TRV
Translation
King James 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:
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;
World English Bible Messianic
Hurry, and go up 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. Don’t wait.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Haste you and go vp to my father, and tel him, Thus saieth thy sonne Ioseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come downe to me, tary not.
Young's Literal Translation
`Haste, and go up unto my father, then ye have said to him, Thus said Joseph thy son, God hath set me for lord to all Egypt; come down unto me, stay not,
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Commentary on Genesis 45 verses 1–15
1 ¶ Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.
2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
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.
6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.
7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
8 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.
9 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:
10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:
11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
12 And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.
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.
14 And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.
Judah and his brethren were waiting for an answer, and could not but be amazed to discover, instead of the gravity of a judge, the natural affection of a father or brother.
I. Joseph ordered all his attendants to withdraw, Gen 45:1. The private conversations of friends are the most free. When Joseph would put on love he puts off state, and it was not fit his servants should be witnesses of this. Thus Christ graciously manifests himself and his loving-kindness to his people, out of the sight and hearing of the world.
II. Tears were the preface or introduction to his discourse, Gen 45:2. He had dammed up this stream a great while, and with much ado: but now it swelled so high that he could no longer contain, but he wept aloud, so that those whom he had forbidden to see him could not but hear him. These were tears of tenderness and strong affection, and with these he threw off that austerity with which he had hitherto carried himself towards his brethren; for he could bear it no longer. This represents the divine compassion towards returning penitents, as much as that of the father of the prodigal, Luk 15:20; Hos 14:8, Hos 14:9.
III. He very abruptly (as one uneasy till it was out) tells them who he was: I am Joseph. They knew him only by his Egyptian name, Zaphnath-paaneah, his Hebrew name being lost and forgotten in Egypt; but now he teaches them to call him by that: I am Joseph; nay, that they might not suspect it was another of the same name, he explains himself (Gen 45:4): I am Joseph, your brother. This would both humble them yet more for their sin in selling him, and would encourage them to hope for kind treatment. Thus when Christ would convince Paul he said, I am Jesus; and when he would comfort his disciples he said, It is I, be not afraid. This word, at first, startled Joseph's brethren; they started back through fear, or at least stood still astonished; but Joseph called kindly and familiarly to them: Come near, I pray you. Thus when Christ manifests himself to his people he encourages them to draw near to him with a true heart. Perhaps, being about to speak of their selling him, he would not speak aloud, lest the Egyptians should overhear, and it should make the Hebrews to be yet more an abomination to them; therefore he would have them come near, that he might whisper with them, which, now that the tide of his passion was a little over, he was able to do, whereas at first he could not but cry out.
IV. He endeavours to assuage their grief for the injuries they had done him, by showing them that whatever they designed God meant it for good, and had brought much good out of it (Gen 45:5): Be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves. Sinners must grieve, and be angry with themselves, for their sins; yea, though God by his power brings good out of them, for no thanks are due to the sinner for this: but true penitents should be greatly affected when they see God thus bringing good out of evil, meat out of the eater. Though we must not with this consideration extenuate our own sins and so take off the edge of our repentance, yet it may be well thus to extenuate the sins of others and so take off the edge of our angry resentments. Thus Joseph does here; his brethren needed not to fear that he would avenge upon them an injury which God's providence had made to turn so much to his advantage and that of his family. Now he tells them how long the famine was likely to last - five years; yet (Gen 45:6) what a capacity he was in of being kind to his relations and friends, which is the greatest satisfaction that wealth and power can give to a good man, Gen 45:8. See what a favourable colour he puts upon the injury they had done him: God sent me before you, Gen 45:5, Gen 45:7. Note, 1. God's Israel is the particular care of God's providence. Joseph reckoned that his advancement was not so much designed to save a whole kingdom of Egyptians as to preserve a small family of Israelites: for the Lord's portion is his people; whatever becomes of theirs, they shall be secured. 2. Providence looks a great way forward, and has a long reach. Even long before the years of plenty, Providence was preparing for the supply of Jacob's house in the years of famine. The psalmist praises God for this (Psa 105:17): He sent a man before them, even Joseph. God sees his work from the beginning to the end, but we do not, Ecc 3:11. How admirable are the projects of providence! How remote its tendencies! What wheels are there within wheels, and yet all directed by the eyes in the wheels, and the spirit of the living creature! Let us therefore judge nothing before the time. 3. God often works by contraries. The envy and contention of brethren threaten the ruin of families, yet, in this instance, they prove the occasion of preserving Jacob's family. Joseph could never have been the shepherd and stone of Israel if his brethren had not shot at him, and hated him; even those that had wickedly sold Joseph into Egypt yet themselves reaped the benefit of the good God brought out of it; as those that put Christ to death were many of them saved by his death. 4. God must have all the glory of the seasonable preservations of his people, by what way soever they are effected. It was not you that sent me hither, but God, Gen 45:8. As, on the one hand, they must not fret at it, because it ended so well, so on the other hand they must not be proud of it, because it was God's doing, and not theirs. They designed, by selling him into Egypt, to defeat his dreams, but God thereby designed to accomplish them. Isa 10:7, Howbeit he meaneth not so.
