Genesis 45:9

KJV

Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:

KJV (with Strong's)

Haste {H4116} ye, and go up {H5927} to my father {H1}, and say {H559} unto him, Thus saith {H559} thy son {H1121} Joseph {H3130}, God {H430} hath made {H7760} me lord {H113} of all Egypt {H4714}: come down {H3381} unto me, tarry {H5975} not:

Complete Jewish Bible

Hurry, go up to my father, and tell him, 'Here is what your son Yosef says: "God has made me lord of all Egypt! Come down to me, don't delay!

Berean Standard Bible

Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay.

American Standard Version

Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 45:9 encapsulates Joseph's urgent and heartfelt directive to his brothers: they are to return swiftly to Canaan and inform their father, Jacob, that his long-lost son is not only alive but has been providentially elevated by God to the highest position of authority over all Egypt. This message serves as an immediate, loving invitation for Jacob and his entire household to relocate to Egypt, securing refuge and provision from the devastating famine under Joseph's care, without any delay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment in Joseph's dramatic revelation to his brothers, which began with his emotional breakdown and the command for all Egyptians to leave his presence in [Genesis 45:1](/genesis/45-1 "Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers"). Having unveiled his true identity, Joseph immediately moves to reassure his terrified brothers, explaining that his suffering and elevation were part of God's sovereign plan to preserve life ([Genesis 45:5-8](/genesis/45-5-8 "Joseph's explanation of God's purpose")). Verse 9, therefore, is the direct instruction for the next crucial step in this divine plan: bringing Jacob and the entire family to Egypt. It sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of Jacob's journey and the family's settlement in Goshen, detailed in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a severe, multi-year famine gripping the entire region, as foretold by Joseph and confirmed by Pharaoh's dream interpretation ([Genesis 41:29-31](/genesis/41-29-31 "Pharaoh's Dream and the Famine")). Egypt, with its unique agricultural system reliant on the Nile's annual inundation and Joseph's wise management of its granaries, was the only place with abundant food. The concept of a "lord of all Egypt" (vizier or prime minister) was a well-established position in the Egyptian bureaucracy, wielding immense power second only to the Pharaoh. The journey from Canaan to Egypt was significant, often requiring careful planning for a large family and livestock. Joseph's urgency reflects not only his personal longing but also the immediate threat the famine posed to his family's survival in Canaan.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 45:9](/genesis/45-9 "Joseph's message to Jacob") powerfully reinforces the overarching theme of **Divine Providence and Sovereignty** in the Joseph narrative. Joseph explicitly attributes his rise to "God," emphasizing that even the most painful human actions (his brothers' betrayal in [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Joseph's Dreams and His Brothers' Jealousy")) were woven into God's larger tapestry for good ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's later words to his brothers")). This verse also highlights **Reconciliation and Forgiveness**, as Joseph, despite immense suffering, extends grace and an urgent invitation to his family, initiating the healing of deep familial wounds. Furthermore, it underscores **God's Redemptive Plan** for His chosen people, as the preservation of Jacob's household in Egypt is critical for the growth of the nascent nation of Israel, setting the stage for their future deliverance and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haste (Hebrew, _mâhar'_):** This primitive root signifies to be liquid or flow easily, implying to hurry or act promptly. In this context, it conveys Joseph's profound urgency and eagerness for his brothers to deliver the message and for his father to come without delay. It reflects both his deep emotional longing for reunion and the practical necessity of swift action given the ongoing famine.
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to rule," this word denotes a sovereign, controller, master, or owner, applicable to both human and divine authority. Joseph's use of this term to describe his own position ("made me lord") highlights the immense, almost absolute, power and authority he wielded in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. It underscores the dramatic reversal of his fortunes from slave to ruler.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural form of a Hebrew word for God, often used with the article to refer to the supreme God, signifies divine power, authority, and majesty. Joseph's explicit declaration, "God hath made me lord," is a profound theological statement. It reveals his unwavering faith and his understanding that his extraordinary elevation was not a matter of chance or human ingenuity, but the direct, sovereign act of the one true God, orchestrating events for His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him,"**: This opening phrase conveys Joseph's profound urgency and his deep desire for immediate action. The command to "haste" (Hebrew: *maharu*) is not merely a suggestion but an imperative, underscoring the critical nature of their mission. The brothers are entrusted with delivering life-altering news to Jacob, a message that will transform years of grief into overwhelming joy and provide deliverance from famine.
