Genesis 45:5

Translations

Modern

And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.

Traditional

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Literal

And now, do not be grieved and let it not burn in your eyes that you sold me here, for to preserve life God sent me before you.

Latin

Nolite pavere, neque vobis durum esse videatur quod vendidistis me in his regionibus: pro salute enim vestra misit me Deus ante vos in Ægyptum.

Original

Hebrew

English

And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.

Notes

Genesis 45:5–8

it was not you who sent me here, but God: This is the main message of Jacob's family story (37:2). As the Lord had told Abraham, he was bringing the Israelites into Egypt (15:13). God sent Joseph ahead to prepare a way to save his family during the famine.

This is a clear statement about God’s sovereignty (his complete rule and control over all things). Joseph explained that God was at work through all events and human actions to carry out his plan.

Because God is in control, people can forgive and be restored to those who have hurt them. If people do not believe that God rules over all, they may blame others and try to get even. But those who trust God believe that he is at work, even through human evil (see also Romans 8:28–30).

Genesis 45:1–15

In one of the book's most dramatic scenes, Joseph told his brothers who he was. This brought the process of reconciling with them to a climax (see also 50:14–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Joseph Famine Purim Symbolic Numbers

Events

Joseph's brothers return to Egyptc. 1706 BC

Related verses

Genesis 50:20
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.
Acts 7:9–15
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him
Acts 2:23–24
He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.
Job 1:21
…saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Genesis 45:7–8
God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Psalm 105:16–17
He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food.
Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
Genesis 47:25
“You have saved our lives,” they said. “We have found favor in our lord’s eyes, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”
Isaiah 40:1–2
“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.
2 Corinthians 2:7
So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
2 Samuel 16:10–12
But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’”
2 Samuel 17:14
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

Glossary

Benjamin (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Famine Genesis, Book of Jacob Joseph Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Joseph Afflictions Made Beneficial: Joseph Brother: Joseph's, for his Brethren Egypt: Israel in Joseph Makes Himself Known to his Brethren Forgiveness of Injuries: should be Accompanied by Kindness Forgiveness: Joseph Forgives his Brothers God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Faith Select Readings: Joseph Revealing his Identity The Providence of God is Exercised in Overruling Wicked Designs for Good

Genesis 45:5

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