Genesis 45:8
Genesis 45:8 in Multiple Translations
Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
So now it was not you who sent me here, but God: and he has made me as a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
So it wasn't you who sent me here, but God. He was the one who made me Pharaoh's chief advisor in charge of all his affairs, and ruler of the whole country of Egypt.
Now the you sent not me hither, but God, who hath made mee a father vnto Pharaoh, and lorde of all his house, and ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
and now, ye — ye have not sent me hither, but God, and He doth set me for a father to Pharaoh, and for lord to all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
Not by your counsel was I sent hither, but by the will of God: who hath made me as it were a father to Pharao, and lord of his whole house, and governor in all the land of Egypt.
Therefore, it was not you who sent me here; it was God who sent me here! He has caused me to become like a father to the king. I am in charge of everything in his palace and the governor of everyone in Egypt!
So I’m telling you, it wasn’t you mob that sent me here to Egypt. No, it was God that sent me here. He made me Pharaoh’s most important helper, and he made me boss over all of Pharaoh’s workers, and he put me in charge of all of Egypt.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 45:8
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 45:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
לֹֽא
אַתֶּ֞ם
שְׁלַחְתֶּ֤ם
אֹתִ/י֙
הֵ֔נָּה
כִּ֖י
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וַ/יְשִׂימֵ֨/נִֽי
לְ/אָ֜ב
לְ/פַרְעֹ֗ה
וּ/לְ/אָדוֹן֙
לְ/כָל
בֵּית֔/וֹ
וּ/מֹשֵׁ֖ל
בְּ/כָל
אֶ֥רֶץ
מִצְרָֽיִם
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אַתֶּ֞ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
שְׁלַחְתֶּ֤ם
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
אֹתִ/י֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
הֵ֔נָּה
hênnâh
H2008
here/thus
Adv
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וַ/יְשִׂימֵ֨/נִֽי
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
לְ/אָ֜ב
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-ms
לְ/פַרְעֹ֗ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
Prep | N-proper
וּ/לְ/אָדוֹן֙
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
Conj | Prep | N-ms
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
בֵּית֔/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מֹשֵׁ֖ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
Conj | V-Qal
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 45:8
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
לֹֽא
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.
אַתֶּ֞ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
שְׁלַחְתֶּ֤ם
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֹתִ/י֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הֵ֔נָּה
hênnâh
H2008
"here/thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Definition: here, there, now, hither
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.
כִּ֖י
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.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/יְשִׂימֵ֨/נִֽי
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
לְ/אָ֜ב
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Prep | N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לְ/פַרְעֹ֗ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
Prep | 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.
וּ/לְ/אָדוֹן֙
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
לְ/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.
בֵּית֔/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
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.
וּ/מֹשֵׁ֖ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
Conj | 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.
אֶ֥רֶץ
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.
מִצְרָֽיִם
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 45:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 45:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 45:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 45:8
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 45:8
- Sermons on Genesis 45:8
Context — Joseph Reveals His Identity
6For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting.
7God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
8Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
9Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. 10You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 15:16 | You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. |
| 2 | Romans 9:16 | So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. |
| 3 | John 19:11 | Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” |
| 4 | Psalms 105:21–22 | He made him master of his household, ruler over all his substance, to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom. |
| 5 | Judges 17:10 | “Stay with me,” Micah said to him, “and be my father and priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver per year, a suit of clothes, and your provisions.” So the Levite went in |
| 6 | Job 29:16 | I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger. |
| 7 | Genesis 45:5 | And 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. |
| 8 | Genesis 41:39–48 | Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh declared to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your permission, no one in all the land of Egypt shall lift his hand or foot.” Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph took charge of all the land of Egypt. Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt. During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully. During those seven years, Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city he laid up the food from the fields around it. |
Genesis 45:8 Summary
[Genesis 45:8 means that Joseph recognized God was in control of his life, even when his brothers sold him into slavery. He understood that God had a bigger plan, and that plan included making him a powerful leader in Egypt, as we see in Genesis 41:38-40. This verse reminds us that God is always working, even when we can't see it, and that He can use our difficult circumstances for our good and His glory, as Romans 8:28 says. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence, just like Joseph did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Joseph mean when he says 'it was not you who sent me here, but God' in Genesis 45:8?
Joseph is acknowledging that God's sovereignty was at work in his life, even in the difficult circumstances of being sold into slavery, as seen in Genesis 37:27-28 and Genesis 50:20, where he later says 'you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good'
How did God make Joseph a 'father to Pharaoh' as stated in Genesis 45:8?
As a high-ranking official in Egypt, Joseph was given authority and wisdom by God to advise Pharaoh, much like a father would guide his children, as seen in Genesis 41:38-40 where Pharaoh recognizes Joseph's wisdom and appoints him ruler over Egypt
What does it mean for Joseph to be 'lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt' in Genesis 45:8?
This phrase indicates that Joseph was given complete authority by Pharaoh to manage the affairs of Egypt, as seen in Genesis 41:41-44, and is a fulfillment of the dreams God gave Joseph in Genesis 37:5-11
How does Joseph's statement in Genesis 45:8 relate to the concept of God's sovereignty in our lives?
Joseph's statement highlights the idea that God is in control of all circumstances, even when they seem difficult or challenging, as seen in Romans 8:28, and that He can use them for our good and His glory
Reflection Questions
- How have I seen God's sovereignty at work in my own life, even in difficult circumstances?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and submit to God's sovereignty in my life, just as Joseph did in Genesis 45:8?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's plan and timing, rather than my own understanding?
- How can I use my own experiences and position to glorify God and point others to Him, just as Joseph did in Egypt?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 45:8
So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God,.... Which is to be understood not absolutely, as if they had no concern at all in sending him thither; they sold him to the Ishmaelites, who
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 45:8
So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. It was not you that sent me hither, but God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 45:8
That I came to this place, and pitch of honour and power, is not to be imputed to your design, which was of another nature, but to God’ s overruling providence, which ordered the circumstances of your action, so as I should be brought to this place and state. Compare . A father to Pharaoh; to advise him, and to provide for him, as fathers do for their children, and to have the authority, respect, and power of a father with him.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 45:8
Genesis 45:8 So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.Ver. 8. It was not you that sent me.] Joseph makes the best of an ill matter, that they may not be overwhelmed with grief, and so made a prey to the devil. "After I was made known to myself," saith Ephraim, "I repented." Get thee, saith Mr Bradford, God’ s law as a glass, to look in; so shalt thou see thy face foul arrayed, and so shameful, saucy, mangy, pocky, and scabbed, that thou canst not but be sorry at the contemplation thereof, &c. Especially if thou look to the tag tied to God’ s law, the malediction, which is such as cannot but make us to cast our currish tails between our legs, if we believe it. But here, to clear our eyesight, and keep us upright, we must anoint our eyes with Christ’ s eyesalve. We read of a sensible eyesalve made of Christ’ s spittle and clay. As it were, of the knowledge of Christ by his word which proceedeth out of his mouth, as also of the knowledge of ourselves; who being made of earth, do savour nothing else but earth. Both of these two knowledges are to be joined and beaten together in a lump; else they help not. For our misery acknowledged, without Christ, breedeth desperation: and Christ, without sense of our vileness, presumption. Postquam ostensum fuerit mihi. - Tremell.
Mr Bradford’ s Sermon of Repent., pp. 26, 27. Bright., in loc.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 45:8
(8) But God.—Heb., but the God. The article is. rarely found with Elohim in the history of Joseph, but wherever it is added it is a sign of deep feeling on the speaker’s part. (Comp. Genesis 48:15.) It was the Elohim, who had been the object of the worship of their race, that had now interposed to save them. A father.—This was a not uncommon title of the chief minister or vizier of Oriental kings.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 45:8
Verse 8. He hath made me a father to Pharaoh] It has already been conjectured that father was a name of office in Egypt, and that father of Pharaoh might among them signify the same as prime minister or the king's minister does among us. Calmet has remarked that among the Phoenicians, Persians, Arabians, and Romans, the title of father was given to certain officers of state. The Roman emperors gave the name of father to the prefects of the Praetorium, as appears by the letters of Constantine to Ablavius. The caliphs gave the same name to their prime ministers. In Judges 17:10, Micah says to the young Levite, Dwell with me, and be unto me a FATHER and a priest. And Diodorus Siculus remarks that the teachers and counsellors of the kings of Egypt were chosen out of the priesthood.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 45:8
8. not you … but God] Notice how Joseph here for the third time ascribes his presence in Egypt to the act of God; cf. Genesis 45:5; Genesis 45:7. a father to Pharaoh] According to some scholars, the word “father” was in use among Egyptians as a technical title of honour and position; cf. the use of the word in a more general sense, 2 Kings 2:12; 1Ma 11:32; and Add. Esth. 16:11. Observe the three phrases, “father,” “lord,” and “ruler,” corresponding to Joseph’s position, personal, social, and national, i.e. towards Pharaoh, towards the people, towards the kingdom.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 45:8
8. A father to Pharaoh — A wise counsellor and intimate friend, to watch over Pharaoh’s great house and land, like a protecting father. The word father is used in such a sense in many lands.
Sermons on Genesis 45:8
| Sermon | Description | |
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No Distinction Between What God Appointed and What God Permitted. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that both God's appointments and permissions are part of His divine will, using examples from Job, Joseph, David, and Jesus to illustrate that even when faced |
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Fear Ye Not by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the story of Joseph and his brothers, highlighting how their fear and lack of peace stemmed from not truly knowing Joseph's character and intentions. Similarl |
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Your Prayer Can Change the World - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for repentance and deep radical changes in the church and its leadership. They suggest that the current emphasis in the church is pr |
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The Holy Spirit & Power for the Ministry by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the miracle of a Spirit-filled life. He refers to the crowd's questions on the day of Pentecost, asking what the events mea |
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(Genesis) Genesis 3:14-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the judgment of the fall as described in verse 14 of the Bible. He emphasizes that God must deal with the creature He made, who has turned aw |
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The Cana Miracle by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing that he had a theme in his spirit that led him to study the first miracle of Jesus at Cana in John chapter 2. He mentions a prophetica |
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Elijah - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon focuses on the theme of revival and the role of prophets like Elijah in bringing about spiritual awakening. It emphasizes the need for a return to God's ways and the im |