Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes, speak to Pharaoh for me. Tell him, New Living Translation When the period of mourning was over, Joseph approached Pharaoh’s advisers and said, “Please do me this favor and speak to Pharaoh on my behalf. English Standard Version And when the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, Berean Standard Bible When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please tell Pharaoh that Berean Literal Bible And the days of his weeping passed, and Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your⁺ eyes, speak, please, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying: King James Bible And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, New King James Version Now when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the hearing of Pharaoh, saying, New American Standard Bible When the days of mourning for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please speak to Pharaoh, saying, NASB 1995 When the days of mourning for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please speak to Pharaoh, saying, NASB 1977 And when the days of mourning for him were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please speak to Pharaoh, saying, Legacy Standard Bible Then the days of weeping for him were past, and Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, Amplified Bible When the days of weeping and public mourning for him were past, Joseph spoke to [the nobles of] the house of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please speak to Pharaoh, saying, Berean Annotated Bible When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph (YHWH has added) said to Pharaoh’s (great house) court, “If I have found favor in your⁺ eyes, please tell Pharaoh that Christian Standard Bible When the days of mourning were over, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s household, “If I have found favor with you, please tell Pharaoh that Holman Christian Standard Bible When the days of mourning were over, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s household, “If I have found favor with you, please tell Pharaoh that American Standard Version And when the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found favor in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, Contemporary English Version When the time of mourning was over, Joseph said to the Egyptian leaders, "If you consider me your friend, please speak to the king for me. English Revised Version And when the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, GOD'S WORD® Translation When the time of mourning for Jacob was over, Joseph spoke to Pharaoh's palace staff. He said, "Please speak directly to Pharaoh. Tell him, Good News Translation When the time of mourning was over, Joseph said to the king's officials, "Please take this message to the king: International Standard Version At the conclusion of the mourning period, Joseph addressed Pharaoh's household. "If you're satisfied with me, would you please take this message to Pharaoh for me? Tell him, NET Bible When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh's royal court, "If I have found favor in your sight, please say to Pharaoh, New Heart English Bible When the days for mourning for him had passed, Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh, saying, "f now I have found favor in your sight, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, Webster's Bible Translation And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please tell Pharaoh that World English Bible When the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to Pharaoh’s staff, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the days of his weeping pass away, and Joseph speaks to the house of Pharaoh, saying, “Now if I have found grace in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, Berean Literal Bible And the days of his weeping passed, and Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your⁺ eyes, speak, please, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying: Young's Literal Translation And the days of his weeping pass away, and Joseph speaketh unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, 'If, I pray you, I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, Smith's Literal Translation And the days of his weeping will pass over, and Joseph will speak to the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I found grace in thine eyes, speak now in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the time of the mourning being expired, Joseph spoke to the family of Pharao: If I have found favour in your sight, speak in the ears of Pharao: Catholic Public Domain Version And when the time for mourning was fulfilled, Joseph spoke to the family of Pharaoh: “If I have found favor in your sight, speak to the ears of Pharaoh. New American Bible When the period of mourning was over, Joseph spoke to Pharaoh’s household. “If you please, appeal to Pharaoh, saying: New Revised Standard Version When the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph addressed the household of Pharaoh, “If now I have found favor with you, please speak to Pharaoh as follows: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found mercy in your eyes, speak in the presence of Pharaoh, saying, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the days of his mourning passed, and Yoseph said to those of the house of Pharaoh, “If I have found favor in your eyes, say before Pharaoh, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke unto the house of Pharaoh, saying: 'If now I have found favour in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying: Brenton Septuagint Translation And when the days of mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the princes of Pharao, saying, If I have found favour in your sight, speak concerning me in the ears of Pharao, saying, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Mourning and Burial for Jacob…3taking the forty days required to complete the embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. 4When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please tell Pharaoh that 5my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.”