What does Genesis 47:28 mean?
"And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years." - Genesis 47:28

Genesis 47:28 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years." This verse marks the end of the life of Jacob, the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham. Jacob is also known as Israel, as he was given this name after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28).
The significance of this verse lies in the conclusion of the life of Jacob, who is an important figure in the Old Testament. His life is marked by many trials and tribulations, as well as moments of great faith and blessing. Jacob's life is a testament to the faithfulness of God and His ability to work through imperfect and flawed individuals. This verse also marks the conclusion of the book of Genesis, which sets the stage for the accounts of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt and their eventual deliverance by the hand of God through Moses.
The context of this verse is important to understand its significance. Jacob and his family had moved to Egypt to escape a severe famine in the land of Canaan. Jacob was reunited with his long-lost son, Joseph, who had risen to a position of power in Egypt. The family was given the land of Goshen to settle in, and they prospered in Egypt. This verse marks the end of Jacob's life, as he lived out his final years in Egypt.
One of the themes present in this verse is the fulfillment of God's promises. Throughout his life, Jacob experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling the promises that had been made to his grandfather, Abraham. Despite the challenges and struggles he faced, Jacob lived to see the fulfillment of God's promise of making his descendants into a great nation. This theme of fulfillment and God's faithfulness is a recurring theme throughout the book of Genesis and sets the stage for the rest of the Biblical narrative.
Another theme present in this verse is the brevity of life. The mention of Jacob's age, 147 years, serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of human life. In the grand scheme of God's redemptive plan, each individual's life is but a small part of the larger story. This serves as a reminder to live each day in accordance with God's will and to seek His purposes in all that we do.
There is also symbolism present in this verse. The number 17, the years that Jacob lived in Egypt, is significant in biblical numerology. In the Bible, the number 17 often symbolizes victory and restoration. It is the combination of the numbers 10 and 7, which represent completeness and perfection. In Jacob's case, his time in Egypt can be seen as a period of completion and restoration, as he was reunited with his son Joseph and was able to see the fulfillment of God's promises to his family.
In conclusion, Genesis 47:28 in the King James Version of the Bible holds great significance in marking the end of Jacob's life and the fulfillment of God's promises to him and his family. The themes of God's faithfulness, the brevity of life, and the symbolism of victory and restoration all contribute to the richness of this verse. It serves as a reminder to readers of the Bible to trust in God's promises, live each day with purpose, and find hope in the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.
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Genesis 47:28 - "And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years."
"And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years." - Genesis 47:28
Genesis 24-47
Genesis 31:47 - "And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed."
Genesis 41:47 - "And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls."
Deuteronomy 28:47 - "Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;"
Genesis 47:10 - "And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:8 - "And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?"
Genesis 47:2 - "And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:12 - "And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families."
Genesis 47:16 - "And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail."
Genesis 47:27 - "¶ And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly."
Genesis 47:7 - "And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:5 - "And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee:"
"And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed." - Genesis 31:47
Genesis 47:21 - "And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof."
Genesis 47:13 - "¶ And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine."
Genesis 47:31 - "And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head."
Genesis 47:25 - "And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants."
"And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls." - Genesis 41:47
Genesis 47:14 - "And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house."
Genesis 47:11 - "¶ And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded."
"And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh." - Genesis 47:10
Genesis 28-15
Genesis 28-22
Genesis 28-12
Genesis 28-21
Genesis 28-16
Genesis 28-17
Genesis 28:18