TRV
Translation
King James Version
And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.
Complete Jewish Bible
Tell my father how honored I am in Egypt and everything you have seen, and quickly bring my father down here!"
Berean Standard Bible
Tell my father about all my splendor in Egypt and everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”
American Standard Version
And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen: and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.
World English Bible Messianic
You shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. You shall hurry and bring my father down here.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore tel my father of al mine honour in Egypt, and of all that ye haue seene, and make haste, and bring my father hither.
Young's Literal Translation
and ye have declared to my father all my honour in Egypt, and all that ye have seen, and ye have hasted, and have brought down my father hither.'
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Commentary on Genesis 45 verses 1–15
1 ¶ Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.
2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
4 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.
5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.
7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
9 Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:
10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, 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:
11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
12 And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.
13 And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.
14 And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.
Judah and his brethren were waiting for an answer, and could not but be amazed to discover, instead of the gravity of a judge, the natural affection of a father or brother.
I. Joseph ordered all his attendants to withdraw, Gen 45:1. The private conversations of friends are the most free. When Joseph would put on love he puts off state, and it was not fit his servants should be witnesses of this. Thus Christ graciously manifests himself and his loving-kindness to his people, out of the sight and hearing of the world.
II. Tears were the preface or introduction to his discourse, Gen 45:2. He had dammed up this stream a great while, and with much ado: but now it swelled so high that he could no longer contain, but he wept aloud, so that those whom he had forbidden to see him could not but hear him. These were tears of tenderness and strong affection, and with these he threw off that austerity with which he had hitherto carried himself towards his brethren; for he could bear it no longer. This represents the divine compassion towards returning penitents, as much as that of the father of the prodigal, Luk 15:20; Hos 14:8, Hos 14:9.
III. He very abruptly (as one uneasy till it was out) tells them who he was: I am Joseph. They knew him only by his Egyptian name, Zaphnath-paaneah, his Hebrew name being lost and forgotten in Egypt; but now he teaches them to call him by that: I am Joseph; nay, that they might not suspect it was another of the same name, he explains himself (Gen 45:4): I am Joseph, your brother. This would both humble them yet more for their sin in selling him, and would encourage them to hope for kind treatment. Thus when Christ would convince Paul he said, I am Jesus; and when he would comfort his disciples he said, It is I, be not afraid. This word, at first, startled Joseph's brethren; they started back through fear, or at least stood still astonished; but Joseph called kindly and familiarly to them: Come near, I pray you. Thus when Christ manifests himself to his people he encourages them to draw near to him with a true heart. Perhaps, being about to speak of their selling him, he would not speak aloud, lest the Egyptians should overhear, and it should make the Hebrews to be yet more an abomination to them; therefore he would have them come near, that he might whisper with them, which, now that the tide of his passion was a little over, he was able to do, whereas at first he could not but cry out.
