TRV
Translation
King James Version
And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
Complete Jewish Bible
Then he embraced his brother Binyamin and wept, and Binyamin wept on his neck,
Berean Standard Bible
Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept as they embraced.
American Standard Version
And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
World English Bible Messianic
He fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then hee fell on his brother Beniamins necke, and wept, and Beniamin wept on his necke.
Young's Literal Translation
And he falleth on the neck of Benjamin his brother, and weepeth, and Benjamin hath wept on his neck;
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In the KJVVerse 1,373 of 31,102
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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
Genesis 45:14 vividly portrays the intensely emotional reunion between Joseph and his full brother, Benjamin, immediately following Joseph's dramatic revelation of his true identity to his astonished siblings. This pivotal moment, characterized by a powerful embrace and mutual weeping, transcends mere familial affection, symbolizing the profound culmination of years of separation and suffering, the deep reconciliation of a fractured family, and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan to preserve His chosen people amidst severe famine.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is the emotional climax of Joseph's elaborate plan to test his brothers and reveal himself. Preceding this, Joseph had orchestrated a series of events, including planting his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, which led to Judah's impassioned plea for Benjamin's release in Genesis 44:18-34. Judah's willingness to sacrifice his own freedom for Benjamin's sake, demonstrating a profound change of heart from their earlier betrayal, finally broke Joseph's composure. Joseph's tearful declaration, "I am Joseph!" in Genesis 45:3 sets the immediate stage for this intimate embrace with Benjamin, distinct from the subsequent embraces with his other brothers. The narrative then expands to Joseph's instructions for his family to come to Egypt, emphasizing the divine purpose behind his suffering.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting is ancient Egypt during a severe, multi-year famine that affected the entire region, as foretold in Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams (Genesis 41:29-31). Joseph, as vizier, held immense power and authority, second only to Pharaoh, making his ability to provide grain and shelter for his family a matter of life and death for the nascent covenant people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, familial bonds were paramount, and an embrace, especially around the neck, signified deep affection, reconciliation, and often, a formal welcome or blessing. The public display of emotion, particularly weeping, was not uncommon and conveyed the depth of feeling, whether sorrow or overwhelming joy, in a society where honor and shame played significant roles.
Key Themes: Genesis 45:14 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the Joseph narrative and the broader book of Genesis. It highlights Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating how God meticulously orchestrates human events, even sinful ones like Joseph's betrayal, to accomplish His redemptive purposes, ultimately preserving the patriarchal line and setting the stage for the nation of Israel. The scene also underscores the theme of Reconciliation and Forgiveness, as Joseph, despite immense suffering, extends grace to his brothers, particularly Benjamin, fostering healing within a deeply fractured family. This reunion is a testament to Familial Restoration, emphasizing the importance of covenant family bonds and the joy found in their re-establishment. Furthermore, the narrative showcases the Transformation of Character, particularly in the brothers, whose remorse and willingness to protect Benjamin contrast sharply with their earlier cruelty, paving the way for genuine forgiveness and unity, as seen in Judah's selfless plea for Benjamin in Genesis 44.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. Repetition is evident in the phrase "wept upon his neck," which is stated for both Joseph and Benjamin. This repetition emphasizes the mutual, intense, and overwhelming nature of their shared emotion, highlighting the depth of their connection and the profound impact of their reunion. The act of "falling upon the neck" is a form of Symbolism, representing not just a physical embrace but a complete emotional surrender, a gesture of deep affection, reconciliation, and the restoration of a broken bond. The scene is imbued with profound Pathos, evoking strong feelings of pity, sympathy, and joy in the reader, as the long-suffering Joseph finally reunites with his beloved brother, culminating years of separation and grief in a moment of pure, unadulterated emotion.