THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Observe this elderly man as he hastens, rushing to bestow blessings on the children of Joseph. Joseph brought them close, and he embraced and held them tightly.
Genesis 48:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
Then seeing his sons, he said to him: Who are these?
וַיַּ֥רְא יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיֹּ֖אמֶר מִי־אֵֽלֶּה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Cyrill of Alexandria
The young men arrived, prompting the elder to inquire about their identities. Joseph replied, "They are my two sons." As they were brought closer to him, he received them with fond gestures and heartfelt embraces. Consider this: how we, seemingly distant from God the Father, are drawn near and become known through Christ. He accepts us willingly, for the Son testifies to our oneness with Him, bestowing upon us His love and inviting us into a profound union that is both mental and spiritual. The act of lovingly receiving is a vivid image of love, while embracing symbolizes unity. Thus, the wise Paul articulates in his letter to the believers, declaring that now "those who were once far off have become near" (Eph.
Read more (94 words)
2:13), clearly indicating that Christ has brought us closer, and in another instance: "Now having known God, or rather being known by God" (Gal. 4:9). God the Father recognizes and honors only those who share a spiritual kinship with the Son and who have been spiritually renewed through Him. Just as in Egypt, He identified those marked with the blood of the lamb, proclaiming: "And I will see the blood, and I will pass over you, and there shall be no pernicious plague among you when I smite the land of Egypt" (Ex. 12:13).
Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
Who are they? Due to his failing vision, Jacob either did not recognize Joseph’s sons until this moment or believed that there were no kings accompanying Joseph. Yet how harmonious are the thoughts and desires of righteous hearts, even when misunderstood by others! Jacob aims to bless Joseph's sons as his own; however, Joseph, unaware of this intention, seeks a blessing for his children from Jacob. Instead, Jacob should have called for Joseph and his sons to come to him. In response to the mere report of Jacob’s illness, Joseph comes before him precisely as he intended, even though he was not aware of that intention beforehand.