How Was Embalming Practiced in Ancient Egypt, and Why Was It Used in Genesis 50:2–3?

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Genesis 50:2–3 states: “Then Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father, so the physicians embalmed Israel. They took 40 days to complete it, for that is the full period of embalming. And the Egyptians continued to shed tears for him for 70 days.” This passage provides a rare biblical reference to the practice of embalming, which was widely used in ancient Egypt but not typically among the Hebrews. The embalming of Jacob (Israel) raises significant historical and cultural questions regarding the customs of the time, particularly how they intersected with biblical accounts.

What Was the Purpose of Embalming in Ancient Egypt?

Embalming in Egypt was primarily a religious and cultural practice associated with their beliefs about the afterlife. The Egyptians held that a well-preserved body was necessary for the deceased to transition successfully into the next life. Their elaborate process of mummification reflected this worldview, in which the soul (ka) needed to recognize and reunite with the body in the afterlife.

However, Jacob’s embalming, as described in Genesis 50, was not carried out for religious reasons but likely for practical and political purposes.

Preservation for Burial in Canaan – Jacob had made Joseph swear to bury him in the land of Canaan, in the Cave of Machpelah (Genesis 49:29–32). Given the time required for such a journey, embalming would have been a necessary measure to preserve his body. Without it, the decomposition process would have made transport over such a long distance difficult.
Respect and Honor in Egypt – Jacob was the father of Joseph, Egypt’s second-in-command. His death brought a period of mourning for the Egyptians (Genesis 50:3). Embalming was a customary practice among the elite in Egypt, and since Jacob was regarded with great esteem due to Joseph’s position, embalming would have been a way to show honor.
Avoidance of Egyptian Religious Rituals – The passage specifically states that physicians, not priests, performed the embalming. This detail is significant because it indicates that the process did not include the usual Egyptian religious rites associated with the afterlife. Egyptian priests typically played a central role in mummification, performing rituals to prepare the deceased for their spiritual journey. By assigning physicians instead, Joseph ensured that his father’s body was embalmed purely for preservation and not as part of idolatrous practices.

How Was Embalming Carried Out in Ancient Egypt?

The Egyptian embalming process was complex and highly developed. It involved multiple steps, typically taking around 70 days. Genesis 50:3 confirms that the Egyptians mourned Jacob for this exact period, further aligning the biblical account with known Egyptian customs.

Removal of Internal Organs – Embalmers first removed the stomach, intestines, liver, and lungs, often placing them in canopic jars for preservation. The heart, believed to be the seat of intelligence, was sometimes left in the body. The brain was extracted through the nose.
Desiccation with Natron – The body was then dehydrated using natron, a naturally occurring salt mixture, which effectively preserved the flesh. This process lasted 40 days, as mentioned in Genesis 50:3.
Wrapping in Linen – After the drying period, the body was wrapped in linen bandages, sometimes with amulets or inscriptions, before being placed in a coffin. The wrapping process was accompanied by various rituals, though in Jacob’s case, these would have been omitted or modified.
Final Placement in a Tomb or Sarcophagus – High-ranking individuals were placed in elaborate coffins or sarcophagi and buried in tombs with goods for the afterlife. Jacob, however, was transported to Canaan for burial.

What Is the Significance of the 70-Day Mourning Period?

Genesis 50:3 states: “And the Egyptians continued to shed tears for him for 70 days.” This extended mourning period was remarkably similar to that observed for Egyptian royalty. Historical sources indicate that Egyptian mourning periods varied but were often around 70 days, particularly for high-ranking individuals. This suggests that Jacob was accorded an extraordinary level of respect, reflecting his status as the father of Joseph.

Mourning Among the Egyptians – Egyptian mourning rituals included professional mourners, wailing, wearing specific garments, and sometimes covering themselves in dust or ashes. It is possible that such expressions of grief were observed in Jacob’s case, though modified to fit Hebrew customs.
Mourning in Hebrew Culture – The Hebrews practiced mourning rituals as well, often involving sackcloth, fasting, and lamentation (Genesis 37:34, 2 Samuel 1:11–12). However, their mourning periods were generally shorter than those in Egypt.

Why Was Jacob’s Burial in Canaan So Important?

Before his death, Jacob made Joseph swear that he would not bury him in Egypt but in Canaan (Genesis 49:29–30). This request carried deep theological and covenantal significance.

Connection to the Abrahamic Covenant – Jacob’s insistence on burial in Canaan aligned with JHVH’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land (Genesis 15:18–21; 26:3–4; 28:13–15). By being buried in the Cave of Machpelah alongside Abraham and Isaac, Jacob affirmed his faith in JHVH’s promise.
Separation from Egyptian Culture – Though Jacob and his family had lived in Egypt for years, he did not wish to be permanently associated with the land. His burial in Canaan symbolized the Hebrews’ distinct identity and their future return to the land JHVH had given them.
Joseph’s Role as a Dutiful Son – Joseph’s adherence to his father’s wishes demonstrates his obedience and faithfulness. Despite his high position in Egypt, he ensured that Jacob was transported to Canaan in a grand procession, reflecting both his devotion and his recognition of JHVH’s covenant (Genesis 50:7–13).

Conclusion

The embalming of Jacob in Genesis 50:2–3 illustrates the intersection of Hebrew and Egyptian customs while emphasizing the preservation of Jacob’s identity as a patriarch of Israel. Unlike typical Egyptian embalming, which was steeped in idolatrous beliefs, Jacob’s embalming was performed by physicians for practical reasons, ensuring his body could be transported to Canaan. The 70-day mourning period highlights the honor and respect accorded to Jacob, mirroring Egyptian traditions for royalty. Ultimately, Jacob’s burial in Canaan reaffirmed his faith in JHVH’s promises and maintained the separation of the Israelites from Egyptian religious customs.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).