King James Version

What Does Genesis 45:22 Mean?

Genesis 45:22 in the King James Version says “To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five cha...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.”

Genesis 45:22 · KJV

Context

20

Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours. regard: Heb. let not your eye spare, etc.

21

And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way. commandment: Heb. mouth

22

To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.

23

And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way. laden: Heb. carrying

24

So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of ... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לְכֻלָּ֥ם1 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נָתַן֙2 of 13

“To all of them he gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָאִ֖ישׁ3 of 13
H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

חֲלִפֹ֥ת4 of 13

“changes”

H2487

alternation

שְׂמָלֹֽת׃5 of 13

“of raiment”

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

וּלְבִנְיָמִ֤ן6 of 13

“but to Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

נָתַן֙7 of 13

“To all of them he gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שְׁלֹ֣שׁ8 of 13

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵא֣וֹת9 of 13

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

כֶּ֔סֶף10 of 13

“pieces of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְחָמֵ֖שׁ11 of 13

“and five”

H2568

five

חֲלִפֹ֥ת12 of 13

“changes”

H2487

alternation

שְׂמָלֹֽת׃13 of 13

“of raiment”

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 45:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 45:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 43:342 Kings 5:5Judges 14:122 Kings 5:22-23Revelation 6:11Judges 14:19

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