* **"Thus saith thy son Joseph,"**: This affirmation of identity is crucial for Jacob, who has mourned Joseph as dead for over two decades. Joseph, now a powerful Egyptian official, ensures that his father knows it is truly his beloved son speaking. This personal declaration adds immense weight and credibility to the astonishing news, preparing Jacob's heart to receive the miraculous revelation.
* **"God hath made me lord of all Egypt:"**: This is the theological centerpiece of the verse. Joseph does not attribute his rise to his own wisdom, resilience, Pharaoh's favor, or even chance. Instead, he explicitly credits the sovereign hand of God (Hebrew: *Elohim*). This declaration reveals Joseph's unwavering faith and his profound understanding that his suffering, imprisonment, and eventual exaltation were all part of a divine plan to preserve life and fulfill God's covenant promises to his family.
* **"come down unto me, tarry not:"**: This is Joseph's direct, loving invitation and command to his father. "Come down" signifies the geographical movement from the highlands of Canaan to the lowlands of Egypt, but also a descent into a place of refuge, provision, and reunion. The phrase "tarry not" (Hebrew: *'al titmahmehu*) reiterates the urgency, reflecting Joseph's eagerness to alleviate his father's prolonged grief and the immediate threat of famine. It highlights the depth of Joseph's desire for a swift and complete family reunion and the commencement of their deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Imperative Mood** is prominent with commands like "Haste ye," "go up," "say," "come down," and "tarry not," emphasizing the urgency and directness of Joseph's instructions. This creates a sense of immediacy and underscores the critical nature of the family's relocation. **Repetition** of the theme of urgency ("Haste ye," "tarry not") amplifies Joseph's longing for reunion and the pressing need for his family's deliverance from famine. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Direct Speech**, allowing Joseph's profound theological insight and personal affection to be conveyed directly, adding emotional weight and authenticity to the narrative. Joseph's declaration, "God hath made me lord of all Egypt," serves as a powerful instance of **Theological Statement**, explicitly attributing his extraordinary rise to divine providence, which is a central theme throughout the Joseph narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's message in [Genesis 45:9](/genesis/45-9 "Joseph's message to Jacob") is a profound testament to God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating how divine sovereignty orchestrates even the most challenging circumstances for redemptive purposes. Joseph's explicit attribution of his power to God underscores the biblical truth that God is the ultimate ruler, working behind the scenes to fulfill His plans for His people. This verse beautifully illustrates the themes of reversal and restoration, transforming years of suffering and separation into a moment of miraculous reunion and provision. It is a powerful reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His purposes will ultimately prevail, often through unexpected means.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works for Our Good"): This verse resonates with the truth that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
* [Psalm 105:16-19](/psalm/105-16-19 "God Sends Joseph Ahead"): The psalmist explicitly states that God "sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant," highlighting divine orchestration.
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Forgiveness and God's Purpose"): Joseph later tells his brothers, "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's message in [Genesis 45:9](/genesis/45-9 "Joseph's message to Jacob") offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. Like Joseph, we are encouraged to recognize God's hand at work in our lives, acknowledging His providence not only in times of blessing but also through trials and unexpected turns. This verse challenges us to adopt Joseph's perspective: to see beyond immediate suffering to God's larger, redemptive plan. Furthermore, it highlights the transformative power of reconciliation and the urgency of extending grace. Joseph, despite immense personal wrong, prioritizes the healing of his family and their physical salvation. This prompts us to consider how we might be instruments of healing and hope in our own relationships, acting with compassion and promptness to alleviate the burdens of others, especially those we love, and to trust that God is always working for the ultimate good of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's explicit declaration, "God hath made me lord of all Egypt," challenge or affirm your understanding of divine providence in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to "haste" or "tarry not" in responding to God's call or serving others, particularly in moments of crisis or opportunity?**
* **Considering Joseph's journey from betrayal to power, how does this verse encourage you to trust God's redemptive plan even when circumstances seem bleak or unfair?**

