Genesis 45:4
Genesis 45:4 in Multiple Translations
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt!
And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, Come near to me. And they came near, And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom you sent into Egypt.
“Please come closer to me,” he told his brothers. They came over to him. “I'm your brother Joseph who you sold into slavery in Egypt.
Againe, Ioseph sayde to his brethren, Come neere, I pray you, to mee. And they came neere. And he sayde, I am Ioseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
And Joseph saith unto his brethren, 'Come nigh unto me, I pray you,' and they come nigh; and he saith, 'I [am] Joseph, your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt;
Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” They came near. He said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.
And Joseph said to his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you: and they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
And he said mildly to them: Come nearer to me. And when they were come near him, he said: I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me!” When they came closer, he said, “I am your brother Joseph! I am the one you sold to traders who brought me here to Egypt!
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please, come and stand more close to me.” So they went more close to him. And Joseph said, “I am your brother Joseph. Remember, a long time ago, you sold me as a work-man to that Midian mob, and they brought me here to Egypt country.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 45:4
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Genesis 45:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 45:4
Study Notes — Genesis 45:4
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 45:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 45:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 45:4
- Sermons on Genesis 45:4
Context — Joseph Reveals His Identity
4Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt!
5And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. 6For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:28 | So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. |
| 2 | Matthew 14:27 | But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” |
| 3 | Genesis 50:18 | His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” |
| 4 | Acts 9:5 | “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. |
Genesis 45:4 Summary
In Genesis 45:4, Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, who had sold him into slavery many years earlier. Despite the pain and hurt they had caused him, Joseph invites them to come near and begins the process of healing and reconciliation. This shows us that forgiveness and reconciliation are possible, even in the face of great hurt and betrayal, as encouraged in Matthew 6:14-15. Just as Joseph trusted in God's plan and sovereignty, we can also trust that God is working all things together for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph reveal his identity to his brothers in Genesis 45:4?
Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers to bring closure and to begin the process of healing and reconciliation, as seen in his words and actions in Genesis 45:4-15, and also to fulfill God's plan, as stated in Genesis 45:5.
How did Joseph's brothers respond to his revelation in Genesis 45:4?
Joseph's brothers were terrified and unable to answer him, as stated in Genesis 45:3, but after his gentle invitation to come near, they were able to approach him and begin the process of reconciliation.
What can we learn from Joseph's example in Genesis 45:4 about forgiveness and reconciliation?
Joseph's example teaches us that forgiveness and reconciliation are possible, even in the face of great hurt and betrayal, as seen in his ability to forgive his brothers and invite them to come near, and as encouraged in Matthew 6:14-15 and Luke 6:27-28.
How does Genesis 45:4 relate to the larger story of Joseph and his brothers?
Genesis 45:4 is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers, as it marks the beginning of their reconciliation and the fulfillment of God's plan to save the family and the nation of Israel, as stated in Genesis 45:5-7 and Genesis 50:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to extend forgiveness and reconciliation to others, just as Joseph did to his brothers?
- How can I, like Joseph, trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even when faced with difficult circumstances and uncertain outcomes?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate humility and kindness, like Joseph, in my interactions with others, especially those who may have wronged me?
- How can I use my experiences, both positive and negative, to bring glory to God and to bless others, just as Joseph did in Genesis 45:4-15?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 45:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:4
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:4
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:4
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 45:4
Sermons on Genesis 45:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) - Part 29 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. He highlights the events where Joseph tests his brothers by placing his silver |
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(Genesis) 60 - Consternation, Mediation and Reconciliation by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon on the book of Genesis, the commentator highlights the powerful and sincere speech delivered by Judah, one of Joseph's brothers. The commentator praises the depth of |
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He Sent a Man Before Them, Even Joseph, Who Was Sold, Etc. by Edward Taylor | Edward Taylor preaches about drawing parallels between the life of Joseph in the Bible and the glory of Jesus Christ, highlighting how Joseph's experiences foreshadowed the life, d |
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Revival (Joseph) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the harsh treatment of slaves in the past, where they were chained and made to work as human horses. He emphasizes the importance of bringi |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:13-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher draws a comparison between the biblical story of Joseph and the Lord Jesus. He highlights the miraculous births of both Joseph and Jesus, as well as th |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. He explains that Joseph, at the age of 17, was a rather gullible and naive boy who had been sheltered by |
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Genesis #21 Ch. 35-37 Joseph, the Dreamer by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 35 through 37. He begins by praying for understanding and guidance from the Holy Spirit. He then highlights the importance |






