Genesis 45:17 kjv

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;

Genesis 45:17 nkjv

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Say to your brothers, 'Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan.

Genesis 45:17 niv

Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan,

Genesis 45:17 esv

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Say to your brothers, 'Do this: load your beasts and go back to the land of Canaan,

Genesis 45:17 nlt

Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'This is what you must do: Load your pack animals, and hurry back to the land of Canaan.

Genesis 45 verses

Genesis 45 17 Meaning

Pharaoh, acknowledging Joseph's recent reconciliation with his brothers and recognizing the dire famine in Canaan, issues a royal decree to Joseph, instructing him to tell his brothers to return immediately to Canaan with their animals, laden for transport. This command facilitates the entire family of Jacob's swift migration to Egypt, orchestrated by God's providence to preserve them and set the stage for their growth into a nation.

Genesis 45 17 Context

Genesis 45 marks a pivotal moment in the Joseph narrative. Joseph has just dramatically revealed his identity to his brothers (Gen 45:1-3), expressing forgiveness and interpreting their past actions as God's providential plan to preserve life during a severe famine (Gen 45:5-8). He has instructed them to return to their father, Jacob, and bring him and their entire households down to Egypt, promising to provide for them. Pharaoh, hearing of this development (Gen 45:16), personally steps in, showing extraordinary favor towards Joseph and his family. Verse 17 is Pharaoh's direct instruction to Joseph, commanding him to tell his brothers to act swiftly on Joseph's proposal, laying the foundation for Israel's relocation to Egypt. This is not just permission but a royal endorsement and facilitation of the family's transfer.

Genesis 45 17 Word analysis

• Then (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyōʾmer): This Hebrew conjunctive waw plus imperfect, commonly translated as "then said" or "and said," indicates the direct sequence of events. It shows Pharaoh's immediate response upon hearing the news, emphasizing his quick decision-making in support of Joseph.
• Pharaoh (פַּרְעֹה - Parʿōh): This is a title, not a personal name, signifying the ruler of Egypt. In the ancient world, Pharaoh was seen as a divine figure or representative of the gods on earth. His word was absolute law, and his generosity was a significant mark of royal benevolence and trust in Joseph.
• said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyōʾmer): See "Then" above.
• to Joseph (אֶל-יוֹסֵף - ʾel-yôsēp̄): Indicates the direct and personal nature of Pharaoh's command. This highlights Joseph's esteemed position and Pharaoh's deep respect and trust in him.
• Say (אֱמֹר - ʾĕmōr): A direct imperative from Pharaoh, demonstrating his authority. Joseph is commanded to deliver this message on behalf of the king, underlining its official nature.
• to your brothers (אֶל-אֶחָיךָ - ʾel-ʾeḥāyḵā): Emphasizes Pharaoh's understanding of Joseph's family situation and his engagement with it. It implicitly validates Joseph's bond with his kin, which would have been critical for Joseph's contentment and ongoing loyal service to Pharaoh.
• Do this: (זֹאת עֲשׂוּ - zōʾt ʿăśū): A powerful, emphatic directive meaning "perform this!" or "act in this way!" It’s a royal command that demands immediate obedience and execution without question, stressing the urgency and binding nature of Pharaoh’s words.
• Load (טַעֲנוּ - ṭaʿanū): Imperative. This specific verb means to "load up" or "pack," typically referring to beasts of burden. It implies preparing provisions and necessities for a journey, particularly relevant for traveling back to famine-stricken Canaan.
• your animals (בְּעִירְכֶם - bəʿīrḵem): Refers to their domesticated animals, primarily donkeys, which were essential for transport of grain and for carrying family members or belongings. Their readiness for travel is implied.
• and go (וּלְכוּ - ūləḵū): A straightforward command to begin the journey, signifying the necessity of prompt action.
• return (בֹאוּ - bōʾū): Imperative. Implies a destination. They are to make their way back, underscoring the purpose of their current trip: to fetch Jacob and the remaining family.
• to the land of Canaan (אֶל-אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן - ʾel-ʾereṣ Kənaʿan): Their homeland, where Jacob and the rest of the family reside. This explicitly states the destination and purpose of their first leg of the journey back to Egypt. It emphasizes the need to collect the whole family from their struggling homeland.

Genesis 45 17 Bonus section

The seemingly simple directive from Pharaoh is a profound example of God's sovereignty working through unexpected channels. Pharaoh, a pagan king, acts as a willing instrument in God's grand narrative for the salvation and preservation of Jacob's household. His eagerness is not accidental but orchestrated, confirming the biblical principle that the "king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will" (Prov 21:1). This also subtly emphasizes that the sojourn in Egypt was not merely a survival tactic but a divinely ordained phase for Israel's rapid growth from a large family into a distinct nation before entering Canaan as a conquering force. Pharaoh’s command serves as an external validation of Joseph’s restored status and the acceptance of his family, signifying that their coming to Egypt would be under the highest possible protection and provision, setting a tone of prosperity that would continue for generations until "a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph" (Exod 1:8).

Genesis 45 17 Commentary

Genesis 45:17 is a succinct yet profoundly significant verse, marking the shift from revelation and reconciliation to action and divine provision. Pharaoh’s direct command to Joseph, "Say to your brothers, 'Do this: Load your animals and go; return to the land of Canaan,' " highlights his immediate and enthusiastic endorsement of Joseph's plan to bring his family to Egypt. This is not merely an expression of kindness; it's a strategic and authoritative decree from the most powerful ruler of the time, providing the impetus and means for Jacob's descent into Egypt. This generosity by Pharaoh demonstrates the immense respect and trust he had in Joseph’s capabilities and character, especially after Joseph’s successful famine administration had secured Egypt's survival. The instruction is both practical, emphasizing the necessary actions (loading animals for provisions for their departure from Canaan), and decisive, conveying the urgency of the task. It's a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ensuring the survival and subsequent growth of the fledgling Israelite nation, setting the stage for their future Exodus and entry into the Promised Land. The Lord’s invisible hand is evident in turning the heart of Pharaoh, a Gentile king, to facilitate the purposes of His covenant people.