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So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. <a href="/esv/genesis/45.htm">English Standard Version</a> So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/bsb/genesis/45.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! <a href="/kjv/genesis/45.htm">King James Bible</a> And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/45.htm">New King James Version</a> And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/45.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold to Egypt. <a href="/nasb/genesis/45.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, &#8220Please come closer to me.&#8221 And they came closer. And he said, &#8220I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/45.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/lsb/genesis/45.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” And they came near. And he said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/amp/genesis/45.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they approached him. And he said, “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/csb/genesis/45.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please, come near me,” and they came near. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/45.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, &#8220Please, come near me,&#8221 and they came near. &#8220I am Joseph, your brother,&#8221 he said, &#8220the one you sold into Egypt. <a href="/asv/genesis/45.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. <a href="/cev/genesis/45.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Joseph told them to come closer to him, and when they did, he said: Yes, I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. <a href="/erv/genesis/45.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. <a href="/gwt/genesis/45.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Please come closer to me," Joseph said to his brothers. When they did so, he said, "I am Joseph, the brother you sold into slavery in Egypt! <a href="/gnt/genesis/45.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Joseph said to them, "Please come closer." They did, and he said, "I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/isv/genesis/45.htm">International Standard Version</a> Joseph implored his brothers, "Please come close to me." So they did. "I'm your brother Joseph, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt!" he told them. <a href="/msb/genesis/45.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, ?Please come near me.? And they did so. ?I am Joseph, your brother,? he said, ?the one you sold into Egypt! <a href="/net/genesis/45.htm">NET Bible</a> Joseph said to his brothers, "Come closer to me," so they came near. Then he said, "I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/nheb/genesis/45.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please. "So they moved closer. And he said, "I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/wbt/genesis/45.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Joseph said to his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you: and they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. <a href="/web/genesis/45.htm">World English Bible</a> Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” They came near. He said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/45.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Joseph says to his brothers, “Please come near to me,” and they come near; and he says, “I [am] your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt; <a href="/ylt/genesis/45.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Joseph saith unto his brethren, 'Come nigh unto me, I pray you,' and they come nigh; and he saith, 'I am Joseph, your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt; <a href="/slt/genesis/45.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Joseph will say to his brethren, Come near now to me: and they will come near, and he will say, I am Joseph, your brother, whom ye sold me into Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/45.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he said mildly to them: Come nearer to me. And when they were come near him, he said: I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/45.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to them mildly, “Approach toward me.” And when they had approached close by, he said: “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/nabre/genesis/45.htm">New American Bible</a> “Come closer to me,” Joseph told his brothers. When they had done so, he said: “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/45.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/45.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Joseph said to his brothers, Come near to me; and they came near. And he said to them, I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold to the Egyptians. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/45.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yoseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me”, and they approached him and he said to them, “I am Yoseph your brother whom you sold to the Egyptians.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/45.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Joseph said unto his brethren: 'Come near to me, I pray you.' And they came near. And he said: 'I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. <a href="/sep/genesis/45.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Joseph said to his brethren, Draw nigh to me; and they drew nigh; and he said, I am your brother Joseph, whom ye sold into Egypt. <a href="/parallel/genesis/45-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=11719" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/45.htm">Joseph Reveals His Identity</a> …3Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence. 4<a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">Then Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’e·ḥāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his brothers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">“Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: gə·šū- (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To draw near, approach. ">come near me.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: way·yig·gā·šū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To draw near, approach. ">And they did so.</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">“I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">am Joseph,</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ă·ḥî·ḵem (N-msc:: 2mp) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">your brother,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">“the one</a> <a href="/hebrew/4376.htm" title="4376: mə·ḵar·tem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- To sell. A primitive root; to sell, literally, or figuratively.">you sold</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯî (DirObjM:: 1cs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·rā·yə·māh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">into Egypt!