Genesis 45:28
Genesis 45:28 in Multiple Translations
“Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.”
And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.
and Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.
And Israel said, It is enough: Joseph my son is still living; I will go and see him before my death.
Israel said, “All right, I believe you! My son Joseph is still alive! I'm going to go and see him before I die.”
And Israel said, I haue inough: Ioseph my sonne is yet aliue: I will go and see him yer I die.
and Israel saith, 'Enough! Joseph my son [is] yet alive; I go and see him before I die.'
Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.
And he said: It is enough for me, if Joseph my son be yet living: I will go and see him before I die.
He said, “What you have said is enough to convince me! My son Joseph is still alive, and I will go and see him before I die!”
He said, “Now I know that those things that you said, they are true. My son Joseph really is alive. I have to go and see him before I die.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 45:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 45:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
רַ֛ב
עוֹד
יוֹסֵ֥ף
בְּנִ֖/י
חָ֑י
אֵֽלְכָ֥ה
וְ/אֶרְאֶ֖/נּוּ
בְּ/טֶ֥רֶם
אָמֽוּת
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
רַ֛ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
עוֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
יוֹסֵ֥ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
בְּנִ֖/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
חָ֑י
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
אֵֽלְכָ֥ה
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-1cs
וְ/אֶרְאֶ֖/נּוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
בְּ/טֶ֥רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
before
Prep | Adv
אָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 45:28
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
רַ֛ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
עוֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
יוֹסֵ֥ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
בְּנִ֖/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
חָ֑י
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
אֵֽלְכָ֥ה
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/אֶרְאֶ֖/נּוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בְּ/טֶ֥רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
"before"
Prep | Adv
This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.
Definition: before, not yet, before that
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.
אָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Genesis 45:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 45:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 45:28
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 45:28
- Sermons on Genesis 45:28
Context — The Revival of Jacob
26“Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them.
27However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived.
28“Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 2:28–30 | Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, |
| 2 | John 16:21–22 | A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. |
| 3 | Genesis 46:30 | Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!” |
Genesis 45:28 Summary
In Genesis 45:28, Jacob is overjoyed to hear that his son Joseph is still alive, and he can't wait to see him before he dies. This verse shows us the deep love and bond between a father and son, as well as Jacob's trust in God's plan (as seen in Romans 8:28). Jacob's response is a great example of how we should react when we hear good news - with joy, gratitude, and a desire to be reunited with our loved ones. Just like Jacob, we can trust that God is working everything out for our good, even when things seem impossible (as in Genesis 50:20).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jacob mean when he says 'Enough!' in Genesis 45:28?
Jacob's exclamation of 'Enough!' is an expression of his overwhelming joy and satisfaction at the news that his son Joseph is still alive, as seen in Genesis 45:28. This response is similar to the Psalmist's declaration in Psalms 23:4, where he says 'I will fear no evil' because God is with him.
Why did Jacob not believe his sons initially in Genesis 45:26?
Jacob was stunned and did not believe his sons because the news of Joseph's survival and prominence in Egypt seemed too good to be true, as stated in Genesis 45:26. However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them and showed him the wagons Joseph had sent, Jacob's spirit was revived, as seen in Genesis 45:27.
What is the significance of Jacob saying 'I will go to see him before I die' in Genesis 45:28?
Jacob's statement expresses his deep longing to be reunited with his son Joseph before he passes away, as seen in Genesis 45:28. This desire is rooted in the love and bond between a father and son, as highlighted in Proverbs 17:6, which says 'Children’s children are a crown to the aged'.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of faith and trust in God's plan?
This verse demonstrates Jacob's trust in God's plan and His sovereignty, as seen in Genesis 45:28. Despite the ups and downs of life, Jacob chooses to focus on the goodness of God and the promise of being reunited with his son, which reflects the trust expressed in Romans 8:28, where it says 'all things work together for good'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in your life where you are struggling to trust God's plan, and how can you apply Jacob's example of faith and trust to those situations?
- Reflect on a time when you experienced a deep sense of joy and satisfaction, similar to Jacob's response in Genesis 45:28. How did you express your emotions, and what can you learn from that experience?
- How does Jacob's statement 'I will go to see him before I die' relate to your own desires and longings? What are some things you hope to accomplish or experience before you pass away?
- In what ways can you demonstrate your trust in God's plan, just like Jacob did in Genesis 45:28, and how can you encourage others to do the same?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:28
And Israel said, [it is] enough, Joseph my son [is] yet alive,.... Or it is "much" or "great" (m); he had much joy, as the Targums; this was the greatest blessing of all, and more to him than all the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:28
I desire no more, no greater happiness in this world, than to see him; which when I have done, I am willing to die.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:28
Genesis 45:28 And Israel said, [It is] enough; Joseph my son [is] yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.Ver. 28. It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive.] Jacob rejoiceth more for his life than his honour. "Why is living man sorrowful?." Yet he is alive; that is a mercy, amidst all his miseries. Before I die.] This he speaks after the manner of old men, whose song is, "My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me."
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:28
(28) And Israel said.—We must not lay too much stress upon this change of name, as though it were a title appropriate to the patriarch only in his happier and triumphant hours; for in Genesis 45:6 it-is given him in the midst of his distress. It rather shows that the names were long both in use as regards the patriarch personally, but as the title of Israel was alone given to Jacob’s family, it is plain that a high significance was attached to it, and that the inheritance of the Abrahamic promises was at an early date connected therewith.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 45:28
Verse 28. It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive] It was not the state of dignity to which Joseph had arisen that particularly affected Jacob, it was the consideration that he was still alive. It was this that caused him to exclaim רב rab; "much! multiplied! my son is yet alive! I will go and see him before I die." None can realize this scene; the words, the circumstances, all refer to indescribable feelings. 1. IN Joseph's conduct to his brethren there are several things for which it is difficult to account. It is strange, knowing how much his father loved him, that he never took an opportunity, many of which must have offered, to acquaint him that he was alive; and that self-interest did not dictate the propriety of this to him is at first view surprising, as his father would undoubtedly have paid his ransom, and restored him to liberty: but a little reflection will show that prudence dictated secrecy. His brethren, jealous and envious in the extreme, would soon have found out other methods of destroying his life, had they again got him into their power. Therefore for his personal safety, he chose rather to be a bond-slave in Egypt than to risk his life by returning home. On this ground it is evident that he could not with any safety have discovered the place of his residence. 2. His carriage to his brethren, previously to his making himself known, appears inexcusably harsh, if not vindictive; but when the men are considered, it will appear sufficiently evident that no other means would have been adequate to awaken their torpid consciences, and bring them to a due sense of their guilt.
A desperate disease requires a desperate remedy. The event justified all that he did, and God appears to have been the director of the whole. 3. His conduct in requiring Benjamin to be as it were torn away from the bleeding heart of an aged, desolate father, in whose affection he himself had long lived, is the most difficult to be satisfactorily accounted for. Unless the Spirit of prophecy had assured him that this experiment would terminate in the most favourable manner, his conduct in making it cannot well be vindicated. To such prophetic intimation this conduct has been attributed by learned men; and we may say that this consideration, if it does not untie the knot, at least cuts it. Perhaps it is best to say that in all these things Joseph acted as he was directed by a providence, under the influence of which he might have been led to do many things which he had not previously designed. The issue proves that the hand of God's wisdom and goodness directed, regulated, and governed every circumstance, and the result was glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and good will among men. 4.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:28
28. It is enough] Lat. sufficit mihi. Jacob’s conviction is expressed in brief simple words. It is left to our imagination to consider how his sons succeeded in satisfactorily explaining to Jacob Joseph’s return to life. Did they confess all? or did they keep back part of the truth?
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 45:28
28. And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive — “The change of name from Jacob to Israel is significant here.
Sermons on Genesis 45:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Having Nothing, Yet Possessing Everything by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true grace allows believers to find complete satisfaction in Christ alone, regardless of their earthly circumstances such as honor, wealth, or relatio |
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Revalation of the Heart by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of self-pity and bitterness in the wilderness journey of believers. He emphasizes the need for God to heal any bitterness in our h |
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Joy Out of Travail by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a deep appreciation for the things of God. He highlights how easily humans can take God's blessings for granted and |
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The Joy of the Lord by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches about the true essence of joy, emphasizing that joy is not found in silliness or worldly entertainment but in the Lord's presence and strength. He challenges C |
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Hagar and Ishmael Cast Out by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the profound implications of Abraham's decision to cast out Hagar and Ishmael, emphasizing that true faith requires the removal of anything that hinders our rel |