Gen 48:10 | NETfull | STEP | Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of his age; he was not able to see well. So Joseph brought his sons near to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

Genesis 48:10

10 Now Israel’s eyes were failing ^{▼▼ Heb “heavy.”} ^{▼▼ The disjunctive clause provides supplemental information that is important to the story. The weakness of Israel’s sight is one of several connections between this chapter and Gen 27. Here there are two sons, and it appears that the younger is being blessed over the older by a blind old man. While it was by Jacob’s deception in chap. 27, here it is with Jacob’s full knowledge.} because of his age; he was not able to see well. So Joseph ^{▼▼ Heb “he”; the referent (Joseph) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} brought his sons ^{▼▼ Heb “them”; the referent (Joseph’s sons) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} near to him, and his father ^{▼▼ Heb “and he”; the referent (Joseph’s father) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} kissed them and embraced them.