3 taking a full forty days, for that was the time required for embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.
3 Forty days were required for it, for that is how many are required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days.
3 The embalming took forty days, the period required for embalming. There was public mourning by the Egyptians for seventy days.
3 Forty days were required for him, for such are the days required for those who are embalmed; and the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.
3 The embalming process took the usual forty days. And the Egyptians mourned his death for seventy days.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 50:3
Commentary on Genesis 50:1-6
(Read Genesis 50:1-6)
Though pious relatives and friends have lived to a good old age, and we are confident they are gone to glory, yet we may regret our own loss, and pay respect to their memory by lamenting them. Grace does not destroy, but it purifies, moderates, and regulates natural affection. The departed soul is out of the reach of any tokens of our affection; but it is proper to show respect to the body, of which we look for a glorious and joyful resurrection, whatever may become of its remains in this world. Thus Joseph showed his faith in God, and love to his father. He ordered the body to be embalmed, or wrapped up with spices, to preserve it. See how vile our bodies are, when the soul has forsaken them; they will in a very little time become noisome, and offensive.