</a> 5And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a> As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. <a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a> So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. <a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21-22</a> Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” / And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!” <a href="/genesis/44-18.htm">Genesis 44:18</a> Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. <a href="/acts/7-13.htm">Acts 7:13</a> On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. <a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Genesis 37:4</a> When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. <a href="/genesis/37-8.htm">Genesis 37:8</a> “Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements. <a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18-20</a> Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” <a href="/genesis/45-8.htm">Genesis 45:8</a> Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. <a href="/genesis/50-15.htm">Genesis 50:15-21</a> When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. ... <a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9-10</a> Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Genesis 41:9-13</a> Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures. / Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. / One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. ... <a href="/genesis/42-7.htm">Genesis 42:7-8</a> And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.” / Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. <a href="/genesis/43-27.htm">Genesis 43:27-30</a> He asked if they were well, and then he asked, “How is your elderly father you told me about? Is he still alive?” / “Your servant our father is well,” they answered. “He is still alive.” And they bowed down to honor him. / When Joseph looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Then he declared, “May God be gracious to you, my son.” ... <a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Genesis 46:29</a> Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Joseph said to his brothers, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.I am Joseph.<a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a> Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.<a href="/genesis/50-18.htm">Genesis 50:18</a> And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.<a href="/matthew/14-27.htm">Matthew 14:27</a> But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Close</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-1.htm">Closer</a> <a href="/genesis/43-15.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/45-3.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/43-19.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/genesis/44-33.htm">Please</a> <a href="/genesis/42-6.htm">Sold</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/46-4.htm">Close</a> <a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">Closer</a> <a href="/genesis/45-8.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/45-9.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/genesis/47-4.htm">Please</a> <a href="/genesis/45-5.htm">Sold</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 45</div>1. <a href="/genesis/45-1.htm">Joseph makes himself known to his brothers.</a> 5. <a href="/genesis/45-5.htm">He comforts them in God's providence.</a> 9. <a href="/genesis/45-9.htm">He sends for his father.</a> 16. <a href="/genesis/45-16.htm">Pharaoh confirms it.</a> 21. <a href="/genesis/45-21.htm">Joseph furnishes then for their journey.</a> 25. <a href="/genesis/45-25.htm">Jacob is revived with the news.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/45.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/45.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Joseph said to his brothers, Joseph, now a powerful figure in Egypt, reveals himself to his brothers. This moment is pivotal, as it marks the climax of a narrative that began with Joseph's dreams and his brothers' jealousy. Joseph's authority in Egypt contrasts with his earlier position as a victim of his brothers' betrayal. This phrase highlights the theme of reconciliation and forgiveness, which is central to Joseph's story.“Please come near me.” Joseph's invitation for his brothers to come near is significant. In ancient Near Eastern culture, physical proximity often indicated trust and reconciliation. Joseph's request shows his desire to bridge the gap created by years of separation and animosity. It also reflects his forgiving nature, as he seeks to restore the familial bond.And they did so. The brothers' compliance indicates their willingness to engage with Joseph, despite their fear and guilt. This action suggests a turning point in their relationship, as they move from estrangement to reconciliation. It also demonstrates their submission to Joseph's authority, acknowledging the change in their dynamic.“I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, Joseph's self-identification is a moment of revelation and recognition. It fulfills the dreams he had as a young man, where his brothers bowed to him. This statement is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His plans, despite human actions. Joseph's emphasis on being their brother underscores the familial bond that remains, despite past wrongs.“the one you sold into Egypt!” This phrase directly addresses the brothers' past sin, bringing it into the open. It serves as a reminder of their betrayal and the consequences of their actions. However, Joseph's tone is not accusatory but factual, setting the stage for forgiveness. This acknowledgment of past wrongs is crucial for genuine reconciliation. It also foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who, like Joseph, was betrayed but used that betrayal for a greater purpose.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The central figure in this passage, Joseph is one of the twelve sons of Jacob. He was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. In <a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4</a>, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, who had come to Egypt seeking food during a famine. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a> The brothers who sold Joseph into slavery out of jealousy. They come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine, unaware that the man they are dealing with is their brother. 3. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where Joseph was taken as a slave and where he eventually rose to power. It is also the place where his brothers come to buy grain. 4. <a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine</a> A severe famine that affected the entire region, prompting Joseph's brothers to travel to Egypt for food. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> The father of Joseph and his brothers, who remains in Canaan during this encounter. His sons' journey to Egypt is part of God's plan to reunite the family.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_reconciliation.htm">Forgiveness and Reconciliation</a> Joseph's willingness to forgive his brothers is a powerful example of grace and reconciliation. Believers are called to forgive others as Christ forgave us. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Joseph's account illustrates God's control over circumstances. Even when situations seem dire, God is working behind the scenes for His purposes. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Just as Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers, Christians are called to live out their identity in Christ, being transparent and authentic in their relationships. <a href="/topical/p/providence_in_adversity.htm">Providence in Adversity</a> Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, despite his brothers' betrayal, shows how God can use adversity to fulfill His plans. Believers can trust God in difficult times. <a href="/topical/f/family_restoration.htm">Family Restoration</a> The reunion of Joseph with his brothers underscores the importance of family unity and restoration, a theme that resonates with the biblical call to love and support one another.