### FAQ
**Why does Joseph explicitly state "God hath made me lord of all Egypt"?**

Answer: Joseph's statement is a profound theological declaration, emphasizing his unwavering faith and understanding of divine sovereignty. He attributes his extraordinary rise to power—from a slave and prisoner to the second-most powerful man in Egypt—not to his own efforts, cunning, or even Pharaoh's favor, but solely to God's orchestrating hand. This declaration serves multiple purposes: it reassures his brothers, alleviating their fear and guilt by showing that their past evil was part of God's good plan ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's later words to his brothers")); it provides a theological framework for his family's relocation, presenting it as a divinely appointed move; and it underscores the biblical truth that God uses all circumstances, even suffering and betrayal, to achieve His purposes for His people, as seen throughout the narrative of [Joseph's life](/genesis/37-50 "The Story of Joseph").

**What is the significance of the repeated commands "Haste ye" and "tarry not"?**

Answer: These urgent commands convey Joseph's deep emotional longing and eagerness for an immediate reunion with his long-lost father, Jacob. "Haste ye" (Hebrew: *maharu*) and "tarry not" (Hebrew: *'al titmahmehu*) both emphasize speed and no delay, reflecting the profound love Joseph still held for his father despite years of separation and the immense grief Jacob had endured. Beyond personal desire, the urgency also highlights the critical need for the family's swift relocation to Egypt to escape the severe famine and secure their survival. Joseph, as the vizier, understood the dire circumstances in Canaan and the limited time available, demonstrating his commitment to his family's well-being and their immediate deliverance from the threat of starvation ([Genesis 45:6](/genesis/45-6 "The famine has been in the land for two years")).

**How does this verse provide hope for Jacob after years of grief?**

Answer: For Jacob, who had endured decades of profound sorrow believing Joseph was dead, torn by a wild beast ([Genesis 37:33-35](/genesis/37-33-35 "Jacob mourns Joseph")), this message is a miraculous answer to his deepest longings and a complete reversal of his despair. The news that his beloved son is not only alive but holds the highest position in Egypt, capable of saving the entire family from famine, represents an unexpected and comprehensive deliverance. It transforms his prolonged grief into overwhelming joy and hope, demonstrating God's capacity to bring about restoration and blessing even after immense suffering and seemingly insurmountable loss. This message is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the survival and future of the family through whom the Messiah would come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, in his role as the exalted deliverer and provider, serves as a profound type of Christ in [Genesis 45:9](/genesis/45-9 "Joseph's message to Jacob"). Just as Joseph was sent ahead by God, seemingly abandoned and suffering at the hands of his own brothers, only to be unjustly imprisoned and then miraculously exalted to a position of ultimate authority to save his family from famine, so too was Christ sent by God, suffered rejection and death at the hands of His own people, and was then raised and exalted to the highest place in heaven ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation")) to save His people from sin and eternal death. Joseph's urgent call for his family to "come down unto me" for refuge and provision strikingly prefigures Christ's gracious invitation to all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, salvation, and eternal sustenance ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through Christ's ultimate sacrifice and resurrection, God has made Him Lord of all ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "God has made Him both Lord and Christ")), offering reconciliation, abundant provision, and eternal life to all who respond to His urgent call, fulfilling the pattern of divine deliverance and sovereign rule seen so clearly in Joseph's life.

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

Genesis 45:19

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.

Genesis 45:20

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

Genesis 45:13

And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.