Hebrews 11:21
What does Hebrews 11:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 11:21 means
Jacob, nearing death, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped, leaning on his staff. Even in physical weakness, he honored God and looked forward to God’s purposes continuing through the next generation. The scene reflects a pilgrim at journey’s end, still confessing dependence and hope. Faith does not expire with age; it bows in worship and passes on God’s promises. Jacob’s posture—leaning yet worshiping—pictures how strength fades but trust endures, and how the faithful steward the covenant by commending God’s blessings to their children.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
KJV
King James Version · 1611By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949By faith Jacob gave a blessing to the two sons of Joseph, when he was near to death; and gave God worship, supported by his stick.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862by faith Jacob dying--each of the sons of Joseph did bless, and did bow down upon the top of his staff;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752By faith Jacob, dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and adored the top of his rod.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890By faith Jacob [when] dying blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshipped on the top of his staff.
Context
Continuing the patriarchal thread, the author highlights Jacob’s final acts as both blessing and worship. The emphasis remains on end-of-life faith that projects God’s promises into the future. This leads naturally to Joseph, whose final words likewise express confidence in God’s coming deliverance, tying the patriarchal period to the Exodus and introducing the next major figure, Moses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 47:31
And he said, Swear unto me: and he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head.
- Genesis 48:5
And now thy two sons, who were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, shall be mine.
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