promises. We are encouraged to embrace God's promises in our lives and share them with others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 48:10?2. How does Jacob's blessing in Genesis 48:10 demonstrate God's faithfulness to Israel? 3. What can we learn from Jacob's reliance on God despite his "eyes...dim"? 4. How does Genesis 48:10 connect to God's promises in Genesis 12:2-3? 5. How can we trust God's plan when facing physical limitations like Jacob's? 6. In what ways can we bless others, following Jacob's example in Genesis 48:10? 7. Why was Israel's eyesight failing in Genesis 48:10? 8. How does Jacob's blessing of Joseph's sons reflect God's covenant promises? 9. What is the significance of Jacob's physical blindness in Genesis 48:10? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 48? 11. What is the Tribe of Ephraim? 12. What is the significance of the Tribe of Manasseh? 13. Genesis 48:17-19 - Why would God supposedly favor Ephraim over Manasseh despite established primogeniture traditions, and is there any extrabiblical data supporting this choice? 14. In Genesis 30:22-24, why does Rachel's miraculous conception coincide with this specific moment, and is there any historical evidence for such events? What Does Genesis 48:10 Mean Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old ageJacob is now about 147 years old (Genesis 47:28), and Scripture notes the inevitable weakening of his physical body. The Word is candid about aging: “When Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see…” (Genesis 27:1) and “At that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown dim, was lying in his usual place” (1 Samuel 3:2). God does not hide human frailty, yet He still works powerfully through His servants. Jacob’s failing eyes contrast sharply with his clear spiritual vision of God’s promises, much like Paul later says, “Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). Takeaways: • The Bible presents aging realistically, reminding us that earthly decline does not limit divine purpose. • Physical weakness can highlight God’s strength, as seen in the lives of Isaac, Jacob, and even Moses, whose “eye was not dim” by God’s special grace (Deuteronomy 34:7). He could hardly see The repetition underscores how limited Jacob’s natural vision has become. Yet his insight into God’s covenant remains vibrant. Soon he will prophetically bless Ephraim and Manasseh, demonstrating that spiritual clarity surpasses physical capacity. This mirrors Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). Jacob’s lack of sight will even set the stage for the surprising crossing of his hands (Genesis 48:14), echoing earlier reversals such as when the younger Jacob received Isaac’s blessing (Genesis 27). Key points: • God’s plans are not hindered by human limitation. • True sight is the ability to perceive God’s purposes, not merely physical vision (Psalm 119:18). Joseph brought his sons to him Joseph takes deliberate action, honoring both his father and his sons by ushering them into the presence of the patriarch. Earlier, he hastened to his father’s side when told, “Your father is ill” (Genesis 48:1). This reflects the biblical pattern of bringing children to receive blessing—parents brought little ones to Jesus so He might touch them (Mark 10:13–16). Joseph’s act also fulfills Jacob’s prior wish: “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has let me see your offspring as well” (Genesis 48:11). Practical observations: • Spiritual leadership involves guiding the next generation to the place of blessing. • Family faith is meant to be intergenerational, as seen in Abraham → Isaac → Jacob → Joseph → Ephraim & Manasseh (Psalm 78:4–7). His father kissed them and embraced them Jacob’s affectionate welcome conveys acceptance, love, and covenant inclusion. In Genesis 45:15 Joseph “kissed all his brothers and wept over them,” showing reconciliation; here, Jacob’s embrace marks adoption: “Now your two sons… will be reckoned as mine” (Genesis 48:5). Similar scenes of paternal compassion appear when the prodigal returns and “his father… ran to him, embraced him, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). The gesture readies Ephraim and Manasseh to receive the blessing that will make them tribal patriarchs in Israel (Joshua 14:4). Highlights: • God’s covenant is conveyed in an atmosphere of tangible love, not mere ritual. • The embrace points to our own adoption in Christ: “See what great love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). summary Genesis 48:10 paints a tender, multi-layered picture: a frail Jacob with fading eyesight, yet vibrant faith; a faithful son bringing his boys for a patriarchal blessing; and an affectionate grandfather embracing the next generation. Physical decline cannot hinder God’s promises, spiritual vision outshines natural sight, and covenant love flows through family relationships to secure a future for God’s people. Verse 10. - Now (literally, and) the eyes of Israel were dim (literally, heavy) for age, so that he could not see. This explains why he did not earlier recognize his grandchildren, and why he asked them to be set close by his bed. And he (their father) brought them near unto him; and he (their old grandfather) kissed them, and embraced them (cf. Isaac's blessing of Jacob, Genesis 27:26, 27).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now Israel’sיִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc eyesight וְעֵינֵ֤י (wə·‘ê·nê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - cdc Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain was poor כָּבְד֣וּ (kā·ḇə·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome because of old age; מִזֹּ֔קֶן (miz·zō·qen) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2207: Old age he could יוּכַ֖ל (yū·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3201: To be able, have power hardly לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no see. לִרְא֑וֹת (lir·’ō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7200: To see Joseph brought וַיַּגֵּ֤שׁ (way·yag·gêš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach [his sons] to him, אֵלָ֔יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to and [his father] kissed וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק (way·yiš·šaq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons them לָהֶ֖ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew and embraced וַיְחַבֵּ֥ק (way·ḥab·bêq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2263: To clasp, embrace them. לָהֶֽם׃ (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew Links Genesis 48:10 NIVGenesis 48:10 NLT Genesis 48:10 ESV Genesis 48:10 NASB Genesis 48:10 KJV Genesis 48:10 BibleApps.com Genesis 48:10 Biblia Paralela Genesis 48:10 Chinese Bible Genesis 48:10 French Bible Genesis 48:10 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 48:10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim (Gen. 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