Genesis 45:24

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 45:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.
Genesis 45:24 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 45

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
24So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So he sent his brethren away, and they departed, etc.] From Egypt to Canaan with the wagons, asses, and rich presents: and he said unto them, see that ye fall not out by the way; the Targum of Jonathan adds, about the affair of selling me; which he had reason to fear they would, from what they, and particularly Reuben, had said in his presence, (<014221>Genesis 42:21,22); he was jealous this would be the subject of their discourse by the way, and that they would be blaming one another about it, and so fall into contentions and quarrels; that one would say it was owing to the reports of such an one concerning him, that they entertained hatred against him; that it was such an one that advised…”
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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
“so he sent his brethren away--In dismissing them on their homeward journey, he gave them this particular admonition: See that ye fall not out by the way--a caution that would be greatly needed; for not only during the journey would they be occupied in recalling the parts they had respectively acted in the events that led to Joseph's being sold into Egypt, but their wickedness would soon have to come to the knowledge of their venerable father. Next: Genesis Chapter 46”
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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
“45:24 Don’t quarrel about all this along the way! When they were away from Joseph, they might begin to accuse one another about the past or argue about how to explain what had happened to Jacob. It was now time to put the past behind them and enjoy the reunion.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification