TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
Complete Jewish Bible
Pharaoh said to Yosef, "Tell your brothers, 'Here is what you are to do. Load up your animals, go to the land of Kena'an,
Berean Standard Bible
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do as follows: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan.
American Standard Version
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye: lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
World English Bible Messianic
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this. Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Pharaoh said vnto Ioseph, Say to thy brethren, This doe ye, lade your beastes and depart, go to the land of Canaan,
Young's Literal Translation
and Pharaoh saith unto Joseph, `Say unto thy brethren, This do ye: lade your beasts, and go, enter ye the land of Canaan,
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In the KJVVerse 1,376 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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Hebrew Questions on Genesis
(Verse 17.) But Pharaoh said to Joseph, tell your brothers to do this: load your vehicles and go to the land of Canaan. As for the vehicles, which were interpreted as 'carriages' by the Septuagint and Theodotio, the remaining animals transported them.
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 45:17 captures a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Joseph and his family, showcasing Pharaoh's extraordinary generosity and support. Following Joseph's emotional revelation of his identity to his brothers, the Egyptian ruler, recognizing Joseph's immense value to his kingdom, issues a direct and authoritative command. This verse details Pharaoh's instruction for Joseph to send his brothers back to Canaan to gather their entire household, ensuring their safe passage and relocation to the fertile land of Goshen in Egypt. It underscores the culmination of divine providence, transforming a tale of familial betrayal into one of reconciliation and preservation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows the profoundly emotional and dramatic revelation of Joseph's identity to his astonished brothers in Genesis 45:1-15. Joseph has just assured his brothers that their past actions, though evil, were part of God's sovereign plan to preserve life (Genesis 45:5-8). The news of Joseph's brothers arriving and his emotional reunion with them quickly reached Pharaoh's palace (Genesis 45:16). Pharaoh's response, as seen in this verse, is one of unreserved pleasure and generosity, demonstrating his profound respect for Joseph and his desire to secure the well-being of Joseph's kin. The command here sets in motion the practical steps for Jacob's entire family to relocate to Egypt, transitioning the narrative from personal reconciliation to the logistical fulfillment of God's larger plan for His covenant people.
Historical & Cultural Context: The backdrop to this passage is a severe, multi-year famine that gripped the entire region (Genesis 41:56-57). Egypt, under Joseph's wise administration, was the only land with abundant grain, making it a beacon of survival. Pharaoh, as the absolute monarch, held immense power and authority. His decree was law, and his generosity, especially towards foreigners, was remarkable, highlighting the extraordinary favor Joseph had earned. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's favor extended not just to the individual but often to their entire household. Pharaoh's invitation for Jacob's family to settle in Egypt was an act of profound hospitality and a strategic move to ensure Joseph's continued loyalty and service, recognizing that a man's family was central to his identity and well-being. The "land of Canaan" was the ancestral home of Jacob's family, but it was currently devastated by the famine, making the move to Egypt a matter of survival.
Key Themes: Genesis 45:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. Foremost is Divine Providence, illustrating how God orchestrates seemingly disparate events—from Joseph's betrayal and enslavement (Genesis 37:28) to his rise in Egypt (Genesis 41:40-44)—to fulfill His ultimate purposes, specifically the preservation of His chosen people. The verse also highlights the theme of Reconciliation and Restoration, as the family, once fractured by sin and deceit, is brought back together under Joseph's care, facilitated by Pharaoh's decree. Furthermore, it underscores God's Covenant Faithfulness, as the preservation of Jacob's family in Egypt is a crucial step towards their growth into a great nation, as promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3). Pharaoh's generosity, though seemingly secular, becomes an instrument in God's hands to achieve His divine will.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Direct Speech, presenting Pharaoh's exact words to Joseph, which lends authenticity and immediacy to the narrative. This direct address underscores Pharaoh's absolute Authority and the Imperative Mood of his commands ("Say," "do," "lade," "go," "get"). The concise nature of the decree, particularly "This do ye," functions as a Royal Edict, emphasizing the non-negotiable and immediate nature of the king's will. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the grand reunion of Jacob's entire family in Egypt and their subsequent growth into a nation, a critical step in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 45:17 is a powerful testament to God's meticulous and overarching providence, demonstrating His ability to use even the most powerful secular rulers as instruments in His divine plan. Pharaoh's unsolicited generosity and authoritative command are not random acts but are divinely orchestrated to ensure the survival and flourishing of Jacob's family. This act of royal favor, stemming from Joseph's wisdom and faithfulness, underscores the principle that God honors those who honor Him, and that He can turn seemingly dire circumstances into opportunities for profound blessing and the advancement of His redemptive purposes. The verse highlights the practical steps taken to bring about the family's preservation, which is ultimately a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 45:17 offers profound insights into God's sovereign control over all circumstances, even those involving powerful secular leaders. It reminds us that God's plan is often far grander and more intricate than we can perceive, working through unexpected channels to bring about His perfect will. For believers, this verse provides immense comfort, assuring us that even in times of "famine" or great difficulty, God is actively at work, orchestrating events for our good and for the fulfillment of His purposes. It encourages us to trust in His providence, knowing that He can transform situations of betrayal and hardship into opportunities for reconciliation, provision, and the advancement of His kingdom. Moreover, it highlights the importance of humility and forgiveness, as seen in the restored relationship between Joseph and his brothers, demonstrating that God's grace can heal even the deepest family wounds and bring about complete restoration.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Pharaoh so generous to Joseph's family?
