Exodus 13:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses carries Joseph's bones with the Israelites, fulfilling Joseph's ancient command to take them to the Promised Land.
The Context of Exodus 13:19
The bones of Joseph are carried out of Egypt as fulfillment of an ancient oath.
What Does Exodus 13:19 Mean?
Joseph's oath, made generations earlier, becomes a concrete act of obedience during the exodus. The bones represent both a solemn promise and a physical reminder that God had spoken through Joseph about future deliverance.
By fulfilling this oath, Israel honors the covenant patriarchs and connects the past to the present journey. Joseph's faith that God would visit and deliver Israel is now being vindicated, and his remains will reach the land promised to his ancestors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 13:19
What does Exodus 13:19 mean?
Moses carries Joseph's bones with the Israelites, fulfilling Joseph's ancient command to take them to the Promised Land.
What is the context of Exodus 13:19?
The bones of Joseph are carried out of Egypt as fulfillment of an ancient oath.