Genesis 45:10 kjv

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:

Genesis 45:10 nkjv

You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children's children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have.

Genesis 45:10 niv

You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me?you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have.

Genesis 45:10 esv

You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have.

Genesis 45:10 nlt

You can live in the region of Goshen, where you can be near me with all your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own.

Genesis 45 verses

Genesis 45 10 Meaning

Genesis 45:10 conveys Joseph's immediate invitation and promise to his father Jacob regarding their settlement in Egypt. It specifies the geographical location, Goshen, for Jacob and his entire extended household—children, grandchildren, flocks, herds, and all possessions. Crucially, Joseph assures Jacob of their close proximity to him, emphasizing personal oversight and dedicated provision, a divinely orchestrated act to preserve and prosper Jacob's family during the severe famine. This verse is a key point in the unfolding of God's plan to protect the nascent nation of Israel.

Genesis 45 10 Context

Genesis chapter 45 marks the climax of Joseph's narrative, specifically his dramatic revelation to his astonished brothers after years of separation and hidden identity. Following their initial journeys for grain from Canaan, their struggles, and Judah's selfless plea for Benjamin, Joseph can no longer restrain himself. Overwhelmed by emotion (v. 1-2), he reveals his identity, "I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?" (v. 3). His subsequent words reassure his terrified brothers, explaining that his ascent to power in Egypt was not merely human plotting but divine providence to "preserve life" and "save your lives by a great deliverance" (v. 5-7). The immediate context of verse 10 is Joseph's direct instruction and invitation to his brothers to return quickly to their father Jacob in Canaan. He urges them to convey the news of his survival and exalted position (v. 9) and outlines the specific plan for the family's migration, offering not just survival but comfortable settlement and close care during the remaining five years of famine. This entire scene underscores God's meticulous and providential orchestration of events to protect Jacob's family and prepare them to become a great nation in Egypt.

Genesis 45 10 Word analysis

• And thou shalt dwell (וְיָשַׁבְתָּ - vəyāšavtā): From the root יָשַׁב (yashab), meaning "to sit, dwell, inhabit, remain." The imperfect tense indicates a continuous or future state. It conveys a settled existence, not just a temporary stay, implying security and permanence within the given context. It's an act of deliberate settlement.
• in the land of Goshen (בְּאֶרֶץ גֹּשֶׁן - bə'ereṣ Gošen):
  • Land (אֶרֶץ - ʾereṣ): Refers to a specific territory or country.
  • Goshen (גֹּשֶׁן - Gošen): This proper noun denotes a specific, highly fertile region in the eastern Nile Delta of Egypt. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but it's widely believed to have been particularly suited for livestock. Its significance lies in its separation from the main Egyptian population centers, providing Israel with both excellent pasture and a degree of cultural and religious isolation essential for their preservation as a distinct people.
• and thou shalt be near unto me (וְקָרַבְתָּ אֵלָי - vəqāravtā ʾēlāy):
  • Near (קָרַב - qarav): From the root קָרַב (qarab), meaning "to draw near, approach, be close." This is a crucial element. It implies more than just physical proximity; it suggests a personal, attentive, and overseeing relationship, reflecting Joseph's care and commitment to his family. It conveys assurance of personal oversight and provision.
  • unto me (אֵלָי - ʾēlāy): Explicitly points to Joseph. This promise of proximity and direct care from the vizier of Egypt is a monumental offer of security and sustenance.
• thou, and thy children, and thy children's children (אַתָּה וּבָנֶיךָ וּבְנֵי בָנֶיךָ - ʾattāh uvānaykha uvənê vānaykha):
  • Thou (אַתָּה - ʾattāh): Refers directly to Jacob, the patriarch.
  • This detailed listing underscores the inclusivity of Joseph's invitation. It covers Jacob's immediate sons, their families, and even future generations, demonstrating the breadth of Joseph's protective provision. This indicates the family's exponential growth is expected and provided for. It encompasses the entire extended family.
• and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast (וְצֹאנְךָ וּבְקָרְךָ וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר לָךְ - vəṣonəkhā uvəqārkhā vékōl ʾašer lākh):
  • Flocks (צֹאן - ṣōn): Sheep and goats, essential for their livelihood.
  • Herds (בָּקָר - bāqār): Cattle, another primary form of wealth and sustenance.
  • all that thou hast (כֹּל אֲשֶׁר לָךְ - kōl ʾašer lākh): This comprehensive phrase emphasizes that nothing will be left behind. Joseph intends to sustain Jacob's entire wealth and means of livelihood. It shows the fullness of the provision.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen": This phrase establishes the specific geographic location chosen by Joseph. Goshen was strategically ideal for Jacob's family because of its fertile lands for pasturing livestock, its relative isolation from main Egyptian cities (due to Egyptians generally disliking shepherds, Gen 46:34), and its proximity to the administrative centers, yet providing enough separation to preserve the distinct cultural and religious identity of Jacob's lineage. This was God's preparatory place for Israel's growth.
• "and thou shalt be near unto me": This expresses the personal commitment of Joseph as the vizier. It implies constant accessibility, personal oversight, and direct intervention to ensure the well-being and abundant provision for his family. This near presence of Joseph acts as a direct conduit for God's providential care.
• "thou, and thy children, and thy children's children": This inclusive enumeration highlights the generational scope of Joseph's concern and God's plan. It signals that not just Jacob, but his entire and expanding posterity is provided for and secured under Joseph's care, crucial for the development of Israel into a nation. This detailed specification guarantees protection for the budding nation.
• "and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast": This final comprehensive statement assures Jacob that his entire wealth and means of sustenance—everything vital for a nomadic, pastoral family—will be supported and protected. It is a promise of complete provision that extends to every aspect of their lives and livelihood.