Answer: Pharaoh's remarkable generosity stemmed primarily from his deep respect and profound gratitude for Joseph. Joseph had, through divine wisdom and administrative skill, saved Egypt from the devastating seven-year famine, elevating the kingdom to unprecedented prosperity. Pharaoh recognized Joseph's invaluable contribution and sought to honor him by extending favor to his entire family, ensuring their comfort and well-being in Egypt. This act also served Pharaoh's interest by securing Joseph's continued loyalty and service, as a man's family was central to his identity and commitment in ancient cultures. The news of Joseph's family arriving was pleasing to Pharaoh (Genesis 45:16).
What is the practical significance of "lade your beasts"?
Answer: The phrase "lade your beasts" is a crucial practical instruction for Joseph's brothers to prepare their donkeys and other pack animals for the journey. It implies not only loading their personal belongings but also provisions and supplies for the long trip back to the famine-stricken land of Canaan and then the return journey to Egypt with their entire extended family, including Jacob, their wives, and children. This command underscores the urgency and the significant logistical planning involved in the relocation, which Pharaoh himself was facilitating and providing for, as seen in the subsequent verses where he offers wagons and the best of the land (Genesis 45:18-21).
Does this verse imply God's direct intervention through Pharaoh?
Answer: While the verse describes Pharaoh's direct command, the broader narrative of Joseph's life clearly indicates divine orchestration. Joseph himself articulates this theological perspective, stating that God sent him ahead to preserve life (Genesis 45:5). Pharaoh, though unaware of the specific divine plan, acts as an unwitting instrument in God's sovereign purpose. God used Pharaoh's favor and Joseph's position to fulfill His redemptive plan to preserve Jacob's family and ultimately bring them to Egypt, a necessary step for their growth into a nation before the Exodus (Exodus 1:7). This demonstrates that God can work through any individual or circumstance, even secular rulers, to achieve His purposes and fulfill His covenant promises.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 45:17, with Pharaoh's generous command to Joseph to bring his family to Egypt, provides a profound foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work and the gathering of His people. Just as Joseph, a type of Christ, was exalted to a position of power and became the savior of his family and many nations from the devastating famine, so too is Christ exalted as the ultimate Provider and Savior of humanity from spiritual famine and eternal death (John 6:35). Pharaoh's royal invitation for Joseph's family to "lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan" to bring their father and household to a place of sustenance in Egypt mirrors Christ's gracious call to humanity. He invites us, who are spiritually famished and lost in the "land of Canaan" (representing the world's brokenness, sin, and separation from God), to come to Him for true spiritual nourishment and eternal life (Matthew 11:28-30). Through Christ, the scattered children of God are gathered, reconciled to God and to one another, and brought into His abundant kingdom, fulfilling the ultimate reunion and provision that Joseph's story so beautifully typifies (Ephesians 2:19-22). His sacrifice ensures that we are not merely offered temporary relief but are brought into a permanent dwelling place with Him, the true "best of the land" (John 14:2-3).