Genesis 45:14 kjv

And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.

Genesis 45:14 nkjv

Then he fell on his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck.

Genesis 45:14 niv

Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping.

Genesis 45:14 esv

Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck.

Genesis 45:14 nlt

Weeping with joy, he embraced Benjamin, and Benjamin did the same.

Genesis 45 verses

Genesis 45 14 Meaning

Genesis 45:14 portrays an intensely emotional moment of reconciliation and reunion between Joseph and his full brother Benjamin. Having just revealed his identity to his brothers, Joseph expresses overwhelming relief, joy, and deep affection by falling upon Benjamin’s neck and weeping loudly. Benjamin reciprocates this embrace, weeping upon Joseph’s neck in turn. This mutual, tearful embrace signifies the complete breaking down of barriers, the release of years of hidden sorrow, separation, and fear, and the restoration of a profound, intimate fraternal bond that had been severed for decades. It is a powerful display of genuine love, forgiveness, and the joy of rediscovery within the family.

Genesis 45 14 Context

Genesis chapter 45 marks the climax of the Joseph narrative. Joseph, the prime minister of Egypt, has meticulously tested his brothers over several encounters, observing their changed hearts, particularly Judah's impassioned plea in chapter 44 for Benjamin's release. Benjamin is Jacob's youngest son, and importantly, Joseph's only full brother, sharing the same mother, Rachel. When Joseph realizes the depth of their repentance and care for Benjamin and their father, he can no longer control his emotions. He dismisses all the Egyptians from his presence and reveals his identity to his brothers. This verse occurs immediately after Joseph declares, "I am Joseph!" (Gen 45:3), expressing a deep personal connection as he singles out Benjamin, his last true link to his original family unit before his long separation. Historically and culturally, such public and passionate displays of emotion, particularly weeping, were common in ancient Near Eastern farewells and reunions, signifying intense affection, relief, and deep connection after periods of sorrow or absence.

Genesis 45 14 Word analysis

• Then he fell: Hebrew wayyippol (וַיִּפֹּל). This verb indicates a sudden, emphatic action, suggesting Joseph was overwhelmed by his emotions. It is not a gentle leaning but a dramatic prostration born of profound relief and affection, conveying the full weight of his feelings after years of concealed identity.
• upon his brother Benjamin's neck: Hebrew ʿal tsavvaʾr ʾāḥîw binyāmîn (עַל צַוְּאר אָחִיו בִּנְיָמִן). The "neck" is consistently depicted in biblical accounts as a primary point of intimate embrace and affection during passionate reunions. Benjamin is specifically named, highlighting his unique significance to Joseph as his younger, full brother and the last son of Rachel, solidifying the profound bond between them that transcends the complex relationship Joseph had with his other half-brothers.
• and wept: Hebrew wayyēvk (וַיֵּבְּךְּ). This describes a deep, audible, unrestrained crying. It is not mere sadness, but a cathartic release of sorrow, relief, and joy stemming from the years of hidden identity, the trauma of separation, and the delight of reconciliation.
• and Benjamin wept: Hebrew ûvinyāmîn bākāh (וּבִנְיָמִן בָּכָה). This denotes Benjamin's reciprocal emotional outpouring. His weeping signifies his own relief from the prolonged family crisis, fear of loss, and the rediscovery of a brother he likely thought long dead. It confirms the mutual joy and restored trust between them.
• upon his neck: Hebrew ʿal tsavvaʾrô (עַל צַוְּארוֹ). This repetition underscores the reciprocity and completeness of the embrace, a symbol of mutual acceptance, forgiveness, and the restoration of a sacred familial bond. The embrace is a powerful non-verbal affirmation of shared grief, healing, and overflowing happiness.

• Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept: This phrase encapsulates Joseph's spontaneous, overwhelming emotional response. The depth of his personal pain and relief, hidden for so long, bursts forth in this profound physical act directed towards Benjamin. It highlights Joseph's tender heart and the unique connection he feels for his only full brother.
• and Benjamin wept upon his neck: This complementary phrase reveals Benjamin's reciprocal emotions and the shared sense of liberation and joy. The mutual weeping confirms a complete, unreserved reconciliation and signifies that the healing of their fractured family bond, especially between these two closest siblings, is authentic and deeply felt by both.

Genesis 45 14 Bonus section

• The raw display of emotion in this verse provides a stark contrast to Joseph's initial controlled demeanor during the interactions with his brothers. It underscores his humanity and capacity for profound affection, revealing the depth of his character beyond his role as an Egyptian official.
• The special focus on Benjamin not only highlights their unique fraternal bond but also sets the stage for Jacob's subsequent emotional reunion with Joseph, reinforcing the narrative of lost sons being found and family unity being restored.
• This verse can be seen as an echo of similar, powerful reconciliation scenes in Scripture, such as Jacob and Esau's embrace (Gen 33:4), demonstrating a recurring pattern of forgiveness and restoration as central themes in God's interaction with humanity.
• The weeping upon the neck, being a culturally significant gesture, indicates not merely affection but also a complete acceptance, wiping away the bitterness and distrust that had once permeated the family relationships.

Genesis 45 14 Commentary

Genesis 45:14 encapsulates a watershed moment of deep emotional catharsis and reconciliation, showcasing the tenderness and vulnerability of Joseph. This specific embrace with Benjamin, his full brother, is unique, highlighting a special bond rooted in their shared mother, Rachel, and Benjamin's status as the last remaining direct family tie to Joseph's youth. The mutual, unrestrained weeping is a powerful symbol of profound healing, release from prolonged pain, and the restoration of familial love after years of separation and misunderstanding. It stands as a testament to the power of forgiveness and the sovereign plan of God, who orchestrated the circumstances that led to this tearful, joyful reunion. This scene exemplifies that true reconciliation often involves deeply felt emotional expression, signifying genuine forgiveness and the mending of broken bonds through grace.