Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

GENESIS 45:5KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 45:5 (KJV)

What does Genesis 45:5 mean?

Genesis 45:5 shows Joseph telling his brothers not to be upset or angry with themselves for selling him into slavery, because he sees that God used their actions to send him ahead to Egypt in order to save lives. Joseph reframes their betrayal as part of a bigger plan that brought good out of harm.

Joseph is speaking to his brothers after revealing his identity to them in Egypt. Years earlier, they sold him as a slave out of jealousy, but now Joseph is a powerful leader during a famine. Instead of blaming them, Joseph reassures them that God had a purpose in what happened, using his difficult journey to provide food and survival for many people.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 45:5

  • "grieved" (עָצַב, 'atsav) means to be distressed or pained. Joseph is telling his brothers not to let themselves be weighed down with sorrow over their past actions.
  • "angry" (חָרָה, charah) often means to burn with anger or be deeply upset. Joseph urges them not to be harsh or angry with themselves, showing he wants to ease their guilt.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) is the word used for God here, emphasizing that it was God, not just human choices, directing the outcome.
  • "send" (שָׁלַח, shalach) means to send or dispatch. Joseph says God "sent" him ahead, highlighting that what seemed like misfortune was actually a purposeful sending by God.

Why Genesis 45:5 matters

  • Genesis 45:5 helps clear up the idea that only good actions can lead to good outcomes, showing that even wrong choices can be woven into a larger, positive plan.
  • The verse shifts the focus from human guilt and blame to God's ability to use difficult situations for a greater purpose.
  • This moment is a turning point in Joseph's story, revealing his forgiveness and understanding, and it sets the stage for reconciliation within his family.

Where else these words appear

“life” Hebrew H4241 · used in 8 verses

  • Leviticus 13:10 And the priest shall see him: and, behold, if the rising be white in the skin, and it have turned the hair white, and there be quick raw flesh in the rising;
  • Judges 6:4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:13 And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil.

“grieved” Hebrew H6087 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
  • 1 Kings 1:6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.
  • Psalms 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

“sold” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:42 For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.
  • Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.

“angry” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 7:4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.