Genesis 50:23 (LSB)

Passage

And Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim’s sons; also the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph’s knees.

Nearby Context

Genesis 50:21 So now, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke to their heart.

Genesis 50:22 Now Joseph stayed in Egypt, he and his father’s household, and Joseph lived 110 years.

Genesis 50:23 And Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim’s sons; also the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph’s knees.

Genesis 50:24 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

Genesis 50:25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here.”

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "joseph", "third", "generation", "ephraim", "sons", "machir", and "manasseh". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "joseph" and "third", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 22's "Now Joseph stayed in Egypt he and..." into verse 24's "And Joseph said to his brothers I...", so "joseph" and "third" belong inside that flow. In Genesis context, the local focus is creation, human rebellion, covenant promise, and God's providence.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "joseph" and "third" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.