TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.
Complete Jewish Bible
The report of this reached Pharaoh's house: "Yosef's brothers have come"; and Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.
Berean Standard Bible
When the news reached Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.
American Standard Version
And the report thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, Joseph’s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.
World English Bible Messianic
The report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” It pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the tidinges came vnto Pharaohs house, so that they said, Iosephs brethre are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his seruants.
Young's Literal Translation
And the sound hath been heard in the house of Pharaoh, saying, `Come have the brethren of Joseph;' and it is good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants,
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In the KJVVerse 1,375 of 31,102
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Commentary on Genesis 45 verses 16–24
16 ¶ And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.
17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
18 And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.
19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.
20 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.
21 And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.
22 To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.
23 And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way.
24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.
Here is, 1. The kindness of Pharaoh to Joseph, and to his relations for his sake: he bade his brethren welcome (Gen 45:16), though it was a time of scarcity, and they were likely to be a charge to him. Nay, because it pleased Pharaoh, it pleased his servants too, at least they pretended to be pleased because Pharaoh was. He engaged Joseph to send for his father down to Egypt, and promised to furnish them with all conveniences both for his removal thither and his settlement there. If the good of all the land of Egypt (as it was not better stocked than any other land, thanks to Joseph, under God) would suffice him, he was welcome to it all, it was all his own, even the fat of the land (Gen 45:18), so that they need not regard their stuff, Gen 45:20. What they had in Canaan he reckoned but stuff, in comparison with what he had for them in Egypt; and therefore if they should be constrained to leave some of that behind them, let them not be discontented; Egypt would afford them enough to make up the losses of their removal. Thus those for whom Christ intends shares in his heavenly glory ought not to regard the stuff of this world: The best of its enjoyments are but stuff, but lumber; we cannot make sure of it while we are here, much less can we carry it away with us; let us not therefore be solicitous about it, nor set our eyes or hearts upon it. There are better things reserved for us in that blessed land whither our Joseph has gone to prepare a place.
II. The kindness of Joseph to his father and brethren. Pharaoh was respectful to Joseph, in gratitude, because he had been an instrument of much good to him and his kingdom, not only preserving it from the common calamity, but helping to make it considerable among the nations; for all their neighbours would say, "Surely the Egyptians are a wise and an understanding people, that are so well stocked in a time of scarcity." For this reason Pharaoh never thought any thing too much that he could do for Joseph. Note, There is a gratitude owing even to inferiors; and when any have shown us kindness we should study to requite it, not only to them, but to their relations. And Joseph likewise was respectful to his father and brethren in duty, because they were his near relations, though his brethren had been his enemies, and his father long a stranger. 1. He furnished them for necessity, Gen 45:21. He gave them wagons and provisions for the way, both going and coming; for we never find that Jacob was very rich, and, at this time, when the famine prevailed, we may suppose he was rather poor. 2. He furnished them for ornament and delight. To his brethren he gave two suits a piece of good clothes, to Benjamin five suits, and money besides in his pocket, Gen 45:22. To his father he sent a very handsome present of the varieties of Egypt, Gen 45:23. Note, Those that are wealthy should be generous, and devise liberal things; what is an abundance good for, but to do good with it? 3. He dismissed them with a seasonable caution: See that you fall not out by the way, Gen 45:24. He knew they were but too apt to be quarrelsome; and what had lately passed, which revived the remembrance of what they had done formerly against their brother, might give them occasion to quarrel. Joseph had observed them to contend about it, Gen 42:22. To one they would say, "It was you that first upbraided him with his dreams;" to another, "It was you that stripped him of his fine coat;" to another, "It was you that threw him into the pit," etc. Now Joseph, having forgiven them all, lays this obligation upon them, not to upbraid one another. This charge our Lord Jesus has given to us, that we love one another, that we live in peace, that whatever occurs, or whatever former occurrences are remembered, we fall not out. For, (1.) We are brethren, we have all one Father. (2.) We are his brethren, and we shame our relation to him who is our peace, if we fall out. (3.) We are guilty, verily guilty, and, instead of quarrelling with one another, have a great deal of reason to fall out with ourselves. (4.) We are, or hope to be, forgiven of God whom we have all offended, and therefore should be ready to forgive one another. (5.) We are by the way, a way that lies through the land of Egypt, where we have many eyes upon us, that seek occasion and advantage against us, a way that leads to Canaan, where we hope to be for ever in perfect peace.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 16–24. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON GENESIS 40:1
When the things that needed to be said between them were finished, the doors of that judgment room were opened. The princes entered rejoicing and the army commanders full of gladness. This news was pleasing in the eyes of Pharaoh and his servants, for they had believed that he who had become like a father to Pharaoh and ruler over the freemen and princes of Egypt was no slave but was a son of a freeman from the blessed race of the house of Abraham.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
ON JOSEPH 13.74
And Pharaoh rejoiced because Joseph had known his brothers. From there the news spread in Pharaoh’s house, and he urged the holy Joseph to invite his brothers to come with their father. He also gives orders that their packs be filled with grain and loaded onto wagons. What can account for such consideration shown to a stranger? Only that a great mystery was being revealed, a mystery the church today does not deny. The Jews will be redeemed; the Christian people will rejoice at this union, give aid to the limit of their resources and send people to preach the good news of the kingdom of God, so that their call may come sooner.
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 45:16 marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's narrative, detailing how the news of his brothers' arrival in Egypt quickly reached Pharaoh's royal court. This public acknowledgement of Joseph's family, coupled with the immediate and enthusiastic approval from Pharaoh and his officials, signifies a crucial divine endorsement and political sanction for the next phase of God's redemptive plan to preserve and expand the nascent family of Israel, ensuring their secure settlement and future growth in Egypt.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. Synecdoche is present in "Pharaoh's house," which stands for the entire royal court and administration, indicating that the news permeated the highest levels of government. The phrase "it pleased Pharaoh well" uses Idiom, as the Hebrew literally translates to "it was good in the eyes of Pharaoh," a common expression for approval or favor. There is also an element of Irony in the narrative arc; the brothers who once sought to eliminate Joseph are now the beneficiaries of his exalted status, and their arrival, which could have been a source of shame or conflict, becomes a cause for royal celebration and provision. This sets the stage for the larger Divine Irony seen in Genesis 50:20, where Joseph declares that what his brothers intended for evil, God intended for good.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 45:16 is a powerful testament to God's meticulous and sovereign control over all circumstances, including the hearts and minds of powerful rulers. Pharaoh's favorable disposition was not coincidental but divinely orchestrated, demonstrating that God can sway even the most absolute authorities to serve His purposes. This divine influence ensures the preservation and well-being of His chosen people, highlighting His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The verse underscores how God works through existing political and social structures, turning what could have been a source of conflict or vulnerability into an avenue for blessing, provision, and the advancement of His redemptive plan for His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 45:16 serves as a profound reminder of God's meticulous and sovereign control over all events, even those involving powerful leaders and foreign nations. For believers today, this verse encourages unwavering trust in God's provision and perfect timing, especially when circumstances seem uncertain, beyond human control, or even hostile. It assures us that God is actively working behind the scenes, using even the most unexpected channels—including political figures, societal structures, and seemingly unrelated events—to advance His good purposes for those who love Him and are called according to His design. Just as Pharaoh's heart was swayed for the good of Joseph's family, ensuring their safety and prosperity, we can trust that God orchestrates events for our ultimate well-being and the fulfillment of His kingdom plans. This should inspire us to pray for our leaders, knowing that God can use them, and to rest in the assurance that no human power can thwart His ultimate will for His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Pharaoh's reaction to Joseph's family so important?
Answer: Pharaoh's reaction was crucial because it provided official sanction and protection for Joseph's family. As the supreme ruler of Egypt, his approval ensured that the family would be welcomed, provided for, and allowed to settle in the fertile land of Goshen (Genesis 47:6), rather than being viewed as foreign immigrants or a potential threat. This royal endorsement was essential for the safe relocation and subsequent growth of Jacob's descendants into a numerous nation, as prophesied in God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:2).
Does "fame" in this verse imply Joseph was famous for his family?
Answer: The Hebrew word qôwl (H6963), translated as "fame" here, more accurately means "report," "sound," or "news." It signifies that the news or report of Joseph's brothers arriving was heard throughout Pharaoh's house. While Joseph himself was certainly famous and highly esteemed due to his wisdom and his role in saving Egypt from famine (Genesis 41:39-40), the "fame" in this specific verse refers to the widespread communication of the event concerning his family, not necessarily that his family itself was famous prior to their arrival. It highlights the public nature of the family's reunion given Joseph's prominence.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gathering of Jacob's family in Egypt under Joseph's provision, endorsed by Pharaoh, powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate work of gathering His people and providing for them. Just as Joseph, a type of Christ, saved his family from physical famine and brought them into a place of security and prosperity through his elevated status as vizier, so Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, gathers His elect from all nations and preserves them from spiritual death and eternal judgment (John 10:11). He brings them into His eternal kingdom, a place of abundant life and secure fellowship with God (John 10:27-28). Pharaoh's pleasure in Joseph's family can be seen as a dim reflection of the Father's profound pleasure in the Son, Jesus Christ, through whom all of God's covenant promises are fulfilled (2 Corinthians 1:20), and through whom His people are brought into an everlasting relationship and provision.