IV. He endeavours to assuage their grief for the injuries they had done him, by showing them that whatever they designed God meant it for good, and had brought much good out of it (Gen 45:5): Be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves. Sinners must grieve, and be angry with themselves, for their sins; yea, though God by his power brings good out of them, for no thanks are due to the sinner for this: but true penitents should be greatly affected when they see God thus bringing good out of evil, meat out of the eater. Though we must not with this consideration extenuate our own sins and so take off the edge of our repentance, yet it may be well thus to extenuate the sins of others and so take off the edge of our angry resentments. Thus Joseph does here; his brethren needed not to fear that he would avenge upon them an injury which God's providence had made to turn so much to his advantage and that of his family. Now he tells them how long the famine was likely to last - five years; yet (Gen 45:6) what a capacity he was in of being kind to his relations and friends, which is the greatest satisfaction that wealth and power can give to a good man, Gen 45:8. See what a favourable colour he puts upon the injury they had done him: God sent me before you, Gen 45:5, Gen 45:7. Note, 1. God's Israel is the particular care of God's providence. Joseph reckoned that his advancement was not so much designed to save a whole kingdom of Egyptians as to preserve a small family of Israelites: for the Lord's portion is his people; whatever becomes of theirs, they shall be secured. 2. Providence looks a great way forward, and has a long reach. Even long before the years of plenty, Providence was preparing for the supply of Jacob's house in the years of famine. The psalmist praises God for this (Psa 105:17): He sent a man before them, even Joseph. God sees his work from the beginning to the end, but we do not, Ecc 3:11. How admirable are the projects of providence! How remote its tendencies! What wheels are there within wheels, and yet all directed by the eyes in the wheels, and the spirit of the living creature! Let us therefore judge nothing before the time. 3. God often works by contraries. The envy and contention of brethren threaten the ruin of families, yet, in this instance, they prove the occasion of preserving Jacob's family. Joseph could never have been the shepherd and stone of Israel if his brethren had not shot at him, and hated him; even those that had wickedly sold Joseph into Egypt yet themselves reaped the benefit of the good God brought out of it; as those that put Christ to death were many of them saved by his death. 4. God must have all the glory of the seasonable preservations of his people, by what way soever they are effected. It was not you that sent me hither, but God, Gen 45:8. As, on the one hand, they must not fret at it, because it ended so well, so on the other hand they must not be proud of it, because it was God's doing, and not theirs. They designed, by selling him into Egypt, to defeat his dreams, but God thereby designed to accomplish them. Isa 10:7, Howbeit he meaneth not so.
V. He promises to take care of his father and all the family during the rest of the years of famine. 1. He desires that his father may speedily be made glad with the tidings of his life and dignity. His brethren must hasten to Canaan, and must inform Jacob that his son Joseph was lord of all Egypt; (Gen 45:9): they must tell him of all his glory there, Gen 45:13. He knew it would be a refreshing oil to his hoary head and a sovereign cordial to his spirits. If any thing would make him young again, this would. He desires them to give themselves, and take with them to their father, all possible satisfaction of the truth of these surprising tidings: Your eyes see that it is my mouth, Gen 45:12. If they would recollect themselves, they might remember something of his features, speech, etc., and be satisfied. 2. He is very earnest that his father and all his family should come to him to Egypt: Come down unto me, tarry not, Gen 45:9. He allots his dwelling in Goshen, that part of Egypt which lay towards Canaan, that they might be mindful of the country from which they were to come out, Gen 45:10. He promises to provide for him: I will nourish thee, Gen 45:11. Note, It is the duty of children, if the necessity of their parents do at any time require it, to support and supply them to the utmost of their ability; and Corban will never excuse them, Mar 7:11. This is showing piety at home, Ti1 5:4. Our Lord Jesus being, like Joseph, exalted to the highest honours and powers of the upper world, it is his will that all that are his should be with him where he is, Joh 17:24. This is his commandment, that we be with him now in faith and hope, and a heavenly conversation; and this is his promise, that we shall be for ever with him.
