Genesis 45:20

20 Do not be concerned about your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.' "[a]

Genesis 45:20 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 45:20

Also regard not your stuff
Or "your vessels" F7, utensils, household goods; he would not have them to be concerned if they could not bring all their goods with them, but were obliged to leave some behind, and which, because of the distance of the way and difficulty of the road, lying through sandy deserts, could not well be brought, since there was enough to be had in the land of Egypt; therefore, as it may be rendered, "let not your eye spare" F8, or "pity": do not be grieved at it, or say it is a pity to leave these good things behind. Some render and explain the words just the reverse, "leave nothing of your household goods" F9; bring all away with you, as if he would not have them think of returning again, but of settling and continuing in Egypt; but this does not so well agree with what follows as the former sense does: for the good of all the land of Egypt [is] yours:
whatever good things were in it, whether for food or use for themselves, their houses, or their flocks, all were at their service, and they were welcome to them; or the best or most fruitful part of the country was designed for them, and would be given to them, or was at their option.


FOOTNOTES:

F7 (Mkylk le) "vasis vestris", Fagius, Drusius, "supellectilibus vestris", Pagninus, Schmidt; "propter vestra supellectilia", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.
F8 (oxt la Mknye) "oculus vester non parcat", Pagninus, Montanus, Munster, Drusius, Schmidt.
F9 "Nee dimittatis quicquam de supellectili vestra", V. L. so Mercerus.

Genesis 45:20 In-Context

18 Get your father and your households, and come back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you can eat from the richness of the land.'
19 You are also commanded, 'Do this: Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your young children, your wives, and bring your father here.
20 Do not be concerned about your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.' "
21 The sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them wagons as Pharaoh had commanded, and he gave them provisions for the journey.
22 He gave each of the brothers changes of clothes, but he gave Benjamin 300 pieces of silver and five changes of clothes.

Footnotes 1

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