… Cross References When the days of mourning had passed, Deuteronomy 34:8 The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end. 2 Samuel 11:26-27 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. / And when the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD. Genesis 37:34-35 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, Genesis 47:1 So Joseph went and told Pharaoh: “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” Genesis 41:14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh. Genesis 45:16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and his servants were pleased. “If I have found favor in your eyes, Genesis 39:4 Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. Ruth 2:10 At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, even though I am a foreigner?” Genesis 33:10 But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. please tell Pharaoh that Esther 4:8 Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. Nehemiah 2:4-5 “What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven / and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” 2 Samuel 14:4-5 When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” / “What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead. Nehemiah 2:5 and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” Esther 4:2 But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate. 1 Kings 2:16-17 So now I have just one request of you; do not deny me.” “State your request,” she told him. / Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” 1 Samuel 25:35 Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.” Treasury of Scripture And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, the days. Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days. Joseph. Esther 4:2 And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. found grace. Genesis 18:3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Jump to Previous Court Ears Eyes Favor Favour Found Grace House Household Joseph Love Mourning Passed Past Pharaoh Pharaoh's Please Servants Sight Speak Speaketh WeepingJump to Next Court Ears Eyes Favor Favour Found Grace House Household Joseph Love Mourning Passed Past Pharaoh Pharaoh's Please Servants Sight Speak Speaketh WeepingGenesis 50 1. The mourning for Jacob.4. Joseph gets leave of Pharaoh to go to bury him. 7. The funeral. 15. Joseph comforts his brothers, who crave his pardon. 22. His age. 23. He sees the third generation of his sons. 24. He prophesies unto his brothers of their return. 25. He takes an oath of them concerning his bones. 26. He dies, and is put into a coffin. When the days of mourning had passed The mourning period for Jacob, Joseph's father, lasted seventy days, which was customary for Egyptian royalty, indicating the high regard in which Joseph was held. This period reflects the deep respect and honor given to Jacob, not only by his family but also by the Egyptians. Mourning customs in ancient Egypt were elaborate, involving rituals and ceremonies that underscored the significance of the deceased. This extended mourning period also highlights the integration of Joseph into Egyptian society, as he adhered to their customs while maintaining his Hebrew identity. Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court If I have found favor in your eyes please tell Pharaoh that Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe son of Jacob, who rose to power in Egypt. He is a key figure in the account, known for his faithfulness to God and his ability to interpret dreams. 2. Pharaoh’s Court The officials and attendants serving Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Joseph addresses them to gain an audience with Pharaoh. 3. Pharaoh The king of Egypt, who had previously elevated Joseph to a position of power due to his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. 4. Mourning Period The time of mourning for Jacob, Joseph's father, who had passed away. This period was significant in the cultural and religious practices of the time. 5. Egypt The land where Joseph and his family resided after moving from Canaan due to famine. It serves as the backdrop for much of Joseph's account. Teaching Points Respect for AuthorityJoseph demonstrates respect for authority by seeking permission from Pharaoh's court. As Christians, we are called to respect and honor those in authority over us (Romans 13:1). Faithfulness to Promises Joseph's request is rooted in his desire to fulfill his promise to his father, Jacob. This teaches us the importance of keeping our commitments and honoring our word (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). God’s Favor Joseph's life is a testament to the favor of God, which can open doors and provide opportunities even in foreign lands. We should seek God's favor in our endeavors (Psalm 5:12). Cultural Sensitivity Joseph navigates the cultural and political landscape of Egypt with wisdom. As believers, we should be sensitive to cultural contexts while maintaining our faith (1 Corinthians 9:22). Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 50:4?2. How does Genesis 50:4 demonstrate Joseph's respect for Egyptian customs and authority? 3. What can we learn from Joseph's approach to Pharaoh's court in Genesis 50:4? 4. How does Joseph's request in Genesis 50:4 reflect honoring one's parents? 5. How does Genesis 50:4 connect to the Fifth Commandment about honoring parents? 6. How can we apply Joseph's humility in Genesis 50:4 to our daily lives? 7. Why did Joseph need Pharaoh's permission to bury his father in Genesis 50:4? 8. How does Genesis 50:4 reflect the relationship between Joseph and Pharaoh? 9. What cultural practices are highlighted in Genesis 50:4 regarding burial rites? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 50? 11. What does Zaphenath-Paneah mean? 12. How did Joseph rise to power in Egypt? 13. Genesis 41:14-15: Why does no Egyptian record mention a Hebrew slave suddenly elevated to such a high position in Pharaoh's court? 14. What does the Bible teach about confidentiality? What Does Genesis 50:4 Mean When the days of mourning had passed- Jacob’s funeral rites were lengthy and carefully observed. Genesis 50:3 notes “the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.” That number closely mirrors the seventy-day mourning period given to Pharaohs, underscoring the unusual honor Jacob received. - Scripture treats set mourning periods seriously: the Israelites mourned thirty days for both Aaron (Numbers 20:29) and Moses (Deuteronomy 34:8). By telling us the days “had passed,” the text marks a clear transition from grief to responsible action—an example of Ecclesiastes 3:4, “a time to weep and a time to laugh.” - Joseph models respect for both family and national customs. He did not rush God’s timing but waited until mourning was complete before seeking permission to leave for Canaan (compare Proverbs 15:23, “a timely word—how good it is!”). Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court - Though second only to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:40), Joseph approaches through officials rather than barging in. This shows humility and adherence to protocol (Romans 13:1 reminds believers to respect governing authorities). - The term “court” points to the palace household—people who could relay messages. A similar scene unfolds in Esther 4:4–5, where Esther communicates through intermediaries because of protocol. - Joseph’s deference protects Pharaoh’s dignity and maintains order, echoing 1 Peter 2:17, “Honor the king,” while still pursuing obedience to his father’s final wish. If I have found favor in your eyes - This is a gracious, customary phrase (see Genesis 18:3; Ruth 2:10) expressing humility and dependence on another’s kindness. Even wielding great authority, Joseph acknowledges his position under Pharaoh—an attitude mirrored in Philippians 2:3, “in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.” - Favor ultimately rests in God’s hands (Proverbs 21:1), yet Joseph rightly seeks human approval for a civic matter. The blend of divine trust and earthly courtesy provides a balanced model for believers navigating secular structures. please tell Pharaoh that - Joseph’s continued use of intermediaries may reflect ongoing mourning-related ceremonial uncleanness (compare Numbers 19:11–13) or palace protocol forbidding mourners direct access. - Delegating the request ensures clarity and formality. In Nehemiah 2:1–5, a similar respectful request is made to a king before undertaking a mission tied to family heritage. - The phrase also introduces the content of Joseph’s appeal in verses 5–6: permission to bury Jacob in Canaan. His approach shows integrity—honoring his father (Exodus 20:12) without neglecting his duty to Pharaoh. summary Genesis 50:4 captures a pivotal moment of respectful transition. After fulfilling the full, culturally appropriate mourning period, Joseph carefully approaches Pharaoh’s household, humbly seeks favor, and prepares to request leave to bury his father. The verse highlights Joseph’s balance of family loyalty, submission to authority, and God-honoring humility—an enduring example for believers navigating grief, duty, and respectful communication. (4) Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh.--It may seem at first sight strange that Joseph should make his request through mediators, but probably no one in the attire of mourning might enter the royal presence. (Comp. Esther 4:2.) The dress of a mourner was squalid, his beard unshorn, his hair in disorder, and while these outward signs of grief were maintained, he was also expected to confine himself to his own house.Verses 4, 5. - And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, - that Joseph did not address himself directly to Pharaoh, but through the members of the royal household, was not owing to the circumstance that, being arrayed in mourning apparel, he could not come before the king (Rosenmüller), since it is not certain that this Persian custom (Esther 4:2) prevailed in Egypt, but is supposed to have been due, either to a desire on Joseph's part to put himself on a good understanding with the priesthood who composed the courtly circle, since the interment of the dead was closely connected with the religious beliefs of Egypt (Havernick), or, what was more likely, to the fact that Joseph, having, according to Egyptian custom (Herod. 2:36), allowed his beard and hair to grow, could not enter the king's presence without being both shaven and shorn (Hengstenberg, Kurtz, Keil). It has been suggested (Kalisch) that Joseph's power may have been restricted after the expiration of the famine, or that another Pharaoh may have succeeded to the throne who was not so friendly as his predecessor with the grand vizier of the realm; but such conjectures are not required to render Joseph's conduct in this matter perfectly intelligible - saying, My father made me swear (Genesis 47:29), saying (i.e. my father saying), Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me - not bought (Onkelos, Drusius, Ainsworth, Bohlen, and others), but digged, ὤρυξα (LXX.), fodi (Vulgate). Jacob may have either enlarged the original cave at Machpelah, or prepared in it the special niche which he designed to occupy - in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore (literally, and now) let me go up, I pray thee (the royal permission was required to enable Joseph to pass beyond the boundaries of Egypt, especially when accompanied by a large funeral procession), and bury my father, and I will come again.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When the daysיְמֵ֣י (yə·mê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 3117: A day of mourning בְכִית֔וֹ (ḇə·ḵî·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1068: A weeping had passed, וַיַּֽעַבְרוּ֙ (way·ya·‘aḇ·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on Joseph יוֹסֵ֔ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites said וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר (way·ḏab·bêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Pharaoh’s פַּרְעֹ֖ה (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings court, בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house “If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not I have found מָצָ֤אתִי (mā·ṣā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present favor חֵן֙ (ḥên) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective in your eyes, בְּעֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם (bə·‘ê·nê·ḵem) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine plural Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain please נָ֨א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' tell דַּבְּרוּ־ (dab·bə·rū-) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue Pharaoh that פַרְעֹ֖ה (p̄ar·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings Links Genesis 50:4 NIVGenesis 50:4 NLT Genesis 50:4 ESV Genesis 50:4 NASB Genesis 50:4 KJV Genesis 50:4 BibleApps.com Genesis 50:4 Biblia Paralela Genesis 50:4 Chinese Bible Genesis 50:4 French Bible Genesis 50:4 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 50:4 When the days of weeping for him (Gen. 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