Bible for Life LogoBible for Life
HomeBibleSEARCHBlog
  1. Home
  2. ›EDE
  3. ›Genesis
  4. ›Chapter 45
Bible for Life LogoBible for Life

Discover amazing scripture and community stories. Stay connected with people who share your passion for faith through our blog and studies.

© 2026 Bible for Life. All rights reserved.

The Edified Edition (EDE) © 2026. All rights reserved.

Explore

  • About Us
  • Edified Edition
  • Places of Worship
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Blog

Learn

  • Bible
  • Hebrew
  • Greek
  • Quizzes

Support

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map
Theme
Font

Genesis

Chapter 45

Summary

Genesis 45 chronicles the emotionally charged moment when Joseph finally reveals his true identity to his terrified brothers after being unable to restrain his tears any longer. Instead of taking revenge for their past cruelty, Joseph comforts them, explaining that their actions were ultimately part of God's overarching plan to position him in Egypt to preserve many lives during the famine. The chapter ends with Pharaoh’s generous invitation for Joseph's entire family to settle in the fertile land of Goshen, and the brothers' joyous return to Canaan to share the incredible news with their father, Jacob, whose spirit is revived upon hearing that Joseph is still alive.

1

Then Joseph could no longer control himself in front of all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers.

2

And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and the news reached Pharaoh’s palace.

3

Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.

4

Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!

5

And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

6

For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no ploughing or reaping.

7

But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

8

So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

9

Now hurry back to my father and say to him, 'This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not delay.

10

You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have.

11

I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.'

12

You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you.

13

Tell my father about all the honour shown me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly."

14

Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping also.

15

And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterwards his brothers talked with him.

16

When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased.

17

Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan,

18

and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.'

19

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

20

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

21

So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them wagons, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey.

22

To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five sets of clothes.

23

And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey.

24

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

25

So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan.

26

They told him, "Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt." Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them.

27

But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the wagons Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.

28

And Israel said, "I'm convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."