Genesis 48:10

10 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.

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 When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?”

9 Joseph 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.”

10 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.

11 “I never expected to see your face again,” Israel said to Joseph, “but now God has let me see your children as well.”

12 Then Joseph removed his sons from his father’s knees and bowed facedown.