Genesis 45:16

Genesis 45:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When the news reached Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.

King James Version KJV

¶ And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, Joseph’s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

American Standard Version ASV

And the report thereof was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, Joseph’s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And news of these things went through Pharaoh's house, and it was said that Joseph's brothers were come; and it seemed good to Pharaoh and his servants.

Free Bible Version FBV

Word soon reached Pharaoh's palace that Joseph's brothers had arrived. Pharaoh and his officials were glad to hear the news.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the tidinges came vnto Pharaohs house, so that they said, Iosephs brethre are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his seruants.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the sound hath been heard in the house of Pharaoh, saying, 'Come have the brethren of Joseph;' and it is good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants,

World English Bible WEB

The report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” It pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the fame of this was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And it was heard, and the fame was abroad in the king’s court: The brethren of Joseph are come: and Pharao with all his family was glad.

Translation for Translators T4T

Someone went to the palace and told the news that Joseph’s brothers had come. The king and all his officials were pleased.

Plain English Version PEV

Somebody went to Pharaoh’s house, and they said to Pharaoh and his workers, “Joseph’s brothers are here in Egypt country.” And Pharaoh and his workers were happy that Joseph’s brothers came.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 45:16

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 45:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הַ/קֹּ֣ל נִשְׁמַ֗ע בֵּ֤ית פַּרְעֹה֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר בָּ֖אוּ אֲחֵ֣י יוֹסֵ֑ף וַ/יִּיטַב֙ בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וּ/בְ/עֵינֵ֖י עֲבָדָֽי/ו

וְ/הַ/קֹּ֣ל qôwl H6963 voice Conj | Art | N-ms

נִשְׁמַ֗ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

בֵּ֤ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

פַּרְעֹה֙ Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בָּ֖אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אֲחֵ֣י ʼâch H251 brother N-mp

יוֹסֵ֑ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper

וַ/יִּיטַב֙ yâṭab H3190 be good Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

פַרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

וּ/בְ/עֵינֵ֖י ʻayin H5869 eye Conj | Prep | N-cd

עֲבָדָֽי/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 45:16

וְ/הַ/קֹּ֣ל qôwl H6963 "voice" Conj | Art | N-ms

A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.

Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)

Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.

נִשְׁמַ֗ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

בֵּ֤ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

פַּרְעֹה֙ Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" N-proper

In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.

Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

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.

בָּ֖אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֲחֵ֣י ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

יוֹסֵ֑ף 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.

וַ/יִּיטַב֙ yâṭab H3190 "be good" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right

Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.

בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

פַרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.

וּ/בְ/עֵינֵ֖י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Conj | Prep | N-cd

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עֲבָדָֽי/ו ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

Study Notes — Genesis 45:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 45:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 45:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:16
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:16
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:16
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 45:16
Sermons on Genesis 45:16

Context — Pharaoh Invites Jacob to Egypt

14Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept as they embraced. 15Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept over them. And afterward his brothers talked with him.

16When the news reached Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.

17Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do as follows: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan. 18Then bring your father and your families and return to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the fat of the land.’

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 41:33	Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt.
2	Esther 1:21	The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan had advised.
3	Genesis 20:15	And Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you please.”
4	Esther 5:14	His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.
5	Acts 6:5	This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
6	Acts 7:13	On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh.
7	2 Chronicles 30:4	This proposal pleased the king and the whole assembly.
8	Deuteronomy 1:33	who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.
9	2 Samuel 3:36	All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them.
10	Genesis 34:18	Their offer seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem.

Genesis 45:16 Summary

This verse tells us that when Pharaoh heard that Joseph's brothers had come to visit, he and his servants were very happy. This shows that Pharaoh was a kind and gracious leader who cared about Joseph and his family. Just like Pharaoh, we can show kindness and hospitality to others, especially those who may be strangers or outsiders, as Jesus taught us in Matthew 25:31-46. By trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, we can experience His blessing and provision in our lives, just as Joseph and his family did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Pharaoh and his servants pleased when they heard about Joseph's brothers?

Pharaoh and his servants were pleased because Joseph, an important and trusted leader in Egypt, had been reunited with his family, which likely brought stability and joy to the kingdom, as seen in Genesis 45:16 and supported by the context of Genesis 41:38-40 where Pharaoh recognized Joseph's wisdom and leadership abilities.

What does this verse reveal about Pharaoh's character?

This verse suggests that Pharaoh was a gracious and benevolent ruler, who was genuinely pleased to see his trusted leader Joseph happy and reunited with his family, which is also consistent with his actions in Genesis 47:1-6 where he showed kindness to Joseph's family.

How does this verse fit into the larger story of Joseph?

This verse marks a significant turning point in the story of Joseph, as it shows how God was working to bring about the reunion of Joseph's family and ultimately to fulfill His promises to Abraham, as stated in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15:1-6.

What can we learn from Pharaoh's reaction to Joseph's brothers?

We can learn the importance of being gracious and welcoming to others, as Pharaoh was to Joseph's brothers, and to recognize that God often works through the people and circumstances in our lives, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20.

Reflection Questions

How can I, like Pharaoh, show genuine kindness and hospitality to those around me, especially those who may be strangers or outsiders?
What are some ways that God is working to bring about reconciliation and healing in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty, like Joseph did, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging?
What are some promises or blessings that God has given to me, and how can I trust in His faithfulness to fulfill them, just as He did for Abraham and Joseph?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:16

And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house,.... 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:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 45:16

And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:16

Because they all owed their lives unto Joseph, and his favour was now fresh and present, and therefore he had more influence upon them, and they more kindness for him.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:16

Genesis 45:16 And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh’ s house, saying, Joseph’ s brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.Ver. 6. It pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.] And therefore his servants, because Pharaoh. For, Aulici sunt instar speculi, saith Pareus. Courtiers are their prince’ s looking glasses; if he laugh, so do they; where he loves, they love, in pretence, at least; for all is but counterfeit. And here, Potest Augur Augurem videre, et non ridere? saith Cato, in Cicero. The senate gave public thanks to the gods for all that Nero did, even when he had killed his mother, though they never so much abhorred it. When he sang at any time, though it were never so ill, for he had a small harsh voice, his courtiers would soothe him up with, Quam pulcher Caesar, Apollo, Augustus, ειςωςπυθιος, μασε Kαισαρουδειςσενικα, &c. And because he hated the senate, notwithstanding all their flatteries, Vatinius was greatly in favour with him, for saying, Odi te Caesar, quod Senator es. Parasiti principum sputa, instar canum lingunt. Cic., De Divinatione, lib. ii. Dio, in Nerone.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:16

(16) It pleased Pharaoh . . . —It was of great importance, as regards the future position of the Israelites in Egypt, that they should go thither, not as men who had forced themselves on the country. but as invited guests. Hence the information that the arrival of Joseph’s brethren was a thing pleasing to Pharaoh, and hence also the fulness with which his commands are recorded.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:16

16–28. Joseph’s Brethren bring the News to Jacob 16. the fame] Lit. “the voice.” It is not the sound of Joseph’s weeping, but the news of the discovery of his brethren.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 45:16

16. The fame thereof was heard — The report was made; literally, the voice (or noise) was heard. It pleased Pharaoh well — Hebrews, it was good in the eyes of Pharaoh.

Sermons on Genesis 45:16

	Sermon	Description
	Let Go and Let God by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the discovery of atomic power and energy, which poses a threat to civilization but also promises abundance for all. He highlights the simple
	Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-05 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to give up their sins and choose Christ. He uses the analogy of chains of sin that bind individuals and urges them to ex
	Being Prepared by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of being prudent and prepared for adversity, drawing lessons from biblical figures like Noah, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul who faced hardsh
	How the Spirit Sends Revival by J. Edwin Orr	In this sermon, the preacher discusses various revivals throughout history, highlighting the impact of preaching and teaching in bringing people to God. He mentions the American Re
	It's Sunday but Monday's coming.. by George Verwer	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to have a global mission vision, praying for and reaching out to nations aroun
	Praying for Full Surrender and a Work of the Spirit (Clip) by Glenn Meldrum	This sermon emphasizes the desire for a man of God who is filled with the zeal and holiness of God, one who loves God's presence and thirsts for it like David did in the Psalms. Th
	Ruin of a Christian by Glenn Meldrum	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline in passion and intimacy with God that often occurs over time in the lives of Christians. He emphasizes the importance of maintaini