After decades of agonizing separation, the reunion between Jacob and his long-lost son brings a profound sense of closure. Jacob's dramatic declaration that he is now ready to die reflects a complex mixture of immense relief, spiritual vindication, and deep peace of mind. The primary approach among commentators is that this expresses a feeling of ultimate completion and joy. Because all his heart's desires have been fulfilled by finally seeing Joseph, he can now end his life in peace, in old age, and without sorrow [רד״ק, שד״ל, שטיינזלץ, בכור שור ואחרים].
Some suggest Jacob specifically wished to pass away at that exact moment of salvation and happiness, praying that no further troubles or sadness would be added to his life, as he had experienced in the past [ספורנו, הכתב והקבלה]. Another perspective offers that he simply feared the sheer, overwhelming intensity of his joy might cause him to die right then and there [שפתי כהן].
This encounter also highlights a profound shift in Jacob's reality. During the many years he mourned, his existence was so filled with sadness that he was considered as someone who was dead while still alive. Now that his spirit has returned and he is truly living again, he declares that from this point forward, he will only die once—a normal physical passing—rather than enduring the daily death of a tortured existence [כלי יקר, פני דוד, תולדות יצחק].
A deeper approach views Jacob's readiness as a release from the fear of spiritual punishment. Previously, he worried he might suffer death both in this world and in the World to Come, believing that the Divine Presence had departed from him and that God would judge him for sending Joseph on the dangerous mission that seemingly led to his death. Realizing Joseph is alive removes the dread of facing judgment in the World to Come; he understands he will only experience a single passing in this world [רש״י, מזרחי, פרדס יוסף]. Additionally, this revelation lifts the fear that he would need to return in a reincarnated life to complete the establishment of the twelve tribes [שפתי כהן].
The focus on Joseph still being alive extends beyond mere physical existence. A natural question arises: why was seeing his son's face necessary for Jacob to believe he was alive, given that he had already received the news? The answer is that he needed to verify Joseph's spiritual survival. By looking at his face, Jacob could recognize the features of a truly righteous person—since the righteous are referred to as "living"—and confirm that Joseph had not been corrupted by the impurity of Egypt or his high status as a ruler [אור החיים, שפתי כהן].
Similarly, it is explained that when Joseph wept on his father's neck, he was actually weeping over the future destruction of the Temple. Seeing that Joseph was not absorbed in his own greatness in Egypt, but was instead deeply concerned for the spiritual future of the nation, proved that he was worthy of leading the people in exile. Consequently, Jacob felt his own destiny was fulfilled, allowing him to face his eventual passing in peace [חומש קה״ת].
A completely different approach interprets Jacob's words not as an acceptance of his own death, but as a prayer for his son's longevity. There was a concern that Joseph might be punished with a shortened life for not standing in his father's presence and showing him the proper respect. Therefore, Jacob offered a prayer: May it be God's will that when my time comes to die, I will pass away while still looking upon your face—meaning, may you live a long life and remain alive after I am gone [העמק דבר].