Genesis 50

Jacob and Joseph Die

The Bible is a record of the house of Israel. Genesis means “beginnings.” Genesis is the book of beginnings where we read of the beginning of the world and the beginning of the house of Israel. Genesis 50 is the final chapter of Genesis and tells of Israel’s (Jacob’s) death; in this way, Genesis 50 is the end of the beginning.

A large part of Genesis 50 is not in the Bible, but the part not included was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith and is found in JST, Genesis 50:24–38. This account prepares us to better understand Exodus because it mentions Moses and his work.

Understanding the Scriptures

Genesis 50

Embalm, embalmed (vv. 2–3, 26)Prepare for burial

Threshingfloor (v. 10)Place to separate wheat grain from the stalks

Lamentation (v. 10)Very sad words and weeping

Requite (v. 15)Repay

JST, Genesis 50:24–38

Fruit of my/thy loins (vv. 24, 26–27, 30–31)My/your descendants

Branch (vv. 24–25)Group

Manifest (v. 25)Known

Seer (vv. 26–27, 29–30, 33)Prophet

Esteemed (v. 27)Respected

Confounding, confounded (vv. 31, 33)Overthrow or destroy

Laying down of contentions (v. 31)Ending arguments

Preserve (v. 34)Protect from destruction

Confirmed (v. 37)Made certain

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study Genesis 50, including the Joseph Smith Translation.

1. Why Were They Worried?

   1. Why do you think Joseph’s brothers did what they did in Genesis 50:14–21?

   2. What Christlike example did Joseph set?

2. Identify the Elements of Joseph’s Prophecy

   List things from JST, Genesis 50:24–38 that Joseph prophesied would happen to the family of Israel.

3. Find the Phrases

   1. JST, Genesis 50:31 speaks of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. What term refers to the Bible and what term refers to the Book of Mormon?

   2. What did Joseph say the Book of Mormon would (and will) do?

4. Who Is This Seer?

   Identify the seer referred to in JST, Genesis 50:30–33, and explain what Joseph prophesied this seer would do.