Genesis 45:26
Genesis 45:26 in Multiple Translations
“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.
And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not.
And they told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt. And his heart fainted, for he believed them not.
And they said to him, Joseph is living, and is ruler over all the land of Egypt. And at this word Jacob was quite overcome, for he had no faith in it.
“Joseph's still alive!” they told him. “It's true, and he's the ruler of the whole country of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned at the news—he just couldn't believe it!
And tolde him, saying, Ioseph is yet aliue, and he also is gouernour ouer all the lande of Egypt, and Iaakobs heart failed: for he beleeued them not.
and they declare to him, saying, 'Joseph [is] yet alive,' and that he [is] ruler over all the land of Egypt; and his heart ceaseth, for he hath not given credence to them.
They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” His heart fainted, for he didn’t believe them.
And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not.
And they told him, saying: Joseph thy son is living: and he is ruler in all the land of Egypt. Which when Jacob heard, he awaked as it were out of a deep sleep, yet did not believe them.
One of them told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is the governor over all of Egypt!” Jacob was extremely astonished; he could not believe that it was true.
They said to Jacob, “Joseph is not dead. No, he is still alive, and he is in charge of all of Egypt country.” Jacob got a big shock, and he didn’t believe those things that his sons said. You see, he thought that Joseph was dead.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 45:26
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 45:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּגִּ֨דוּ
ל֜/וֹ
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר
ע֚וֹד
יוֹסֵ֣ף
חַ֔י
וְ/כִֽי
ה֥וּא
מֹשֵׁ֖ל
בְּ/כָל
אֶ֣רֶץ
מִצְרָ֑יִם
וַ/יָּ֣פָג
לִבּ֔/וֹ
כִּ֥י
לֹא
הֶאֱמִ֖ין
לָ/הֶֽם
וַ/יַּגִּ֨דוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל֜/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
ע֚וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
יוֹסֵ֣ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
חַ֔י
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מֹשֵׁ֖ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
וַ/יָּ֣פָג
pûwg
H6313
be numb
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִבּ֔/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הֶאֱמִ֖ין
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
לָ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 45:26
וַ/יַּגִּ֨דוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
ל֜/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֗ר
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.
ע֚וֹד
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.
יוֹסֵ֣ף
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.
חַ֔י
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.
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מֹשֵׁ֖ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
וַ/יָּ֣פָג
pûwg
H6313
"be numb"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be numb or feeble, and can describe something that has stopped or become weak. It is used in the Bible to convey a sense of weakness or lack of energy.
Definition: 1) to grow numb, be feeble, be benumbed 1a) (Qal) to be feeble 1b) (Niphal) to be benumbed
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: cease, be feeble, faint, be slacked. See also: Genesis 45:26; Psalms 77:3; Psalms 38:9.
לִבּ֔/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הֶאֱמִ֖ין
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
לָ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 45:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 45:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 45:26
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 45:26
- Sermons on Genesis 45:26
Context — The Revival of Jacob
24Then Joseph sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way!”
25So the brothers went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan.
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 | Genesis 44:28 | When one of them was gone, I said: “Surely he has been torn to pieces.” And I have not seen him since. |
| 2 | Genesis 37:35 | All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. |
| 3 | Luke 24:34 | and saying, “The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon!” |
| 4 | Genesis 42:38 | But Jacob replied, “My son will not go down there with you, for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If any harm comes to him on your journey, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.” |
| 5 | Psalms 126:1 | When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers. |
| 6 | Jonah 2:7 | As my life was fading away, I remembered the LORD. My prayer went up to You, to Your holy temple. |
| 7 | Luke 24:41 | While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” |
| 8 | Psalms 105:21 | He made him master of his household, ruler over all his substance, |
| 9 | Genesis 42:36 | Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons. Joseph is gone and Simeon is no more. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is going against me!” |
| 10 | Job 29:24 | If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious. |
Genesis 45:26 Summary
This verse, Genesis 45:26, tells us that Jacob was shocked and didn't believe his sons when they told him that Joseph was still alive and a ruler in Egypt. It's a reminder that even when we hear amazing news, we might struggle to believe it, but God can use different things to help us trust Him, like He did with Jacob when he saw the wagons Joseph sent (Genesis 45:27). This story shows us that God is faithful and can do great things, even when we don't expect it (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28). As we reflect on this verse, we can remember to trust God's goodness and sovereignty, even in surprising and unexpected circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jacob stunned when his sons told him that Joseph was still alive?
Jacob was stunned because he had given up hope of ever seeing Joseph again, and the news was almost too good to believe, as seen in Genesis 45:26, and it took convincing evidence, like the wagons Joseph sent, to revive his spirit, as mentioned in Genesis 45:27.
