Genesis 45:24 kjv

So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.

Genesis 45:24 nkjv

So he sent his brothers away, and they departed; and he said to them, "See that you do not become troubled along the way."

Genesis 45:24 niv

Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way!"

Genesis 45:24 esv

Then he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, "Do not quarrel on the way."

Genesis 45:24 nlt

So Joseph sent his brothers off, and as they left, he called after them, "Don't quarrel about all this along the way!"

Genesis 45 verses

Genesis 45 24 Meaning

Joseph's final instruction to his brothers, after revealing himself and making preparations for their journey back to Canaan, was a crucial call for unity. It meant for them not to engage in arguments, recriminations, or mutual accusations concerning past wrongs—specifically their selling of him into slavery—or to let anxieties about the future overwhelm them, causing strife. It was an imperative to maintain peace and trust in God's providential leading as they journeyed to reunite with their father, Jacob.

Genesis 45 24 Context

Genesis chapter 45 records the climactic reunion between Joseph and his brothers. After years of separation and tests, Joseph finally reveals his identity, causing his brothers great dismay. However, Joseph quickly reassures them, attributing his enslavement and ascent in Egypt not to their evil intentions alone, but to God's providential plan to preserve life and a great multitude. He weeps with them, comforts them, and sends them back to Canaan with lavish provisions and chariots to bring their father, Jacob, and all their households to Egypt, where they will be sustained through the remaining years of famine. This verse occurs just as the brothers are about to embark on their journey home, carrying the monumental news of Joseph's survival and success, along with the painful memory of their past transgression.

Genesis 45 24 Word analysis

• So he sent: (וַיְשַׁלַּח - vayishalaḥ from שָׁלַח shalach) – This implies dismissal but also commission. Joseph is exercising his authority, dismissing them to their task of bringing Jacob. It underscores the completion of the immediate emotional reunion and the start of the practical mission.
• his brothers: (אֶחָיו - eḥaw) – Emphasizes the deep family connection that had been broken but was now in the process of mending. These were not just subordinates, but blood relatives who had wronged him.
• away,: The adverb indicates movement from Joseph's immediate presence.
• and as they departed,: (וַיֵּלְכוּ - vayelchu from הָלַךְ halach) – "And they went." Simple verb indicating the commencement of their journey. The directness emphasizes the immediate application of Joseph's preceding instructions and generosity.
• he said to them,: (וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם - vayomer alehem) – Highlights a final, pivotal word of caution from Joseph, underscoring its importance as they left.
• “Do not quarrel: (אַל־תִּרְגְּזוּ - al-tirgəzū from רָגַז ragaz) – This is the most significant word. ragaz carries a broad semantic range including trembling, being agitated, angry, or restless, leading to strife or contention. It is a command to not be agitated or become provoked. Joseph's concern is not merely physical fighting, but the deeper, internal agitation—perhaps fueled by guilt, shame, fear, or blame—that could lead to outward contention. It encompasses inner turmoil, fear, resentment, or anger that might boil over.
• on the way.”: (בַּדֶּרֶךְ - badderekh) – Literally "in the way" or "on the road." This phrase is highly significant. It points to both the physical journey back to Canaan and, metaphorically, the "way" or conduct of their future family life. The journey was long and provided ample time for reflection, accusation, and bickering. Joseph sought to prevent this potential for renewed conflict during this critical transitional phase for the family. The derekh is also a recurring biblical motif for one's life course or moral conduct (e.g., Ps 1:6; Prov 4:18).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "So he sent his brothers away, and as they departed": This shows Joseph's decisive action to set them on their journey home, emphasizing the immediate practical aspects of their departure following the intense emotional reconciliation.
• "he said to them, 'Do not quarrel on the way.'": This concise statement serves as a vital concluding admonition. It highlights Joseph's pastoral care for his family, beyond material provisions. The "way" encompasses the physical path, the emotional state of their hearts during the journey, and the path forward for the restored family unit. It prevents renewed family fracture by pre-empting the rehashing of old wounds and assignment of blame.

Genesis 45 24 Bonus section

The context of this instruction reveals Joseph's significant spiritual maturity. Despite being deeply wronged, he shows remarkable foresight and leadership, prioritizing the well-being and unity of his family over personal grievances. This directive goes beyond simply keeping the peace; it is about establishing a foundation for a future where reconciliation and divine purpose can flourish within the family. It's a testament to Joseph's transformation from the object of their envy to their benevolent guide and protector, guiding them not just materially but also spiritually in their journey of reconciliation with each other and with God's mysterious plan. This single short phrase is a crucial pastoral word for a group wrestling with profound guilt and newfound hope.

Genesis 45 24 Commentary

Genesis 45:24 encapsulates Joseph's profound wisdom and mature understanding of human nature, particularly that of his brothers who carried heavy guilt. Having just revealed his true identity and declared God's sovereign hand in their shared history, Joseph anticipated the very human temptation to revisit the past, assign blame, or succumb to fear regarding their future reception by Jacob. The term "quarrel" (Hebrew ragaz) signifies more than mere bickering; it points to inner agitation, anger, and trembling, which, if left unchecked, would inevitably manifest in verbal conflict and jeopardize the nascent peace of their reunited family.

Joseph's command was a prophetic injunction for unity. The long journey ahead could easily become a forum for bitter accusations—"It was your idea to throw him in the pit!" or "You were the one who suggested selling him!" Such recriminations would dismantle the fragile peace just established. Instead, Joseph directed them to maintain harmony, fostering an environment where reconciliation could solidify rather than dissolve into further strife. This instruction underlines the importance of peace in family, and it subtly directs their focus from human responsibility for past sins towards God's overarching purpose in all things. It also prepares them to present a unified, coherent, and peace-filled testimony to their aged father, Jacob.