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Genesis 45:17

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;

Genesis 45:17 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Genesis, Pharaoh instructs Joseph to tell his brothers to return to the land of Canaan with their livestock. Pharaoh's command reveals his favorable attitude towards Joseph and his family, expressing a desire for them to go back to their homeland. This directive highlights the importance of familial relationships and the significance of returning to one's roots. Additionally, it demonstrates Pharaoh's generosity and concern for Joseph and his family, allowing them to leave Egypt with their possessions. The verse also points to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as their descendants prepare to return to the land that was promised to them. Overall, this verse showcases themes of family, homeland, and divine providence, illustrating the interconnectedness of these concepts in the biblical narrative.

Theological Overview

One interesting theological interpretation of this verse from Genesis is the symbolism behind Pharaoh instructing Joseph to tell his brothers to return to the land of Canaan. Some scholars believe that this command reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty over his people and His ability to fulfill His promises. In this context, the return to Canaan can be seen as a symbolic journey of faith and obedience, as the brothers are going back to the land that God had promised to them and their ancestors. This verse highlights the theme of divine providence in the narrative, showing how God is orchestrating events to bring about His ultimate purposes.

Genesis 45:17 in other translations

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye: lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;

World English Bible

Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this. Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan.

Douay-Rheims

And he spoke to Joseph that he should give orders to his brethren, saying: Load your beasts, and go into the land of Chanaan,

Geneva Bible (1599)

Then Pharaoh said vnto Ioseph, Say to thy brethren, This doe ye, lade your beastes and depart, go to the land of Canaan,