Genesis 45:16

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 45:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the report thereof was heard in Pharaoh`s house, saying, Joseph`s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the report thereof was heard in Pharaoh`s house, saying, Joseph`s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.
Genesis 45:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 45

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16And the report thereof was heard in Pharaoh`s house, saying, Joseph`s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

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 the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house, etc.] The report was carried to court, and there it was told by some from Joseph’s house, who had overheard what had passed, at least somewhat of it: saying, Joseph’s brethren are come; perhaps they might call him by his Egyptian name, though the historian gives him his Hebrew name, and which was his right name, and by which he was best known to the Hebrews, for whose sake chiefly he wrote: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants; for Joseph being greatly beloved both by the king and his courtiers, who are meant by his servants, they were glad of an opportunity of showing their further regard to him, by their respect and civilities to…”
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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
“45:16–47:12 This section is transitional, as the family moved from Canaan to Goshen, where they would live for the next four centuries. 45:16-25 Joseph sent his brothers with instructions to bring Jacob and the entire family to Egypt. Out of gratitude for Joseph’s having saved all of Egypt (45:18; see 47:20), Pharaoh promised the best of all the land of Egypt, and Joseph gave them the finest products of Egypt.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification