Genesis 50:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The embalming takes forty days, and the Egyptians mourn Jacob for seventy days.
The Context of Genesis 50:3
Embalming and mourning were significant rituals in Egyptian culture.
What Does Genesis 50:3 Mean?
The forty-day embalming process follows Egyptian custom and creates a period of preparation and mourning. This lengthy ritual gives time for Jacob's family to gather and for the broader Egyptian community to acknowledge the death of such an important man's father.
The seventy days of Egyptian mourning demonstrate the high respect Pharaoh and his court held for Joseph. By treating Jacob's death as a major event worthy of extended mourning, the Egyptians honor Joseph's status and show their regard for his family.
Genesis 50:3 in the Original Language
threescore (שׁלשׁים שׁנים), 'seventy' — literally 'three score and ten,' indicating a complete and honorable mourning period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 50:3
What does Genesis 50:3 mean?
The embalming takes forty days, and the Egyptians mourn Jacob for seventy days.
What is the context of Genesis 50:3?
Embalming and mourning were significant rituals in Egyptian culture.