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_45.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 45</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_hebrew_slave_as_egypt's_2nd.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence confirming a Hebrew slave rising to second-in-command in ancient Egypt (Genesis 45)? </a> <a href="/q/what_do_accommodation_and_condescension_mean.htm">What does 'Persecuted but not Forsaken' mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_handle_betrayal_and_deceit.htm">How should we respond to betrayal and deceit?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_rachel_conceive_in_genesis_30.htm">In Genesis 30:22–24, why does Rachel’s miraculous conception coincide with this specific moment, and is there any historical evidence for such events? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/45.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) I am Joseph your brother.--There is much force in the assurance that he was still their brother. For they stood speechless in terrified surprise at finding that the hated dreamer, upon the anguish of whose soul they had looked unmoved, was now the ruler of a mighty empire. But with magnanimous gentleness he bids them neither to grieve nor be angry with themselves; for behind their acts there had been a watchful Providence guiding all things for good.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/45.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 4-13. - And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. It is probable they had instinctively shrunk from his presence on learning the astounding fact that he was Joseph, but felt reassured by the kindly tone of Joseph's words. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. It was impossible to evade allusion to their early wickedness, and this Joseph does in a spirit not of angry upbraiding, but of elevated piety and tender charity. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves (literally, let it not burn in your eyes, as in <a href="/genesis/31-35.htm">Genesis 31:35</a>), that ye sold me hither (their self-recriminations and heart upbraidings for their former wickedness Joseph in all probability saw depicted in their faces): for God (Elohim) did send me before you to preserve life (literally, for the preservation of life). For these two years hath the famine been in the land (literally, in the midst of the land): and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earning nor harvest - literally, neither ploughing nor reaping, the term ploughing, or earing, charish (cf. ἄροσις, aratio, Anglo-Saxon, origin), being derived from a root signifying to cut. And God (Elohim, the use of which here and in Ver. 5 instead of Jehovah is sufficiently explained by remembering that Joseph simply desires to point out the overruling providence of God in his early transportation to Egypt) sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth (literally, to keep for you a remnant on the earth, i.e. to preserve the family from extinction through the famine), and to save your lives by a great deliverance - literally, to preserve life to you to a great deliverance, i.e. by a providential rescue (Rosenmüller, Kalisch, Murphy, 'Speaker's Commentary'), which is better than to a great nation or posterity, פְלֵיטָה being understood, as in <a href="/2_samuel/15-14.htm">2 Samuel 15:14</a>; <a href="/2_kings/19-30.htm">2 Kings 19:30, 31</a>, to mean a remnant escaped from slaughter (Bohlen), an interpretation which Rosenmüller thinks admissible, but Kalisch disputes. So now (literally, and now) it was not you that sent me hither, but God - literally, for the Elohim (sent me). Joseph's brethren sent him to be a slave; God sent him to be a savior (Hughes). And he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, - i.e. a wise and confidential friend and counselor (Keil, Kalisch, 'Speaker's Commentary;' cf. 1 Macc. 11:32). Murphy explains the term as signifying "a second author of life," with obvious reference to the interpretation of his dreams and the measures adopted to provide against the famine - and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land Egypt (vide <a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Genesis 41:40, 41</a>). Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God (Elohim) hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: and thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen. Goshen, Γεσὲμ Αραβίας (LXX.), was a region on the east of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, extending as far as the wilderness of Arabia, a land of pastures (<a href="/genesis/46-34.htm">Genesis 46:34</a>), exceedingly fertile (<a href="/genesis/47-6.htm">Genesis 47:6</a>), styled also the land of Rameses (<a href="/genesis/47-11.htm">Genesis 47:11</a>), and including the cities Pithon and Rameses (<a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Exodus 1:11</a>), and probably also On, or Heliopolis (Josephus, 'Ant.,' 2:07, 6; Hengstenberg's 'Egypt and the Books of Moses,' p. 42; Gesenius, 'Lexicon,' p. 183). And thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: and there will I nourish thee (the verb is the Pilpel of כּול, to hold up, hence to sustain); for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty - liter-ally, be robbed, from יָרַשׁ, to take possession (Keil), or fall into slavery, i.e. through poverty (Knobel, Lange). And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you. And ye shall tell my father of (literally, ye shall relate to my father) all my glory (cf. <a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1</a>) in Egypt, and of all (literally, ail) that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither. Calvin thinks that Joseph would not have made such liberal promises to his brethren without having previously obtained Pharaoh's consent, nisi regis permissu; but this does not appear from the narrative. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/45-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Joseph יוֹסֵ֧ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to his brothers, אֶחָ֛יו (’e·ḥāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) “Please נָ֥א (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' come near me.” גְּשׁוּ־ (gə·šū-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> To draw near, approach And they [did so]. וַיִּגָּ֑שׁוּ (way·yig·gā·šū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> To draw near, approach “I אֲנִי֙ (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I am Joseph, יוֹסֵ֣ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites your brother,” אֲחִיכֶ֔ם (’ă·ḥî·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) he said, וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “the one אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you sold מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם (mə·ḵar·tem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4376.htm">Strong's 4376: </a> To sell into Egypt! מִצְרָֽיְמָה׃ (miṣ·rā·yə·māh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 45:4 Joseph said to his brothers Come near (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/45-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 45:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 45:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/45-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 45:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 45:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>