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Genesis 47:28 - Jacob's final years in Egypt?

Genesis 47:28 - בראשית 47:28

Hebrew Text

וַיְחִי יַעֲקֹב בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם שְׁבַע עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה וַיְהִי יְמֵי־יַעֲקֹב שְׁנֵי חַיָּיו שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים וְאַרְבָּעִים וּמְאַת שָׁנָה׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov lived in the land of Miżrayim seventeen years: so the whole age of Ya῾aqov was a hundred and forty seven years.

Transliteration

Vayechi Yaakov be'eretz Mitzrayim shva esre shana, vayehi yemei-Yaakov shnei chayav sheva shanim ve'arba'im ume'at shana.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְחִ֤י יַעֲקֹב֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם שְׁבַ֥ע עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה שָׁנָ֑ה וַיְהִ֤י יְמֵֽי־יַעֲקֹב֙ שְׁנֵ֣י חַיָּ֔יו שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת שָׁנָֽה׃
וַיְחִ֤י יַעֲקֹב֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם שְׁבַ֥ע עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה שָׁנָ֑ה וַיְהִ֤י יְמֵֽי־יַעֲקֹב֙ שְׁנֵ֣י חַיָּ֔יו שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת שָׁנָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Yaakov's Years in Egypt

The verse states that Yaakov lived in Egypt for 17 years, completing his lifespan of 147 years. Rashi (Bereshit 47:28) notes that this parallels the 17 years Yosef lived with Yaakov before being sold into slavery—suggesting a measure-for-measure Divine justice in granting Yaakov equal time with Yosef in his later years. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 96:1) further explains that these were Yaakov's best years, as he finally found peace and family unity in Egypt.

The Calculation of Yaakov's Lifespan

Yaakov's 147 years are broken down in Jewish tradition (Seder Olam Rabbah 2):

  • 63 years before receiving Yitzchak's blessing
  • 20 years serving Lavan for Rachel and Leah
  • 17 years before Yosef's sale
  • 22 years of mourning for Yosef
  • 17 years in Egypt with Yosef

The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 47:28) observes that the Torah specifies "years of his life" rather than just "years," teaching that all 147 years were truly lived with purpose and spiritual vitality.

Numerical Significance

The Ba'al HaTurim notes that 147 equals 3 × 7 × 7, representing:

  • The 3 Patriarchs whose legacy Yaakov carried forward
  • The 7 days of creation, perfected through Yaakov's moral character
  • The 7 Noahide laws, which Yaakov elevated through his Torah observance

Egypt as a Place of Spiritual Completion

Despite Egypt's spiritual challenges, the Sforno explains that Yaakov's final years there completed his mission—uniting his family and ensuring the continuity of the Israelite nation. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that these years demonstrated how a tzaddik can maintain holiness even in exile.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the lifespan of Jacob and the significance of his years in Egypt.
📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the death and burial of Jacob, emphasizing the fulfillment of his years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long did Yaakov (Jacob) live in total according to the Torah?
A: Yaakov lived a total of 147 years, as stated in Genesis 47:28. This includes the 17 years he spent in Egypt before his passing.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that Yaakov lived 17 years in Egypt?
A: Rashi explains that these 17 years in Egypt were the best years of Yaakov's life—a time of peace and prosperity when he was reunited with his beloved son Yosef (Joseph). This period balanced the 17 difficult years when Yosef was separated from him.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov's lifespan being 147 years?
A: The Midrash notes that Yaakov's lifespan was shorter than his father Yitzchak (180 years) and grandfather Avraham (175 years) because he endured many hardships. However, his years in Egypt were spiritually meaningful, as he helped establish the Jewish people before the exile.
Q: How does Yaakov's time in Egypt relate to Jewish history?
A: Yaakov's descent to Egypt marked the beginning of the Jewish exile, as foretold to Avraham. However, his presence there also ensured the survival and growth of Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) during famine, fulfilling Hashem's plan.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's years in Egypt?
A: The Rambam teaches that Yaakov's life shows that even in exile, a Jew can maintain righteousness and influence. Despite being in a foreign land, Yaakov remained devoted to Torah values, setting an example for future generations in diaspora.