Hebrews 11:22 – “By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse points to the final moments of Joseph’s life. As he was dying, he didn’t focus on his power, his success in Egypt, or the wealth he had gained. Instead, he spoke about something he wouldn’t live to see—the day when God would bring His people out of Egypt and back to the land He had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Joseph had every reason to settle into life in Egypt. He was a ruler there. He had status, comfort, and family. But he never forgot where he truly belonged. He believed God’s promise that Israel would not remain in Egypt forever. So he gave specific instructions: when that day came, they were to carry his bones with them and bury him in the land God had promised.
This simple request was a deep act of faith. Joseph trusted God’s word so completely that he based his burial plans on a future he wouldn’t see in his lifetime. That’s real faith—believing in what God says, even when the fulfillment is far off.
Historical Context
Joseph was one of the sons of Jacob, and his story takes up a large portion of the book of Genesis (chapters 37–50). After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rose to power in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. He saved many lives during a famine, including his own family, by bringing them to Egypt.
But even though he lived most of his life in Egypt and served in high office, Joseph didn’t forget the promises God had made to his family. In Genesis 50:24-25, he told his brothers that God would “surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land,” and he made them promise to take his bones with them.
Over 400 years later, when the Israelites left Egypt in the exodus, they kept that promise (see Exodus 13:19). Joseph’s bones were finally buried in the Promised Land (Joshua 24:32).
Theological Implications
This verse shows us that true faith looks ahead. Joseph could have focused on his present success or on making a name for himself in Egypt. Instead, he fixed his hope on God’s promises and the future of God’s people.
Faith doesn’t always see results in this lifetime. Joseph didn’t live to see the exodus—but he believed it would happen. That kind of forward-looking faith pleases God.
It also reminds us that our identity is tied to God’s promises, not our current position. Joseph was a leader in Egypt, but he knew Egypt was not his home. His heart was still in the land God had promised, even if his body was in a foreign land.
Literary Analysis
The verse starts with the usual pattern: “By faith…” Then it focuses not on a dramatic miracle or bold action, but on Joseph’s final words and burial request. That’s intentional. It shows that faith is sometimes expressed quietly—through words, decisions, and legacy.
The phrase “spoke about the exodus” ties Joseph’s hope to a future event he wouldn’t live to see. And “gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones” shows his desire to stay connected to God’s covenant people and land, even after death.
This verse gives weight to what may seem like a small detail in Joseph’s life, highlighting how even dying words can be acts of great faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 50:24-25 – Joseph speaks of God’s promise and gives instructions about his bones.
- Exodus 13:19 – Moses takes Joseph’s bones with the Israelites during the exodus.
- Joshua 24:32 – Joseph is buried in Shechem, in the land of promise.
- Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
- Philippians 3:20 – “Our citizenship is in heaven.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “We live by faith, not by sight.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, Joseph’s example is a reminder to live with eternity in view. We may find success, comfort, or even hardship in this life—but our hope isn’t tied to what we see right now. It’s anchored in God’s promises.
This verse also encourages us to think about the legacy we leave behind. What are we saying to those who come after us? Are we pointing them to God’s faithfulness and promises?
Joseph’s faith wasn’t loud or flashy in this moment—it was steady, forward-looking, and rooted in hope. That’s the kind of faith we’re called to live out every day.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He carries out His promises, even across generations. He remembered Joseph’s faith. He honored it. And hundreds of years later, He fulfilled what Joseph believed would happen.
God doesn’t forget the quiet acts of trust. He doesn’t overlook the faith of someone who simply believes and waits. His love is patient, faithful, and constant—always working, even when we don’t see it.
God also loves to tie our lives into His bigger story. Joseph was part of something far beyond himself—and so are we.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joseph’s story, and especially this final act of faith, points forward to Jesus. Just as Joseph believed in deliverance that would come long after his death, we believe in the final and full redemption that Jesus brings.
Jesus is the greater Deliverer. He didn’t just bring His people out of physical slavery—He brought us out of sin and death. Just like Joseph pointed to a future exodus, Jesus points us to a coming resurrection and eternal home.
Joseph’s bones being carried out of Egypt symbolize our hope of being brought home. And Jesus is the one who makes that hope certain.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Joseph’s example challenge the way you think about faith and legacy?
- What promises of God are you trusting in, even if you haven’t seen them fulfilled yet?
- How does this verse encourage you to focus more on eternity than on earthly success?
- What are you doing today that points the next generation to God’s faithfulness?
- How does the hope of resurrection in Jesus shape the way you face life and death?