Genesis 45:22

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.

To all of them he gave {H5414} each man {H376} changes {H2487} of raiment {H8071}; but to Benjamin {H1144} he gave {H5414} three {H7969} hundred {H3967} pieces of silver {H3701}, and five {H2568} changes {H2487} of raiment {H8071}.

To each of them he gave a set of new clothes; but to Binyamin he gave seven-and-a-half pounds of silver and five sets of new clothes.

He gave new garments to each of them, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes.

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.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 45:22 occurs at a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Joseph. Having revealed his identity to his astonished brothers (see Genesis 45:3), Joseph, now the powerful prime minister of Egypt, instructs them to return to Canaan and bring their father, Jacob, and all their households to live in Egypt. He promises to sustain them through the remaining years of the severe famine. This verse details the lavish gifts Joseph bestows upon his brothers as a tangible expression of his forgiveness, reconciliation, and immense wealth before they embark on their journey back to Canaan.

Key Themes

  • Joseph's Unbounded Generosity and Forgiveness: Despite the immense suffering and betrayal he endured at their hands (being sold into slavery), Joseph displays remarkable grace and magnanimity. His lavish gifts—especially the "changes of raiment"—symbolize not only his newfound status and wealth but also his complete forgiveness and desire for a full restoration of their family relationship. This act powerfully illustrates the theme of God's redemptive plan to turn evil into good, a truth Joseph himself articulates later.
  • Benjamin's Unique Favor: The verse distinctly highlights Joseph's particular affection for his full brother, Benjamin, the only other son of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife (Genesis 35:18). Benjamin receives significantly more: three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of raiment, compared to a single change of raiment for the other brothers. This preferential treatment could be a test of the brothers' character (to see if they would harbor envy as they did toward Joseph), a profound display of brotherly love, or both.
  • Symbol of New Beginnings and Honor: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, "changes of raiment" often symbolized a change in status, honor, or a fresh start. For Joseph's brothers, these gifts represented not just new clothes but a new relationship with their powerful brother and a new chapter for their entire family, moving from the hardship of famine to the promise of provision and prosperity in Egypt.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "changes of raiment" (Hebrew: חֲלִיפוֹת בְּגָדִים, ḥalifōt bəgādīm) refers to multiple sets of valuable garments, often fine clothing suitable for different occasions or as a display of wealth. These were highly prized possessions and significant gifts, indicating honor and status. The "three hundred pieces of silver" (Hebrew: כֶּסֶף, kesef) given to Benjamin represent a substantial sum of money, underscoring the exceptional nature of the gift and Joseph's profound generosity towards his youngest brother. These gifts were not merely practical but carried immense symbolic weight, signifying reconciliation and a bestowal of honor.

Reflection and Application

Genesis 45:22 offers enduring lessons for contemporary life. Joseph's extraordinary act of forgiveness serves as a powerful example of how to respond to deep hurt with grace and restoration, rather than holding grudges. It reminds us that true reconciliation often involves tangible expressions of goodwill and a willingness to extend favor, even to those who have wronged us. The special favor shown to Benjamin also highlights God's sovereign hand in our lives and His particular care for individuals within a family or community. This narrative encourages us to embrace the transforming power of forgiveness and to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem bleak, as Joseph's family prepared for their momentous move to Egypt (Genesis 46:5).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 43:34

    And he took [and sent] messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.

  • 2 Kings 5:5

    And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand [pieces] of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

  • 2 Kings 5:22

    And he said, All [is] well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.

  • 2 Kings 5:23

    And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid [them] upon two of his servants; and they bare [them] before him.

  • Judges 14:12

    And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find [it] out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:

  • Judges 14:19

    And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

  • Revelation 6:11

    And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.
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