Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.

GENESIS 45:19KJV
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Genesis 45:19 (KJV)

What does Genesis 45:19 mean?

Genesis 45:19 records Joseph, now a powerful leader in Egypt, giving a direct order for his brothers to take wagons from Egypt to transport their families and their father Jacob back to Egypt. Joseph is making sure his family has everything needed for a safe and comfortable journey as they move to join him during the famine.

In this verse, Joseph is speaking to his brothers after revealing his identity to them. The situation is urgent because of the ongoing famine, and Joseph wants his family to relocate quickly. By providing wagons—something not common in Canaan—Joseph is using his authority to care for his family's needs and make the move as easy as possible.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 45:19

  • "Commanded" (צִוָּה, tsivvah) means to give a direct order or instruction. Here, it shows Joseph is not just suggesting but officially directing his brothers to do this.
  • "Wagons" (עֲגָלוֹת, agalot) refers to carts or vehicles for transport. Wagons were a luxury and a sign of Egyptian wealth, highlighting Joseph’s high status and the special favor shown to his family.
  • "Bring" (נָשָׂא, nasa) often means to lift, carry, or transport. The word here emphasizes the physical act of moving Jacob, showing care for his age and condition.

Why Genesis 45:19 matters

  • This verse clears up that Joseph is not just inviting his family but actively providing the means for their journey, showing both authority and compassion.
  • The mention of wagons underlines the seriousness of the move and the resources Joseph is able to command in Egypt, setting the stage for the family's transition from Canaan to Egypt.
  • It connects to the wider story by showing Joseph’s role as a provider and protector, fulfilling the earlier dreams that his family would come to him in need.

Where else these words appear

“wagons” Hebrew H5699 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 45:21 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.
  • Numbers 7:8 And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
  • 2 Samuel 6:3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.

“ones” Hebrew H2945 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
  • Numbers 31:9 And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.
  • Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;