Genesis 48:10

10 And the eyes of Israel have been heavy from age, he is unable to see; and he bringeth them nigh unto him, and he kisseth them, and cleaveth to 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 And Israel seeth the sons of Joseph, and saith, `Who [are] these?'
9 and Joseph saith unto his father, `They [are] my sons, whom God hath given to me in this [place];' and he saith, `Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I bless them.'
10 And the eyes of Israel have been heavy from age, he is unable to see; and he bringeth them nigh unto him, and he kisseth them, and cleaveth to them;
11 and Israel saith unto Joseph, `To see thy face I had not thought, and lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.'
12 And Joseph bringeth them out from between his knees, and boweth himself on his face to the earth;
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.