Genesis 45:15

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 45:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.
Genesis 45:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 45

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Moreover, he kissed all his brethren, etc.] In their turns, to testify his real affection for them, and hearty reconciliation to them: and wept upon them; that is, upon their necks, as he had on Benjamin’s: and after that his brethren talked with him: being emboldened by this carriage of his to them, and encouraged to believe that he really forgave them their sin against him, and was truly reconciled unto them, and had a real affection for them, and had no reason to fear he would avenge himself on them: they entered into a free conversation, and talked of their father and their family, and the concerns of it, and of what passed since the time he was separated from them.”
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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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Related study paths

Sources and verification