Genesis 45:20

KJV

Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt [is] yours.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also {H5869} regard {H2347} not your stuff {H3627}; for the good {H2898} of all the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} is yours.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't worry about your stuff, because everything good in the land of Egypt is yours.'"

Berean Standard Bible

But pay no regard to your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’”

American Standard Version

Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 45:20 encapsulates Joseph's profound reassurance and God's overarching providence, as Joseph instructs his brothers to release their attachment to their earthly belongings. Having dramatically revealed his identity, Joseph promises his family the choicest part of Egypt, underscoring a divine provision that far surpasses their current possessions and anxieties, inviting them into a new reality of abundance and security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows Joseph's emotional revelation of his identity to his brothers in [Genesis 45:1-4](/genesis/45-1-4 "Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers"). The preceding verses detail Joseph's explanation that God, not their malicious intent, orchestrated his journey to Egypt to preserve life during a severe famine, a theme powerfully articulated in [Genesis 45:5-8](/genesis/45:5-8 "Joseph's Explanation of God's Providence"). Pharaoh, upon hearing of Joseph's family, enthusiastically endorses Joseph's plan, promising Jacob's entire household the "fat of the land" and instructing them to bring all their possessions to Egypt ([Genesis 45:16-18](/genesis/45-16-18 "Pharaoh's Generous Invitation")). Verse 20, therefore, serves as Joseph's personal, emphatic reiteration of Pharaoh's promise, specifically addressing any lingering anxieties his brothers might have about leaving their homes and belongings in Canaan. It is a command rooted in the certainty of a superior, divinely-appointed provision.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt during a severe, multi-year famine that gripped the entire region, as foretold by Joseph ([Genesis 41:29-31](/genesis/41-29-31 "Pharaoh's Dreams and the Famine")). Jacob's family, dwelling in Canaan, was experiencing the devastating effects of this famine, which would have made their "stuff" (possessions, household goods, tools) meager and difficult to transport. The journey from Canaan to Egypt was long and arduous, making the idea of abandoning non-essential items practical. Furthermore, the concept of a powerful ruler offering land and provision to foreigners was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, often as a means of securing loyalty or labor. Joseph's position as vizier, second only to Pharaoh, granted him immense authority to make such a generous offer, backed by the full power of the Egyptian state. The land of Goshen, promised to Jacob's family, was renowned for its fertile pasturelands, ideal for their pastoral lifestyle, further emphasizing the superior nature of the promised provision.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand orchestrating seemingly disparate events—from Joseph's betrayal and enslavement to his elevation in Egypt—for the ultimate good of His chosen people, ensuring their survival and growth ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Redemptive Purpose")). The theme of **Reconciliation and Forgiveness** is prominent, as Joseph, despite past wrongs, extends boundless grace and provision to his brothers. Furthermore, it underscores **God's Abundant Provision**, moving beyond mere sustenance to offer the "good of all the land," reflecting God's character as a generous giver who provides not just necessities but overflowing blessing. Finally, it introduces the theme of **Trust and Detachment from Materialism**, urging a release from earthly anxieties in favor of reliance on God's greater promises, a principle echoed throughout scripture, such as in [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Do Not Worry About Your Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stuff (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** From H3627, this word denotes "something prepared," encompassing any apparatus, implement, utensil, dress, vessel, or weapon. In this context, it refers broadly to their household goods, tools, and personal belongings. Joseph's instruction implies that these items, which might seem valuable or necessary in their famine-stricken land, are insignificant compared to the abundance awaiting them.
* **regard (Hebrew, _chûwç'_):** From H2347, this primitive root means "to cover," and figuratively, "to compassionate," "pity," or "spare." The negative command "regard not" (אַל-תָּחֹסוּ, _al-takhosu_) thus literally means "do not pity" or "do not spare" your belongings. It's a strong injunction against sentimentality, attachment, or anxiety over their material possessions, urging them to release their grip.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭûwb'_):** From H2898, this word signifies "good" in the widest sense, particularly "goodness," "welfare," "beauty," or "the best." When Joseph declares "the good of all the land of Egypt is yours," he is promising not just sustenance, but the choicest, most fertile, and most prosperous parts of the land, ensuring their welfare, comfort, and flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also regard not your stuff":** This is a direct, emphatic command from Joseph to his brothers. It calls them to abandon any concern, sentimentality, or attachment to their current possessions in Canaan. The implication is that these items, which they might feel compelled to gather and transport, are of little value compared to the immense provision awaiting them. It's a call to release anxiety and trust in the promise of something far superior.
* **"for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours":** This clause provides the compelling reason for the preceding command. Joseph assures his family that the very best, the choicest, and most prosperous parts of the entire land of Egypt are now designated for them. This is not merely an offer of survival or basic needs, but a promise of abundant blessing, security, and a life of comfort. It signifies an inheritance of wealth and prosperity far beyond what Jacob's family could have ever imagined or achieved on their own, highlighting the vastness of God's provision through Joseph.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 45:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "the good of all the land of Egypt is yours," which, while literally true in terms of the choicest land, also serves to emphasize the overwhelming generosity and abundance of the provision. This is amplified by the stark **Contrast** between the "stuff" (meager, famine-stricken possessions) they are instructed to disregard and the immense, fertile "good of all the land of Egypt" that awaits them. This contrast underscores the radical shift in their circumstances, from scarcity to superabundance. Furthermore, the narrative functions as **Foreshadowing**, as Joseph's act of providing a new, better land for his family prefigures God's greater provision for His people and the ultimate inheritance found in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, preserving their lineage and ensuring their flourishing even amidst famine and family strife. It highlights God's ability to use human actions, even those intended for evil, to accomplish His good and redemptive purposes, providing for His people in ways they could not foresee. The command "regard not your stuff" serves as a timeless theological principle, encouraging believers to prioritize spiritual realities over material attachments, trusting in God's superior provision. The promise of "the good of all the land of Egypt" reflects God's character as a generous provider who offers not just sufficiency, but abundance and blessing to those He calls. Joseph's act of grace towards his brothers, despite their past betrayal, mirrors God's reconciling grace towards humanity, offering restoration and a new inheritance.

* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Remember the Lord Your God")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Faith of Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 45:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, calling us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unfailing provision, particularly when faced with uncertainty or the need to step into the unknown. Just as Joseph's family was urged to release their grip on their old possessions for a greater promise, we are encouraged to detach from materialism, prioritizing God's kingdom and His promises over the accumulation or anxiety of earthly "stuff." This verse reminds us that God's plan often involves not just survival, but abundant blessing, inviting us to gratefully receive the good gifts and opportunities He provides as extensions of His boundless grace. It challenges us to examine what "stuff" we might be clinging to—whether material possessions, old habits, or past grievances—that prevents us from fully embracing the new and greater things God has for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "stuff" (material, emotional, or spiritual) might I be clinging to that God is inviting me to release for a greater provision?**
* **How does Joseph's assurance in this verse encourage me to trust God more deeply in times of uncertainty or transition?**
* **In what ways can I practically demonstrate a greater detachment from worldly possessions and a greater reliance on God's provision in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Joseph telling his brothers to "regard not your stuff"?**

Answer: The phrase "regard not your stuff" (Hebrew: `אַל-תָּחֹסוּ עַל-כְּלֵיכֶם`, _al-takhosu al-k'leikhem_) means "do not pity" or "do not spare" your belongings. It's a powerful command to release sentimentality and attachment to their current possessions. The significance lies in the stark contrast between what they were leaving behind in famine-stricken Canaan and the superior, abundant provision awaiting them in Egypt. Joseph was assuring them that their old belongings were insignificant compared to the "good of all the land of Egypt" that was now theirs. It was a call to trust completely in the new, greater provision and to let go of any anxiety or regret about what they might leave behind, much like Jesus' later teaching not to worry about what we will eat or wear, but to seek first [God's kingdom and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, as a remarkable type of Christ, provides a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate provision and eternal inheritance found in Jesus. Just as Joseph called his family to abandon their lesser, temporary possessions for the "good of all the land of Egypt," Christ calls believers to relinquish the fleeting things of this world for an eternal, immeasurable inheritance in His kingdom. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus provides not merely physical sustenance, but spiritual life, complete reconciliation with God, and an eternal dwelling place far superior to any earthly land or possession. He is the ultimate "good" that is ours, offering an abundance of grace, truth, and eternal life that transcends all earthly concerns, inviting us to trust in His perfect and everlasting provision. Indeed, in Christ, we are given "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), inheriting "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). This echoes Joseph's promise, but on a cosmic, eternal scale, where the "good" is not merely a fertile land, but the very presence and glory of God Himself.

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

Isaiah 1:19

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Luke 17:31

In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

Deuteronomy 7:16

And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that [will be] a snare unto thee.

Isaiah 13:18

[Their] bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.

Ezekiel 12:3

Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they [be] a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 12:4

Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity.

1 Samuel 30:24

For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part [is] that goeth down to the battle, so [shall] his part [be] that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.