Genesis 45 10 Bonus section

The Hebrew text indicates a sense of urgency in Joseph's command in the preceding verses, reinforced by the practical instructions in verse 10. The move to Goshen wasn't just a relocation but a divinely ordained 'incubation period' for the nation of Israel. This period in Egypt, though later marked by slavery, was essential for the numerical growth of Abraham's descendants into a multitude that could then inherit the promised land as a nation, fulfilling the covenant promises. Without Goshen, the famine might have decimated them. Joseph, a figure of Christ, stands as the means by which this salvation and separation for God's people is achieved, bringing them into a place of provision and growth despite the world's harsh realities. The 'nearness' to Joseph also hints at the special favor and distinction Jacob's family would enjoy, elevating them above other inhabitants or sojourners.

Genesis 45 10 Commentary

Genesis 45:10 encapsulates Joseph's benevolent and providential invitation to his family, designed by God to ensure the survival and growth of the nascent nation of Israel during the severe famine. The choice of Goshen was strategic; its fertile pastures provided sustenance for their flocks and herds, which were their primary source of livelihood. More significantly, Goshen offered a degree of cultural and religious separation from the Egyptians (Gen 46:34), crucial for the preservation of Abraham's distinct covenant line.

Joseph's promise, "thou shalt be near unto me," conveys far more than physical proximity. As Pharaoh's second-in-command, Joseph was assuring Jacob of his personal protection, constant oversight, and direct provision from the highest levels of power in Egypt. This arrangement mirrors God's own protective care over His chosen people, foreshadowing how He would "dwell among them" and provide for their every need. This provision during famine underlines God's power to sustain life and fulfill His promises even through human weakness and adverse circumstances.

The comprehensive inclusion of "thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast" illustrates the vast scope of God's redemptive plan through Joseph. It indicates that God's intention was not merely to save Jacob, but to preserve and foster his entire expanding lineage and their future resources. This passage serves as a powerful testament to divine sovereignty working through human agents, turning a painful family separation and a devastating natural disaster into a means for God's people to multiply and prepare for their greater exodus. It demonstrates that God orchestrates all circumstances, even suffering, for the ultimate good of those called according to His purpose.