Genesis 45:16 kjv

And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

Genesis 45:16 nkjv

Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, "Joseph's brothers have come." So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well.

Genesis 45:16 niv

When the news reached Pharaoh's palace that Joseph's brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased.

Genesis 45:16 esv

When the report was heard in Pharaoh's house, "Joseph's brothers have come," it pleased Pharaoh and his servants.

Genesis 45:16 nlt

The news soon reached Pharaoh's palace: "Joseph's brothers have arrived!" Pharaoh and his officials were all delighted to hear this.

Genesis 45 verses

Genesis 45 16 Meaning

Genesis 45:16 describes the immediate positive reaction of the Egyptian royal court upon hearing the news that Joseph's brothers had arrived in Egypt. The report, indicating a significant development in the life of Pharaoh's most trusted administrator, quickly reached the highest echelons of power. Both Pharaoh and his servants viewed this news with great pleasure, signaling their full approval of Joseph's family and implicitly endorsing their welcome into Egypt. This demonstrates Joseph's elevated status and the widespread esteem in which he was held within the Egyptian government, paving the way for the smooth resettlement of his entire family in the land.

Genesis 45 16 Context

Genesis chapter 45 marks the emotional crescendo of the Joseph narrative. Immediately preceding verse 16, Joseph has just dramatically revealed his true identity to his stunned brothers (vv. 1-15). This moment resolves years of separation, grief, and misunderstanding. Joseph assures his brothers that his high position in Egypt, rather than being a result of their malicious actions, was part of God's sovereign plan to preserve their family and indeed many lives during the severe famine. He instructs them to bring Jacob, their father, and all their households down to Egypt, promising them the best of the land, Goshen. Verse 16 serves as the vital link between Joseph's personal revelation and the practical implementation of this plan. It shifts the scene from the intense private family reunion to the highest level of state authority, showcasing that Joseph's familial matters are of interest and concern to Pharaoh himself due to Joseph's indispensable role in the kingdom. Historically and culturally, Pharaoh was seen as a god-king, and his approval was absolute and essential for any significant undertaking or settlement within Egypt. His pleasure signified that Jacob's family would not merely be tolerated but genuinely welcomed and provided for, laying the foundation for Israel's four centuries in Egypt.

Genesis 45 16 Word analysis

• And the report thereof:
  • Report (קוֹל - qōl): Often means 'voice' or 'sound'. Here, it specifically denotes 'news' or 'tidings'. Its use highlights the immediacy and swiftness of the news spreading, indicating Joseph's immense prominence in Egypt. When the vizier's family arrives, it's not a private matter but a significant public event.
• was heard (וַיִּשָּׁמַע - vayyishshama):
  • This verb form (Nifal imperfect of שָׁמַע - shama, 'to hear') is passive, meaning "it was heard" or "it got reported." This passive construction suggests that the news spread without specific action from Joseph or his brothers, implying it was simply too significant to remain quiet, indicative of Joseph's public standing.
• in Pharaoh's house (בֵּית פַּרְעֹה - bêyt par‘ōh):
  • Literally "house of Pharaoh," which signifies the royal palace and, by extension, the entire administrative court or government. The news did not just spread to common people; it immediately reached the very epicenter of power. This underscores the profound respect and reliance Pharaoh had on Joseph.
• saying, Joseph's brethren are come:
  • This clause specifies the content of the "report." The simplicity highlights the immediate understanding and gravity of the news within the court. The family of the man who saved Egypt from famine had arrived.
• and it pleased Pharaoh well (וַיִּיטַב בְּעֵינֵי פַרְעֹה - vayyiṭav be'eyney Par'oh):
  • Literally "and it was good in the eyes of Pharaoh." This is a common Hebrew idiom expressing strong approval, satisfaction, or delight. It implies that Pharaoh's decision-making process was directly influenced by this favorable sentiment. Pharaoh genuinely cared for Joseph and was happy for him to be reunited with his family. This isn't mere politeness but sincere pleasure, reflecting his high regard for Joseph and perhaps understanding the human element of his trusted official.
• and his servants (וּבְעֵינֵי עֲבָדָיו - uḇe'eyney 'aḇaḏayw):
  • "And in the eyes of his servants." This shows that the approval was not just Pharaoh's personal opinion but also extended to the broader royal administration. The consensus among the key officials solidifies the welcome for Joseph's family. This also suggests that Joseph's position and influence were so great that the rest of the court respected and aligned with his well-being, confirming the legitimacy and stability of his authority.

• Words-Group analysis:
  • "The report... was heard in Pharaoh's house": Emphasizes the immediate high-level awareness and significance of this family matter, signaling Joseph's elevated status where his personal affairs are kingdom-level news. It conveys urgency and broad acceptance.
  • "it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants": This phrase underlines the profound extent of the royal approval. It's not just Pharaoh, but also his entire administration, signifying unanimous consent for Jacob's family to settle in Egypt, guaranteeing security and provisions for the nascent nation of Israel.

Genesis 45 16 Bonus section

• This verse subtly highlights a recurring biblical theme: God causes His people to find favor, even in foreign and powerful settings. Pharaoh's disposition towards Joseph and his family is a testament to the divine blessing upon Joseph.
• The Pharaoh in Genesis, unlike the one during the Exodus, acts as a beneficent ruler, demonstrating God's capacity to use all kinds of leaders for His purposes. This early Pharaoh's welcoming attitude contrasts sharply with the later Pharaoh who "did not know Joseph" (Ex 1:8).
• The news spreading quickly in the palace indicates that Joseph’s standing and impact were deeply integrated into the governmental operations, not just a casual friendship between two men. Joseph’s reputation preceded and even extended beyond him to his immediate family.

Genesis 45 16 Commentary

Genesis 45:16 is a concise yet highly significant verse that showcases the divine orchestration behind the events in Joseph's life. The rapid dissemination of news about Joseph's family to Pharaoh's household immediately demonstrates Joseph's pre-eminence and the respect he commanded as the true power behind the throne. Pharaoh's genuine pleasure, along with that of his servants, confirms Joseph's indispensable value to Egypt and sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham. This royal endorsement was not just a courtesy; it provided official sanction for the Israelite family's settlement, ensuring their welfare and protection in the fertile land of Goshen. It highlights God's sovereignty in placing Joseph in a position where the very powers of this world eagerly welcomed and protected His chosen people, paving the way for the nation of Israel to grow and multiply.