Genesis 45:20 kjv

Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.

Genesis 45:20 nkjv

Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.' "

Genesis 45:20 niv

Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.'?"

Genesis 45:20 esv

Have no concern for your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.'"

Genesis 45:20 nlt

Don't worry about your personal belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.'"

Genesis 45 verses

Genesis 45 20 Meaning

Genesis 45:20 is Joseph's compassionate instruction and assurance to his brothers after revealing himself. He tells them not to grieve over their household belongings left behind in Canaan, because Pharaoh, through Joseph, has decreed that they will receive the very best of all Egypt's land and resources. This verse signifies immense provision, divine grace, and the beginning of the patriarchs' temporary relocation to Egypt.

Genesis 45 20 Context

Genesis chapter 45 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph and his family. After years of separation and trials, Joseph reveals his true identity to his astonished brothers. The famine in Canaan has driven them to Egypt for food, orchestrating God's divine plan to bring Jacob's entire household to Egypt where they would grow into a great nation. Pharaoh, hearing of Joseph's brothers, graciously offers to provide for Jacob's entire family, assuring them abundant provision in Egypt, particularly in the fertile land of Goshen. Joseph's instruction in verse 20 is part of his larger effort to reassure his brothers, remove any lingering fear or concern they might have about abandoning their lives and possessions in famine-stricken Canaan, and facilitate their immediate return to bring Jacob to Egypt. Historically and culturally, this shows the immense power and generosity of a pharaoh, whose word was law, and whose resources were vast. For a nomadic or agricultural family in the ancient Near East, their "goods" (livestock, tools, household items) were their life and livelihood, making Joseph's command to not worry about them a powerful reassurance rooted in extraordinary royal provision.

Genesis 45 20 Word analysis

• And (וְאַתֶּם - ve'atem): The conjunction "and" links this instruction directly to Joseph's previous command to quickly return for Jacob. The pronoun "you" (plural) emphasizes the direct address to his brothers.
• do not worry (אַל-תַּחְמְלוּ - al-tahmelu): From the Hebrew root ḥāmal (חמל), meaning "to pity, spare, have compassion for, regret, sorrow over." It conveys more than just "do not worry"; it suggests "do not grieve over," "do not have pity on" (your possessions). This highlights a deep emotional attachment to what they might be leaving behind, and Joseph's compassionate command to release that concern.
• about your goods (עַל-כְּלֵיכֶם - 'al-k'leychem): "Goods" (כְּלֵי - kley) refers to vessels, equipment, utensils, personal belongings, household items, or even property and tools essential for their agrarian and nomadic lifestyle. It encompasses everything they value and use for daily life and work.
• for (כִּי - ki): Introduces the reason or justification for the preceding instruction, providing the powerful incentive behind releasing their concern.
• the best (מִמֶּגֶד - mim'meged): From the root meged (מגד), meaning "preciousness, choice things, produce, gifts, excellence." It implies the finest, choicest, most desirable, or most fruitful aspects of something. This is a hyperbolic expression indicating ultimate quality and abundance.
• of all (כָּל- - kol): Emphasizes totality and universality, "the choicest of everything that Egypt has."
• the land of Egypt (אֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם - eretz Mitzrayim): Refers to the fertile, prosperous Nile region, renowned for its agricultural abundance, especially contrasting with famine-stricken Canaan.
• is yours (לָכֶם הִוא - lachem hi’): Direct, declarative statement of ownership and allocation. The provision is not temporary but definitively given to them by royal decree, ensuring their comfort and prosperity.

• "Do not worry about your goods": This phrase directly addresses their natural human concern over losing or abandoning their valuable possessions and their way of life during a severe famine. It anticipates their hesitation and removes a practical and emotional barrier to obeying the call to move.
• "for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours": This is the divine assurance and motivation. The abundance promised by Pharaoh through Joseph vastly outweighs anything they would leave behind. It is a powerful affirmation of provision, security, and favor, underscoring God's overflowing grace manifest through human instruments. This contrasts their meager Canaanite existence during famine with an opulent Egyptian future.

Genesis 45 20 Bonus section

The phrasing "do not grieve/sorrow over" (al-tahmelu) carries a nuanced depth often overlooked. It implies that their possessions might have sentimental value or represent their accumulated life's work, which could lead to regret or wistful sorrow at the prospect of abandonment. Joseph, understanding human nature and their practical mindset, directly addresses this emotional aspect. The reference to "the best of all the land of Egypt" often refers to Goshen, a fertile region ideal for livestock, which Pharaoh indeed designated for them (Gen 46:34, 47:6). This promised abundance served as an irresistible incentive for Jacob and his entire household to relocate, aligning human comfort with God's ultimate salvific plan to preserve the covenant lineage through the famine.

Genesis 45 20 Commentary

Genesis 45:20 encapsulates profound reassurance and divine provision. Joseph's instruction to his brothers to disregard their existing "goods" highlights a common human struggle: attachment to material possessions, even in times of dire need. By telling them not to "grieve" or "worry" over what they left behind, he not only offers comfort but challenges their earthly focus, shifting it to a far greater promised bounty. Pharaoh's unparalleled generosity, orchestrated by God's plan through Joseph, ensures that the choicest part of Egypt's land would be theirs. This verse is not merely about physical goods but signifies a transition from scarcity to superabundance, from anxiety to peace, founded on God's faithful care. It implicitly encourages trust in a greater Provider who prepares a better inheritance, echoing throughout Scripture where God calls His people to step out in faith, assuring them of His lavish supply far exceeding anything they relinquish.