What does it mean that Jacob did not believe his sons at first?
Jacob's initial disbelief, as stated in Genesis 45:26, shows that even those who trust God can struggle with doubt and unbelief, but God can use various means, like the testimony of others and tangible evidence, to strengthen our faith, as seen in Genesis 45:27.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Joseph?
This verse, Genesis 45:26, is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it marks the beginning of the reunion between Joseph and his father Jacob, which is a testament to God's faithfulness and sovereignty, as expressed in Genesis 50:20.
What can we learn from Jacob's reaction to the news about Joseph?
We can learn that even in the face of incredible news or miracles, we may struggle to believe, but God is patient and can use various means to confirm His truth and revive our spirits, as seen in Genesis 45:26-28, and in other parts of the Bible, such as Psalm 27:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I struggled to believe good news or a promise from God, and how did He help me to trust Him?
- How can I, like Jacob, be open to receiving unexpected and wonderful news from God, and what role does faith and trust play in this process?
- In what ways can I, like Joseph's brothers, be a messenger of hope and good news to those around me, and what impact can this have on their lives?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when the circumstances seem unlikely or impossible, as in the story of Joseph?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:26
And told him,.... What had happened to them in Egypt: saying, Joseph [is] yet alive; who was thought by him and them to have been dead long ago: and he [is] governor over all the land of Egypt;
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:26
Jacob’ s heart fainted, or, was weakened, or failed, he fell into a swoon, as it is ordinary, because of the greatness and suddenness of the news, and the conflict of contrary and violent passions, raised hereby; grief at the remembrance of his former loss, and excessive joy for Joseph’ s recovery and felicity; hope that this might be true, and fear lest it should be but a fiction of theirs: any one of these passions are able to cause a fainting of the spirits, but much more when all meet together, especially in an aged person. He believed them not; partly because of the greatness, and strangeness, and desirableness of the thing; compare ; and partly because they were by this very relation convicted of one lie about Joseph, in saying that he was dead, and therefore might easily be thought guilty of another.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:26
Genesis 45:26 And told him, saying, Joseph [is] yet alive, and he [is] governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’ s heart fainted, for he believed them not.Ver. 26. Joseph is yet alive.] This was the most joyful news that ever Jacob heard, and the sincerest pleasure that ever he had; which therefore God reserves for his age. How did his good heart, after he had recollected himself, dance Levaltoes in his bosom, to hear of Joseph’ s honour, but especially of his life! What shall ours do, when we see Christ in his kingdom! Jacob’ s heart fainted, for he believed them not.] They had told him a tale before; and he that once hath cracked his credit is hardly, after, believed. Besides, he thought the news was too good to be true. Tarda solet magnis rebus inesse fides. The joy of heaven is so great, that we must "enter into it"; it cannot enter into us. "Enter into the joy of thy Lord."
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:26
(26) Jacob’s heart fainted.—Heb., grew cold. This was not the effect of incredulity or suspicion, but of surprise. Jacob, crushed by the loss of the child who had taken the place of his beloved Rachel in his heart, had nothing left to interest him except Benjamin. When, therefore, the news come that Joseph still lives, his mind cannot open itself to receive the joyful tidings, and their first effect is to chill him with a renewed sense of his loss. It is only when he sees the wagons, and other clear proofs of the fact, that life returns to his benumbed faculties, and he becomes capable of joy.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 45:26
Verse 26. Jacob's heart fainted] Probably the good news so overpowered him as to cast him into a swoon. He believed them not-he thought it was too good news to be true; and though it occasioned his swooning, yet on his recovery he could not fully credit it. See a similar case, Lu 24:41.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:26
26. his heart fainted] Lit. “became numb or cold”; as we should say, “his heart stood still’ at the news. It was too good to be true.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 45:26
26. Jacob’s heart fainted — Gesenius (Lex., on ôåâ) renders: “But his heart was cold, did not warm with joy, was not moved.” The news was too great and surprising for the aged patriarch to believe.
Sermons on Genesis 45:26
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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 |
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Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses tr |
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Led of the Spirit by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to share their faith. The pr |
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God No Longer Winks at Unbelief by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God and having a hunger for His word. He highlights that salvation is only possible through the work of the Holy S |
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You Will Be Baptized With the Holy Spirit by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for the Holy Spirit to pour out and meet the individual needs of the congregation. The sermon focuses on the book of Acts and how it |
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His Way by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches on the profound significance of knowing Jesus in the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and becoming like Him in His death. He |
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Jehoshaphat's Reform by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield preaches on the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 19:1-11, highlighting the importance of recognizing and repenting from sin, and the fruits of righteousness that |