VI. Endearments were interchanged between him and his brethren. He began with the youngest, his own brother Benjamin, who was but about a year old when Joseph was separated from his brethren; they wept on each other's neck (Gen 45:14), perhaps to think of their mother Rachel, who died in travail of Benjamin. Rachel, in her husband, Jacob, had been lately weeping for her children, because, in his apprehension, they were not - Joseph gone, and Benjamin going; and now they were weeping for her, because she was not. After he had embraced Benjamin, he, in like manner, caressed them all (Gen 45:15); and then his brethren talked with him freely and familiarly of all the affairs of their father's house. After the tokens of true reconciliation follow the instances of a sweet communion.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–15. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In Genesis 45:13, following his emotional revelation to his brothers, Joseph issues a profound directive. He instructs them to return to Canaan and vividly recount the full extent of his exalted status and prosperity in Egypt to their aging father, Jacob. Joseph then urgently commands them to hasten and bring Jacob and the entire family to Egypt, ensuring their survival amidst the severe famine and initiating a long-awaited and deeply significant family reunion.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Irony is powerfully present: Joseph, once sold into slavery by his brothers and believed dead by his father, now stands as Egypt's second-in-command, sending those same brothers to bring his grieving father to a place of safety and abundance. This reversal of fortune highlights divine intervention. Emphasis is achieved through repetition and specific phrasing, such as "all my glory" and "all that ye have seen," underscoring the comprehensive nature of Joseph's elevated status and the undeniable evidence of it. The urgency conveyed by "haste" (from H4116, mâhar') creates a sense of immediate necessity and compassionate action. The entire scene also functions as Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the descent of Jacob's entire family into Egypt, which will later become the crucible for the formation of the nation of Israel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 45:13 serves as a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate even the most painful circumstances for redemptive purposes. Joseph's "glory" is not a testament to his own achievement but a visible sign of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. This divine providence transforms betrayal into salvation, grief into joy, and separation into reunion, showcasing God's sovereign hand in bringing about His good will for His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's directive in Genesis 45:13 offers timeless lessons for believers today. His story reminds us that even through periods of profound suffering, betrayal, and misunderstanding, God is actively at work, weaving together seemingly disparate events into a tapestry of His divine plan. We are called to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that He can transform our deepest wounds into platforms for His glory and instruments of blessing for others. Furthermore, Joseph's immediate move towards reconciliation and provision, despite the immense wrong he suffered, challenges us to embrace radical forgiveness in our own lives. This means letting go of bitterness, extending grace to those who have wronged us, and actively seeking restoration in fractured relationships, mirroring the restorative love of Christ. Finally, Joseph's desire for his father to witness his "glory" encourages us to be open and authentic witnesses of God's goodness in our lives, sharing our testimonies not for personal acclaim, but to bring glory to Him and inspire faith in others.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "glory" mean in the context of Joseph's statement?
Answer: In Genesis 45:13, the Hebrew word for "glory" is kâbôwd (כָּבוֹד). While its literal root implies "weight" or "heaviness," in this context, it signifies Joseph's substantial status, honor, wealth, and prominence as the vizier of Egypt. It refers to the visible manifestation of God's blessing and favor upon him, showcasing his elevated position and the material prosperity he enjoyed under Pharaoh's authority. It's about his public recognition and the tangible evidence of his power and influence.
Why was it so urgent for Jacob to come to Egypt?
Answer: Joseph's command to "haste and bring down my father hither" was driven by the dire reality of the severe famine gripping the land. The famine was in its second year, with five more years predicted (as confirmed by Joseph in Genesis 45:6). Joseph, understanding the full scope of the crisis, knew that his family in Canaan would face starvation without immediate intervention. His urgency also stemmed from a deep, compassionate desire to quickly reunite with his beloved father, whom he had not seen for over two decades and who had suffered profound grief believing his son was dead. Bringing Jacob to Egypt meant bringing him into a place of safety, provision, and familial restoration.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's story, particularly his call to his father in Genesis 45:13, serves as a profound type and foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Joseph, though unjustly betrayed and cast aside by his own brothers, was sovereignly exalted by God to a position of immense power in Egypt. From this position of "glory," he orchestrates the salvation and preservation of his family, rescuing them from famine and death and bringing them into a place of abundance and life. This mirrors Christ, who, though rejected and crucified by His own people (as seen in John 1:11), was exalted by God to the highest place, seated at the right hand of the Father (as declared in Philippians 2:9-11). From His position of ultimate "glory," Jesus calls His spiritual family—all who believe in Him—to come to Him for salvation, provision, and eternal life, rescuing them from the spiritual famine of sin and death and bringing them into His eternal kingdom (echoing the invitation in John 6:35). Joseph's act of reconciliation and provision for his family thus powerfully prefigures the ultimate reconciliation and eternal provision offered through Christ's atoning sacrifice, inviting all to come and receive life in Him.