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound embrace and mutual weeping between Joseph and Benjamin in Genesis 45:14 serve as a powerful testament to God's redemptive work, illustrating His ability to transform human sin and suffering into instruments of salvation and reconciliation. This moment encapsulates the core biblical truth that God's sovereign plan unfolds even through the darkest betrayals, bringing about good for those who are called according to His purpose. It underscores the transformative power of forgiveness, exemplified by Joseph, who, despite immense personal suffering, extends grace that heals deep familial wounds and restores broken relationships. This reunion is not merely a family affair but a critical step in the preservation of the covenant line, ensuring the continuation of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which would eventually lead to the formation of the nation of Israel and, ultimately, the Messiah.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 45:14 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary life, particularly concerning the transformative power of forgiveness and the unwavering hope found in God's overarching redemptive plan. This intimate scene encourages us to actively pursue reconciliation in fractured relationships, recognizing that genuine forgiveness, mirroring Joseph's radical grace, possesses the capacity to bridge years of pain, misunderstanding, and betrayal, leading to profound healing and restoration within families, communities, and even broader societal divisions. Moreover, Joseph's entire narrative, culminating in this tearful reunion, serves as a powerful reminder that even in our deepest sufferings, injustices, and moments of despair, God remains actively at work, meticulously weaving His divine purposes into the very fabric of our lives. He can turn what was intended for harm into good, demonstrating His faithfulness and sovereignty. The uninhibited emotional honesty displayed by Joseph and Benjamin also encourages us to embrace and express genuine emotion, especially in moments of reconciliation, joy, and profound connection, fostering authentic relationships built on vulnerability and love.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Benjamin specifically mentioned in this embrace, distinct from the other brothers?
Answer: Benjamin was Joseph's only full brother, both being the beloved sons of Rachel, Jacob's favored wife. This shared maternal lineage created a unique and exceptionally deep bond between them, setting their relationship apart from Joseph's interactions with his ten half-brothers. The embrace and mutual weeping with Benjamin specifically emphasize the profound emotional significance of this reunion for Joseph, as it was with the brother he truly loved and had been separated from since childhood. Joseph had also shown particular concern for Benjamin throughout his tests, ensuring Benjamin's safety and testing his other brothers' loyalty to him.
What does the intense weeping of both brothers signify?
Answer: The intense, mutual weeping of both Joseph and Benjamin signifies an overwhelming and uninhibited release of pent-up emotion—primarily profound joy, immense relief, and deep brotherly love. It is a powerful expression of the reunion's impact, marking the end of years of separation, grief, and uncertainty for Joseph, and the shock and overwhelming relief of discovering his long-lost brother for Benjamin. Their tears are not tears of sorrow, but rather a cathartic outpouring of emotion that confirms the depth of their affection and the complete restoration of their cherished familial bond, a reunion they had likely never expected.
How does this verse contribute to the overarching theme of God's providence in the Joseph narrative?
Answer: This verse is a powerful illustration of God's providence because it marks the climactic moment of reconciliation that God meticulously orchestrated. What began with the brothers' sinful act of selling Joseph into slavery was meticulously turned by God into a means of preserving Jacob's entire family from famine. The tears of reunion signify not just human emotion, but the visible manifestation of God's faithfulness in bringing good out of evil, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and preparing the way for the growth and preservation of the nation of Israel, from whom the Messiah would ultimately come. It beautifully demonstrates that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, according to His purpose.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profoundly emotional reunion of Joseph and Benjamin, marked by a powerful embrace and mutual weeping, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate reconciliation offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph, though unjustly wronged and cast aside by his brothers, became the unexpected deliverer and preserver of his family, so too did Christ, though innocent and betrayed, become the means of salvation for all humanity. His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection bridge the vast chasm of sin, offering radical forgiveness and restoring our broken relationship with a holy God, much as Joseph's embrace restored his fractured family. The overwhelming tears of joy and relief shed in Genesis 45:14 echo the spiritual joy of those who are reconciled to God through faith in Christ, a joy that is often accompanied by tears of repentance and overwhelming gratitude, as seen in the woman who anointed Jesus' feet in Luke 7:38. This divine reconciliation, made possible by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, signifies God's grand redemptive plan to gather His scattered children into a new spiritual family, where, as promised in Revelation 21:4, all tears will ultimately be wiped away in His eternal presence.