Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.

GENESIS 45:20KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 45:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 45:20 mean?

Genesis 45:20 means that Joseph is telling his brothers not to worry about leaving their belongings behind in Canaan, because the best of everything in Egypt will be provided for them. Joseph is reassuring them that they will lack nothing when they come to live in Egypt.

In this verse, Joseph is speaking to his brothers after revealing his identity to them. He is sending them back to their father Jacob with instructions to bring the whole family to Egypt during the famine. Joseph, now a powerful leader in Egypt, promises that they will have access to all the good things the land offers, so they do not need to be concerned about their possessions left behind.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 45:20

  • "regard" (חָסַךְ, chasakh): This word often means to have concern for or to value something. Joseph is telling his brothers not to be overly concerned or anxious about their belongings.
  • "stuff" (כְּלִי, keli): This word refers to vessels, goods, or personal belongings. Joseph is saying they do not need to worry about their household items or goods.
  • "good" (טוּב, tov): This word means goodness, bounty, or the best things. Joseph is emphasizing that the finest things in Egypt will be available to them.

Why Genesis 45:20 matters

  • This verse clears up any fear the brothers might have had about losing their possessions or starting over in a new land, showing Joseph’s care for their well-being.
  • It highlights the generosity and authority Joseph now has in Egypt, able to offer his family the best the land has to offer.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of God providing for Jacob’s family during famine, setting the stage for the Israelites’ future in Egypt.

Where else these words appear

“regard” Hebrew H2347 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 7:16 And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare unto thee.
  • Psalms 72:13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
  • Ezekiel 9:5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:

“good” Hebrew H2898 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 24:10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.
  • Nehemiah 9:36 Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it:
  • Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.