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 45:22KJV
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Genesis 45:22 (KJV)

What does Genesis 45:22 mean?

Genesis 45:22 describes how Joseph gave each of his brothers new sets of clothing, but he gave his youngest brother Benjamin a much larger gift: three hundred pieces of silver and five sets of clothing. This verse highlights the special favor Joseph showed to Benjamin compared to his other brothers.

In this scene, Joseph—now a powerful leader in Egypt—has just revealed his identity to his brothers, who had once sold him into slavery. Joseph is preparing to send them back to their father Jacob with gifts. The verse shows both Joseph’s generosity and his special affection for Benjamin, his only full brother.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 45:22

  • The word for "changes" is חֲלִיפוֹת (chalifot), which refers to sets or changes of clothing. In ancient times, clothing was valuable, so giving new garments was a generous and meaningful gift.
  • The word for "raiment" is שִׂמְלָה (simlah), meaning a garment or outer robe. This emphasizes the practical and valuable nature of Joseph’s gifts.
  • The word for "silver" is כֶּסֶף (kesef), which simply means silver, often used as currency. The amount—three hundred pieces—shows a significant level of generosity toward Benjamin.

Why Genesis 45:22 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about whether Joseph treated all his brothers equally; it shows he gave Benjamin special honor, which echoes earlier family dynamics and sets up later events.
  • The emphasis on clothing and silver highlights the material generosity Joseph showed, which was a sign of reconciliation and goodwill.
  • The verse connects to the wider story of Joseph’s relationship with his brothers, showing both forgiveness and lingering family bonds, especially with Benjamin.

Where else these words appear

“changes” Hebrew H2487 · used in 11 verses

  • Judges 14:12 And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty change of garments:
  • 1 Kings 5:14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy.
  • 2 Kings 5:23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.

“raiment” Hebrew H8071 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
  • Exodus 19:14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.
  • Judges 8:25 And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey.