Genesis 45:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall tell {H5046} my father {H1} of all my glory {H3519} in Egypt {H4714}, and of all that ye have seen {H7200}; and ye shall haste {H4116} and bring down {H3381} my father {H1} 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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a dramatic and emotionally charged narrative arc within the book of Genesis. Joseph has just revealed his identity to his brothers (Genesis 45:1-3), a moment that shatters years of separation and misunderstanding. His brothers, initially terrified, are quickly reassured by Joseph's declaration that God orchestrated his suffering and rise to power for their preservation (Genesis 45:5-8). Having tested their character and witnessed their genuine concern for Benjamin and their father, Joseph moves swiftly from revelation to reconciliation and provision. This instruction to bring Jacob to Egypt is the immediate practical outcome of this reunion, setting the stage for the entire family's relocation and the subsequent growth of Israel in Egypt, a crucial step in God's covenant plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt during a period of severe, widespread famine, described as affecting "all the face of the earth" (Genesis 41:56). Joseph, as Pharaoh's vizier, held immense administrative power, controlling the grain supply and effectively governing the land. The cultural importance of the patriarch, Jacob, as the head of the family and the inheritor of the Abrahamic covenant, underscores Joseph's urgency to bring him to safety. For a family to relocate en masse to a foreign land, especially Egypt, would have been a monumental undertaking, requiring significant logistical support and the explicit invitation and protection of a high-ranking official, which Joseph, as vizier, could provide. The concept of "glory" (Hebrew: _kâbôwd_) would have been understood in terms of visible wealth, power, and honor, signifying divine favor and high social standing.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 45:13 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the Joseph narrative and the broader book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, illustrating how God meticulously works through human actions, even betrayal and suffering, to fulfill His ultimate purposes (as seen in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's purpose in Joseph's suffering")). The verse also highlights **Reconciliation and Forgiveness**, as Joseph, despite profound personal betrayal, extends unconditional grace and seeks to restore his fractured family. This act of forgiveness paves the way for the **Preservation of God's Covenant People**, ensuring the survival of Jacob's lineage during the famine, a critical step toward the formation of the nation of Israel and the eventual fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham (compare [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's covenant with Abraham")). Finally, it underscores the importance of **Witness and Testimony**, as Joseph desires his father to see and hear firsthand the tangible evidence of God's faithfulness and blessing in his life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tell (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** From H5046, this primitive root means "to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain, praise." Joseph's instruction to "tell" is not merely to relay information but to boldly declare and make manifest the astonishing truth of his survival and exaltation. It implies a comprehensive and convincing report, leaving no room for doubt in Jacob's mind.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, this word is derived from a root meaning "weight," but here it is used figuratively to denote "splendor or copiousness; glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able)." Joseph's "glory" encompasses his immense wealth, high honor, and substantial authority as the vizier of Egypt. It signifies the visible, tangible evidence of God's favor and blessing upon him, transforming his past suffering into a position of remarkable prominence and influence.
* **bring down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** From H3381, this primitive root means "to descend (literally, to go downwards...); causatively, to bring down (in all the above applications)." The command to "bring down" Jacob implies a physical descent into Egypt, which was geographically lower than Canaan. More profoundly, it signifies Joseph's act of providing a secure and abundant dwelling place for his family, rescuing them from the dire circumstances of the famine and establishing them in a new land under his protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt":** Joseph's primary concern is for his father, Jacob, who has mourned him as dead for over two decades. The instruction to "tell" implies a comprehensive and vivid account, not just of his survival, but of his extraordinary elevation. "My glory" refers to his immense power, wealth, and honor as Pharaoh's vizier, a visible testament to God's providential hand in his life. This was meant to alleviate Jacob's long-held grief and replace it with joy and wonder at God's miraculous work.
* **"and of all that ye have seen":** This phrase serves as crucial reinforcement. Joseph understands that Jacob might struggle to believe such an incredible story after so many years. By emphasizing "all that ye have seen," Joseph directs his brothers to provide concrete, eyewitness testimony of his authority, the abundance under his control, and his privileged position within Egypt. This tangible evidence would serve to convince Jacob beyond any doubt of the truth of Joseph's words and the reality of his prosperity.
* **"and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither":** This command conveys both urgency and deep compassion. The "haste" is necessitated by the ongoing severity of the famine, which threatened the very survival of Jacob's family. Joseph's desire to "bring down" his father and the entire household to Egypt underscores his commitment to providing immediate safety, sustenance, and reunion. This instruction is imbued with a spirit of complete forgiveness and a fervent desire for family restoration, prioritizing their well-being above all else.

#### 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.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's good purpose from evil")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good")
* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's covenant with Abraham")

### 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
* **How does Joseph's trust in God's providence, even after immense suffering, challenge your perspective on difficult circumstances in your own life?**
* **In what relationships are you being called to extend Joseph-like forgiveness and pursue reconciliation, even when it feels undeserved by the other party?**
* **How can you more intentionally share the "glory" (God's blessings and faithfulness) in your life with others, so they might see God's hand at work?**

### FAQ

**What does "glory" mean in the context of Joseph's statement?**

Answer: In [Genesis 45:13](/genesis/45-13 "Joseph's glory in Egypt"), 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](/genesis/45-6 "The remaining years of famine")). 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](/genesis/45-13 "Joseph's call for his father to come to Egypt"), 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](/john/1-11 "Jesus came to His own")), was exalted by God to the highest place, seated at the right hand of the Father (as declared in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's exaltation and Lordship")). 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](/john/6-35 "Jesus the Bread of Life")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:14

Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to [him], and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

1 Peter 1:10

¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:

1 Peter 1:12

Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Revelation 21:23

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof.

John 17:24

¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.