Genesis 45:14

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 45:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he fell upon his brother Benjamin`s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he fell upon his brother Benjamin`s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
Genesis 45:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 45

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And he fell upon his brother Benjamin`s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, etc.] On his neck first, because he was his own brother by father and mother’s side; and he wept over him for joy that he had a sight of him once more: the word for “neck” is in the plural number, and being used, may signify that he fell first on one side of his neck, and then on the other, to show his great affection for him: and Benjamin wept upon his neck; their love and the tokens of it were reciprocal.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And he fell upon . . . Benjamin's neck--The sudden transition from a condemned criminal to a fondled brother, might have occasioned fainting or even death, had not his tumultuous feelings been relieved by a torrent of tears. But Joseph's attentions were not confined to Benjamin. He affectionately embraced every one of his brothers in succession; and by those actions, his forgiveness was demonstrated more fully than it could be by words.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Joseph Made Himself Known to His Brethren 10. גשׁן gôshen, Goshen, Gesem (Arabias related perhaps to גשׁם geshem “rain, shower”), a region on the borders of Egypt and Arabia, near the gulf of Suez. The appeal of Judah is to Joseph irresistible. The repentance of his brothers, and their attachment to Benjamin, have been demonstrated in the most satisfactory manner. This is all that Joseph sought. It is evident, throughout the whole narrative, that he never aimed at exercising any supremacy over his brothers. As soon as he has obtained an affecting proof of the right disposition of his brothers, he conceals himself no longer. And the speech of Judah, in which, no doubt, his brothers…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“45:14-15 Joseph was reunited with his brothers—first with Benjamin and then with the rest. Their previous hatred and jealousy of Joseph (37:4-11) had come to an end. The brothers experienced forgiveness from God and from Joseph. Far from commanding his brothers to bow down to him (see 42:6-7), Joseph welcomed them. Joseph held no grudge because he accepted what had happened as God’s work and saw the good that had resulted (see 50:14-21). This is how wisdom rules: The wise leader will forgive and restore (see study note on 37:2–50:26).”
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Sources and verification