Genesis 45:5

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Now therefore be not grieved {H6087}, nor angry {H2734} with yourselves {H5869}, that ye sold {H4376} me hither: for God {H430} did send {H7971} me before you {H6440} to preserve life {H4241}.

But don't be sad that you sold me into slavery here or angry at yourselves, because it was God who sent me ahead of you to preserve life.

And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.

And now be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Commentary

Genesis 45:5 presents one of the most profound statements of forgiveness and divine providence in the Old Testament. It occurs at a pivotal moment when Joseph, now the powerful governor of Egypt, reveals his true identity to his brothers who had previously sold him into slavery.

Context

After years of separation, suffering, and incredible ascent to power, Joseph's brothers have come to Egypt seeking food during a severe famine in Canaan. They do not recognize him, but Joseph knows them. Through a series of tests and manipulations, Joseph brings his brothers to a point of deep remorse and fear. In this verse, Joseph finally breaks down, revealing himself and immediately moving to reassure his terrified brothers. Their initial reaction is one of guilt and dread, fearing retribution for their past cruelty, which is detailed earlier in the narrative, particularly in Genesis 37:28 where they sold him for twenty pieces of silver. Joseph's words here are a crucial turning point, shifting the narrative from past betrayal to divine purpose and future reconciliation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: The central message is that God orchestrated the entire series of events, even the evil actions of Joseph's brothers, for a greater, benevolent purpose. Joseph attributes his presence in Egypt not to his brothers' malice, but to God's deliberate sending. This highlights God's ability to work through human choices, both good and bad, to fulfill His ultimate plan.
  • Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Joseph's immediate act of forgiveness is remarkable. He does not dwell on their sin or his suffering, but rather on God's overarching purpose. This act paves the way for the restoration of the family of Israel, ensuring their survival and future.
  • Preservation of Life: Joseph explicitly states God's primary motivation: "to preserve life." This refers not only to the survival of Jacob's family but also to the broader population of Egypt and the surrounding regions who were saved from the famine through Joseph's wisdom and foresight.
  • Overcoming Evil with Good: Joseph's perspective transforms a grievous wrong into a divine mission. His words echo a sentiment later articulated in Genesis 50:20: "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good." This demonstrates a profound spiritual maturity and trust in God's ultimate control.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "God did send me" uses the Hebrew verb shalach (Χ©ΦΈΧΧœΦ·Χ—), which means 'to send,' 'to stretch out,' or 'to dispatch.' It implies a deliberate and purposeful action. Joseph doesn't say "God allowed me to be sent" but "God did send me," emphasizing God's active role and sovereign initiative in his journey to Egypt. This active 'sending' by God transforms Joseph from a victim of human malice into an instrument of divine will.

Practical Application

Genesis 45:5 offers immense comfort and insight for believers today. It teaches us to look beyond immediate circumstances and human failings to see the hand of God at work. When we face betrayal, hardship, or injustice, this verse encourages us to trust that God can redeem even the most painful experiences for His glory and our ultimate good. It calls us to extend forgiveness, just as Joseph did, recognizing that God's plan is often larger than our personal grievances. This profound truth is echoed in the New Testament, reminding us that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Genesis 50:20 (16 votes)

    But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive.

  • Acts 2:23 (9 votes)

    Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

  • Acts 2:24 (9 votes)

    Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

  • Job 1:21 (9 votes)

    And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

  • Genesis 45:7 (9 votes)

    And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

  • Genesis 45:8 (9 votes)

    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.

  • Acts 7:9 (8 votes)

    And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,