King James Version

What Does Genesis 45:5 Mean?

Genesis 45:5 in the King James Version says “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to prese...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. nor: Heb. neither let there be anger in your eyes”

Genesis 45:5 · KJV

Context

3

And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. troubled: or, terrified

4

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.

5

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. nor: Heb. neither let there be anger in your eyes

6

For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.

7

And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. to preserve: Heb. to put for you a remnant

Read Genesis 45 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me... 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. What theological truths about Joseph Reveals Identity emerge from this passage?
  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 · 15 words
וְעַתָּ֣ה׀1 of 15
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אַל2 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּעָ֣צְב֗וּ3 of 15

“Now therefore be not grieved”

H6087

properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion

וְאַל4 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִ֙חַר֙5 of 15

“nor angry”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

בְּעֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם6 of 15

“with yourselves”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כִּֽי7 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם8 of 15

“that ye sold”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

אֹתִ֖י9 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הֵ֑נָּה10 of 15
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

כִּ֣י11 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְמִֽחְיָ֔ה12 of 15

“to preserve life”

H4241

preservation of life; hence, sustenance; also the live flesh, i.e., the quick

שְׁלָחַ֥נִי13 of 15

“did send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֱלֹהִ֖ים14 of 15

“me hither for God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לִפְנֵיכֶֽם׃15 of 15

“me before you”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 45:5 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 45:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 50:20Acts 7:9-15Genesis 45:7-8Job 1:21Acts 2:23-24Psalms 105:16-17

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Genesis 45 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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