Genesis 48:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And Israel beheld Joseph's sons, and said, Who are these?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob looks at Joseph's sons and asks Joseph to identify them.
The Context of Genesis 48:8
Jacob's dim eyes require Joseph to explain who the young men are before he can bless them.
What Does Genesis 48:8 Mean?
Jacob's vision has dimmed with age, so when Joseph brings his sons near, Jacob cannot recognize them. This physical limitation—the dimness of his eyes—becomes a narrative marker for his dependency on Joseph and the need for explicit identification.
The question 'Who are these?' initiates the formal blessing sequence. It also emphasizes that these grandsons, born in Egypt and unknown to Jacob until now, are entering the patriarchal blessing tradition as adults, ready to receive his full covenantal transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 48:8
What does Genesis 48:8 mean?
Jacob looks at Joseph's sons and asks Joseph to identify them.
What is the context of Genesis 48:8?
Jacob's dim eyes require Joseph to explain who the young men are before he can bless them.