What does Genesis 50:9 mean?
"And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company." - Genesis 50:9

Genesis 50:9 (KJV) reads:
"And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company."
The verse is part of the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but eventually rose to power in Egypt. After their father, Jacob, died, Joseph and his brothers returned to Canaan to bury him in the cave of Machpelah. The verse specifically refers to the large group of people who accompanied Joseph on this journey.
In order to fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider its context within the larger narrative of the book of Genesis. The story of Joseph is one of betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption. Joseph's brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery, but he eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt and was able to save his family from famine. This verse comes at the end of the book, after Joseph has been reunited with his family and has been able to provide for them in their time of need.
The theme of forgiveness is central to the story of Joseph and his brothers, and it is also reflected in this verse. Despite the betrayal and mistreatment he suffered at the hands of his brothers, Joseph chose to forgive them and provide for them in their time of need. This act of forgiveness is further emphasized by the large company of people who accompanied Joseph to bury his father. This demonstrates the deep respect and honor that Joseph had for his father, as well as the reconciliation and restoration of his relationship with his brothers.
The mention of chariots and horsemen in the verse also carries symbolic significance. In ancient times, chariots and horsemen were symbols of power and authority. By including them in the procession to bury his father, Joseph is demonstrating his own status and influence in Egypt. This emphasizes the idea that Joseph has been able to overcome the challenges and hardships he faced earlier in his life and has achieved a position of prominence and success.
Additionally, the mention of a "very great company" emphasizes the importance and significance of the burial procession. This suggests that Jacob was a respected and influential figure, and that his burial was a significant event. It also underscores the unity and solidarity of the family as they come together to honor their father.
In a broader sense, this verse can also be seen as a representation of the fulfillment of God's promises. Throughout the book of Genesis, God makes numerous promises to the patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The story of Joseph is a fulfillment of these promises, as God ultimately uses Joseph to save his family and ensure the continuation of the line of the patriarchs.
In conclusion, Genesis 50:9 reflects themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It demonstrates the honor and respect that Joseph had for his father, as well as the unity and solidarity of the family. The mention of chariots and horsemen symbolizes Joseph's power and influence, while the "very great company" emphasizes the significance of the burial procession. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the book of Genesis.
Have questions about Genesis 50:9?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Genesis 50:9 Artwork
Genesis 50:9 - "And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company."
"And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company." - Genesis 50:9
Genesis 24-50
Genesis 50:26
Genesis 50:25
Genesis 50:25
Genesis 50:26
Genesis 50:26
Genesis 50:26
Genesis 50:25
Isaiah 50:7–9
Genesis 50:12 - "And his sons did unto him according as he commanded them:"
Genesis 50:19 - "And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?"
Create a coffin for Joseph Genesis 50:26
Genesis 50:1 - "And Joseph fell upon his father's face, and wept upon him, and kissed him."
Judges 9:50 - "¶ Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it."
Genesis 50:22 - "¶ And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years."
Genesis 50:2 - "And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel."
Genesis 50:6 - "And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father, according as he made thee swear."
Luke 9:50 - "And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."
Genesis 50:16 - "And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,"
Genesis 50:18 - "And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants."
Genesis 50:26 - "So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt."
Genesis 50:20 - "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
Genesis 50:3 - "And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days."
Psalms 50:9 - "I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds."
Genesis 24:50 - "Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good."
Genesis 50:25 - "And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence."
Genesis 50:8 - "And all the house of Joseph, and his brethren, and his father's house: only their little ones, and their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land of Goshen."
Genesis 50:7 - "¶ And Joseph went up to bury his father: and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt,"