Sirach 49:15 - Neither was there a man born like to Joseph, A governor of his kindred, a stay of the people: Yes, his bones were visited.
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What does "Sirach 49:15" mean?
This verse from Sirach 49:15 is a poetic tribute to Joseph from the Old Testament (Book of Genesis). Let's break it down:
"Neither was there a man born like to Joseph...": This is a hyperbolic statement emphasizing Joseph's exceptional qualities and accomplishments. It suggests that Joseph was unique and unparalleled in his time.
"A governor of his kindred, a stay of the people...": This describes Joseph's role and impact.
"Governor of his kindred": Refers to Joseph's high position in Egypt where he was second in command to Pharaoh. In that role, he helped and protected his own family (his "kindred") when they came to Egypt seeking refuge from famine.
"A stay of the people": Highlights Joseph's role in saving the Egyptian people (and others, including his own family) from starvation during a severe famine. He was the "stay" - the support, the sustenance, the provider - that kept the population alive.
"Yes, his bones were visited.": This is the most ambiguous part of the verse. Here are a few possible interpretations:
Respect and veneration: It could mean that Joseph was so revered that even his final resting place was treated with respect and reverence. "Visited" could imply pilgrimage, remembrance, and honor.
Exhumation and relocation: It's possible that at some point, Joseph's bones were exhumed (taken out of their original grave) and moved, perhaps to be taken back to the Promised Land (Canaan/Israel). This interpretation aligns with the later tradition found in Exodus 13:19, where Moses takes Joseph's bones out of Egypt during the Exodus. The "visited" would thus mean that his bones were disturbed or handled.
Divine intervention: It might carry a symbolic meaning of the Holy Spirit dwelling in the bones. "Visitation" could be thought of as a divine visitation or blessing on his remains because of his righteousness.
In summary: The verse celebrates Joseph as an extraordinary leader who saved his family and the Egyptian people during a time of crisis. The final phrase about his bones being "visited" likely refers to the great respect and veneration he received even after his death, and/or a historical event of his remains being relocated.
The specific interpretation of the last part of the verse can depend on one's understanding of the historical context and the religious beliefs of the person interpreting it. The veneration/respect version seems most likely.
Sirach 49:15 - Neither was there a man born like to Joseph, A governor of his kindred, a stay of the people: Yes, his bones were visited.
What does "Sirach 49:15" mean?
This verse from Sirach 49:15 is a poetic tribute to Joseph from the Old Testament (Book of Genesis). Let's break it down:
"Neither was there a man born like to Joseph...": This is a hyperbolic statement emphasizing Joseph's exceptional qualities and accomplishments. It suggests that Joseph was unique and unparalleled in his time.
"A governor of his kindred, a stay of the people...": This describes Joseph's role and impact.
"Governor of his kindred": Refers to Joseph's high position in Egypt where he was second in command to Pharaoh. In that role, he helped and protected his own family (his "kindred") when they came to Egypt seeking refuge from famine.
"A stay of the people": Highlights Joseph's role in saving the Egyptian people (and others, including his own family) from starvation during a severe famine. He was the "stay" - the support, the sustenance, the provider - that kept the population alive.
"Yes, his bones were visited.": This is the most ambiguous part of the verse. Here are a few possible interpretations:
Respect and veneration: It could mean that Joseph was so revered that even his final resting place was treated with respect and reverence. "Visited" could imply pilgrimage, remembrance, and honor.
Exhumation and relocation: It's possible that at some point, Joseph's bones were exhumed (taken out of their original grave) and moved, perhaps to be taken back to the Promised Land (Canaan/Israel). This interpretation aligns with the later tradition found in Exodus 13:19, where Moses takes Joseph's bones out of Egypt during the Exodus. The "visited" would thus mean that his bones were disturbed or handled.
Divine intervention: It might carry a symbolic meaning of the Holy Spirit dwelling in the bones. "Visitation" could be thought of as a divine visitation or blessing on his remains because of his righteousness.
In summary: The verse celebrates Joseph as an extraordinary leader who saved his family and the Egyptian people during a time of crisis. The final phrase about his bones being "visited" likely refers to the great respect and veneration he received even after his death, and/or a historical event of his remains being relocated.
The specific interpretation of the last part of the verse can depend on one's understanding of the historical context and the religious beliefs of the person interpreting it. The veneration/respect version seems most likely.