And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way.

GENESIS 45:23KJV
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Genesis 45:23 (KJV)

What does Genesis 45:23 mean?

Genesis 45:23 describes Joseph sending generous supplies from Egypt to his father Jacob: ten donkeys loaded with Egypt’s best goods, and ten female donkeys carrying grain, bread, and other food for the journey. This shows Joseph’s care for his father and his desire to provide for his family’s needs as they travel to Egypt.

In this scene, Joseph is speaking from his position as a powerful leader in Egypt, arranging for his brothers to bring their father Jacob down from Canaan. The verse highlights both the abundance of Egypt and Joseph’s thoughtful provision, ensuring Jacob will have plenty for the journey and a taste of Egypt’s wealth before he even arrives.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 45:23

  • The word for “asses” (חֲמֹרִים, chamorim) and “she asses” (אֲתֹנֹת, atonot) distinguishes between male and female donkeys, showing careful planning—male donkeys for carrying goods, female donkeys for carrying food, which may have been considered gentler or more suitable for certain loads.
  • The word for “laden” (נָשָׂא, nasa) means “to lift” or “to carry,” emphasizing the donkeys were heavily loaded, not just lightly packed.
  • The word for “good things” (טוּב, tuv) refers to the best or finest products of Egypt, suggesting Joseph wanted to impress and bless his father with Egypt’s abundance.
  • The word for “way” (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh) means “road” or “journey,” clarifying that the food was specifically intended to sustain Jacob during his travel, not just as a gift.

Why Genesis 45:23 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Joseph’s invitation was only words—he backed it up with real, practical help, showing genuine care for his father’s well-being.
  • The verse emphasizes Joseph’s high status in Egypt, as he could command such resources and send the “good things” of the land.
  • Genesis 45:23 connects to the larger story of Joseph’s reconciliation with his family, showing that his forgiveness was matched by generosity and a desire to reunite the family in safety and abundance.

Where else these words appear

“meat” Hebrew H4202 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 11:23 And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.

“corn” Hebrew H1250 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 41:35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
  • Job 39:4 Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them.
  • Jeremiah 23:28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

“asses” Hebrew H860 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 22:29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
  • 1 Samuel 10:14 And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.

“things” 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.