V. He promises to take care of his father and all the family during the rest of the years of famine. 1. He desires that his father may speedily be made glad with the tidings of his life and dignity. His brethren must hasten to Canaan, and must inform Jacob that his son Joseph was lord of all Egypt; (Gen 45:9): they must tell him of all his glory there, Gen 45:13. He knew it would be a refreshing oil to his hoary head and a sovereign cordial to his spirits. If any thing would make him young again, this would. He desires them to give themselves, and take with them to their father, all possible satisfaction of the truth of these surprising tidings: Your eyes see that it is my mouth, Gen 45:12. If they would recollect themselves, they might remember something of his features, speech, etc., and be satisfied. 2. He is very earnest that his father and all his family should come to him to Egypt: Come down unto me, tarry not, Gen 45:9. He allots his dwelling in Goshen, that part of Egypt which lay towards Canaan, that they might be mindful of the country from which they were to come out, Gen 45:10. He promises to provide for him: I will nourish thee, Gen 45:11. Note, It is the duty of children, if the necessity of their parents do at any time require it, to support and supply them to the utmost of their ability; and Corban will never excuse them, Mar 7:11. This is showing piety at home, Ti1 5:4. Our Lord Jesus being, like Joseph, exalted to the highest honours and powers of the upper world, it is his will that all that are his should be with him where he is, Joh 17:24. This is his commandment, that we be with him now in faith and hope, and a heavenly conversation; and this is his promise, that we shall be for ever with him.
VI. Endearments were interchanged between him and his brethren. He began with the youngest, his own brother Benjamin, who was but about a year old when Joseph was separated from his brethren; they wept on each other's neck (Gen 45:14), perhaps to think of their mother Rachel, who died in travail of Benjamin. Rachel, in her husband, Jacob, had been lately weeping for her children, because, in his apprehension, they were not - Joseph gone, and Benjamin going; and now they were weeping for her, because she was not. After he had embraced Benjamin, he, in like manner, caressed them all (Gen 45:15); and then his brethren talked with him freely and familiarly of all the affairs of their father's house. After the tokens of true reconciliation follow the instances of a sweet communion.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–15. Public domain.
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Ambrose of MilanAD 397
ON JOSEPH 12.70-73
Indeed they are expressed in the same words, so that we may know that Jesus is the same who spoke before in Joseph and afterward in his own body, seeing that he did not change even the words. For at that time Jesus said, “Be not grieved,” and later, “Go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: God has made me master of the whole land of Egypt.’ ” And in the Gospel Christ says, “Do not be afraid. Go, tell my brothers to go into Galilee, and there they shall see me.” And later he says, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” which is to say, “This was the doing of God’s design in order that I might receive power, and not the work of human cruelty.” He who is counting out the reward does not reproach the crime. Now as to what appears in Genesis, “for God sent me before you to life,” Christ repeats this in the Gospel when he says, “Teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” For this is the recompense and the life of the saints, that they have also brought about the redemption of others. And notice that the following too was not written without purpose in Genesis, “And you will be near me, you and your sons and your sons’ sons.” For this is what Christ said in the Gospel, “Behold, I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world.” How clear also is that mystery! For when every commandment had been fulfilled, so to speak, Joseph embraced his brother Benjamin and fell upon his neck. Likewise, when the gospel is brought to completion, Christ embraces Paul in the arms of his mercy, as it were, so as to lift him up into heaven.
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 64.29
That servitude, Joseph is saying, procured for me this position. That sale brought me to this prominence. That distress proved the occasion of this honor for me. That envy produced this glory for me. Let us not simply hear this but also emulate it. In the same way let us comfort those badly disposed to us, relieving them of responsibility for what has been done to us and putting up with everything with great equanimity, like this remarkable man.
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 45:9 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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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 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.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's message in Genesis 45:9 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
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); 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.
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).
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), 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. 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) 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). Through Christ's ultimate sacrifice and resurrection, God has made Him Lord of all (Acts 2:36), 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.