Genesis 45:19 kjv

Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.

Genesis 45:19 nkjv

Now you are commanded?do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come.

Genesis 45:19 niv

"You are also directed to tell them, 'Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come.

Genesis 45:19 esv

And you, Joseph, are commanded to say, 'Do this: take wagons from the land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.

Genesis 45:19 nlt

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'Take wagons from the land of Egypt to carry your little children and your wives, and bring your father here.

Genesis 45 verses

Genesis 45 19 Meaning

Genesis chapter 45 verse 19 communicates Pharaoh's direct command and generous provision for Joseph's family to relocate to Egypt. This instruction, given through Joseph, facilitates the move of Jacob and all his household from Canaan to Goshen, ensuring their sustenance and comfort during the severe famine. It underscores Pharaoh's explicit endorsement and aid for Joseph's family, signaling a new chapter of reunion and dwelling in Egypt.

Genesis 45 19 Context

Genesis 45:19 follows Joseph's dramatic revelation of his identity to his brothers. Overwhelmed by his disclosure, his brothers are initially speechless. Joseph quickly reassures them that their selling him into slavery was part of God's greater plan to preserve life during the severe famine. He then instructs them to quickly bring their father, Jacob, and all their households down to Egypt to settle in the fertile land of Goshen. This particular verse details Pharaoh's official command and provision, showing not only Joseph's authority but also the supreme ruler of Egypt's full support for the relocation. This move is critical, leading to the patriarch Jacob and his family's temporary residence in Egypt, a stay that ultimately grows into the nation of Israel and sets the stage for the Exodus. Historically, powerful pharaohs controlled vast resources and would extend such hospitality for strategic reasons or out of deep respect for key administrators like Joseph.

Genesis 45 19 Word analysis

• You are commanded (צויתם, tsuwaitɛm): This is a verb in the Qal Perfect 2nd person plural, meaning "you were commanded" or "it has been commanded to you." It's an imperative conveying the absolute authority behind the directive. Here, it refers to Pharaoh's direct royal decree given through Joseph, emphasizing the unchallengeable nature of the instruction. It's not a suggestion but a royal order from the highest authority in the land.
• Do this (זאת עשו, zot asu): "This" refers specifically to the following actions concerning the wagons and the family's journey. "Do" is an imperative, reinforcing the command. This phrase highlights the urgency and the necessity of immediate, practical implementation of the royal directive.
• Take wagons (עגלות קחו, agalot qakhū): "Wagons" (ʿǎgālōṯ) were often used for transporting heavy goods or people. In this context, it is particularly significant as they were likely Egyptian in origin, more sophisticated and robust than typical Canaanite transport. Pharaoh's provision of these specialized vehicles underscores his wealth, generosity, and commitment to the family's comfortable relocation. It also signals royal favor and official permission for the migration. "Take" (qāḥū) is an imperative, stressing the responsibility placed upon the brothers to collect and utilize these provided means.
• from the land of Egypt (מארץ מצרים, mɪʾeretṣ miṣrāyim): Specifies the source of the wagons. They are not to be brought from Canaan but provided by the Egyptian government, signifying Pharaoh's official involvement and the state's resources being used to assist Joseph's family.
• for your little ones (לטפכם, lɪṭapēkhem): Refers to children, especially infants and toddlers. This highlights the practical need for wagons as vulnerable dependents cannot walk long distances. It also shows a thoughtful concern for the welfare of the weakest members of the family, ensuring their comfort and safety.
• and your wives (ולנשיכם, ūlənāsheykhem): Another group that benefits significantly from the provision of wagons, making the journey less arduous. It shows a comprehensive provision for the entire household, prioritizing those who are less capable of strenuous travel.
• and bring your father (והבאתם את אביכם, wəheḇāʾtem ʾeṯ ʾaḇîḵem): "Bring" is an imperative, indicating the crucial task of ensuring Jacob's relocation. Jacob's well-being and reunion with Joseph are central to the entire narrative at this point. This signifies the paramount importance of their aged father, highlighting filial piety and Joseph's longing to see him.
• and come (ובאתם, ūbāʾtem): An imperative completing the command, instructing them all to return to Egypt for permanent residence. This signifies the completion of the family's relocation and entry into Egypt.

Genesis 45 19 Bonus section

The command regarding the "wagons" from Egypt foreshadows the future deliverance of Israel from Egypt. These wagons, provided by Pharaoh as a blessing, stand in contrast to the future struggle when Israel would "plunder" the Egyptians upon their Exodus, driven by a different, divine command. This verse shows a reversal of fortune for Jacob's family: from a land of famine to a land of plenty, provided for by their previously lost son. Pharaoh's unquestioning acceptance and generosity towards Joseph's request highlight Joseph's unparalleled authority and respect in Egypt, suggesting divine favor beyond normal human achievements.

Genesis 45 19 Commentary

Genesis 45:19 marks a pivotal moment of transition for Jacob's family. Pharaoh's command is not merely an act of kindness but a significant step in God's unfolding plan. The provision of Egyptian wagons is deeply symbolic; it is royal transport, facilitating the safe and dignified relocation of a family on the verge of starvation. This command validates Joseph's incredible rise to power and Pharaoh's complete trust in him. The specific mention of "little ones and your wives" underscores the compassionate nature of the provision, ensuring comfort for the most vulnerable. This royal decree ensures that Jacob, who had previously lamented Joseph's loss, receives unequivocal proof of Joseph's status and wellbeing, culminating in the joyous reunion. It's a divine reversal where suffering leads to exalted position, orchestrated for the preservation and future growth of God's chosen people, all under the guiding hand of the Almighty. This demonstrates how God can use even powerful pagan rulers to fulfill His divine purposes for His covenant people.