Genesis 48:10

10 Israel's eyesight was poor from old age; he was nearly blind. So Joseph brought them up close. Old Israel kissed and embraced them

Genesis 48:10 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 48:10

Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age
Or "heavy" ^F16, that he could not lift them up easily and see clearly; his eyebrows hung over, his eyes were sunk in his head, and the humours pressed them through old age, that it was with difficulty he could perceive an object, at least not distinctly: [so that] he could not see;
very plainly, otherwise he did see the sons of Joseph, though he could not discern who they were, ( Genesis 49:8 ) ; and he brought them near unto him;
that he might have a better sight of them and bless them: and he kissed them, and embraced them:
as a token of his affection for them.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F16 (wdbk) "graves erant", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator

Genesis 48:10 In-Context

8 Just then Jacob noticed Joseph's sons and said, "Who are these?"

9 Joseph told his father, "They are my sons whom God gave to me in this place."

10 Israel's eyesight was poor from old age; he was nearly blind. So Joseph brought them up close. Old Israel kissed and embraced them

11 and then said to Joseph, "I never expected to see your face again, and now God has let me see your children as well!"

12 Joseph took them from Israel's knees and bowed respectfully, his face to the ground.