Genesis 45:8

Translations

Modern

Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Traditional

So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

Literal

And now, you have not sent me here, but God. And He has made me for a father to Pharaoh, and for a lord of all his house, and ruler in all the land of Egypt.

Latin

Non vestro consilio, sed Dei voluntate huc missus sum: qui fecit me quasi patrem Pharaonis, et dominum universæ domus ejus, ac principem in omni terra Ægypti.

Original

Hebrew

English

Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

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 Symbolic Numbers

Events

Joseph's brothers return to Egyptc. 1706 BC

Related verses

John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
Romans 9:16
So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
John 19:11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”
Psalm 105:21–22
He made him master of his household, ruler over all his substance,
Judges 17:10
“Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in
Job 29:16
I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger.
Genesis 41:39–48
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.
Genesis 45:5
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.

People

Pharaoh: Egyptian ruler during Joseph's time

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

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 Egypt: Israel in Joseph Makes Himself Known to his Brethren Forgiveness of Injuries: should be Accompanied by Kindness Forgiveness: Joseph Forgives his Brothers God: The Mission of Joseph Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Faith Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Humility Riches: Examples of Saints Possessing: Joseph Select Readings: Joseph Revealing his Identity

Genesis 45:8

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