Genesis 48:10

10 Because Israel's eyesight had failed from old age and he wasn't able to see, Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed and embraced them.

Genesis 48:10 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 48:10

Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age
Or "heavy" ^F16, that he could not lift them up easily and see clearly; his eyebrows hung over, his eyes were sunk in his head, and the humours pressed them through old age, that it was with difficulty he could perceive an object, at least not distinctly: [so that] he could not see;
very plainly, otherwise he did see the sons of Joseph, though he could not discern who they were, ( Genesis 49:8 ) ; and he brought them near unto him;
that he might have a better sight of them and bless them: and he kissed them, and embraced them:
as a token of his affection for them.

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FOOTNOTES:

F16 (wdbk) "graves erant", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator

Genesis 48:10 In-Context

8 When Israel saw Joseph's sons, he said, "Who are these?"

9 Joseph told his father, "They're my sons, whom God gave me here." Israel said, "Bring them to me and I will bless them."

10 Because Israel's eyesight had failed from old age and he wasn't able to see, Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed and embraced them.

11 Israel said to Joseph, "I didn't expect I'd see your face, but now God has shown me your children too."

12 Then Joseph took them from Israel's knees, and he bowed low with his face to the ground.