Genesis 45:20

20 Don't worry about having to leave things behind; the best in all of Egypt will be yours.'"

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 families and bring them back here. I'll settle you on the best land in Egypt - you'll live off the fat of the land.'
19 "Also tell them this: 'Here's what I want you to do: Take wagons from Egypt to carry your little ones and your wives and load up your father and come back.
20 Don't worry about having to leave things behind; the best in all of Egypt will be yours.'"
21 And they did just that, the sons of Israel. Joseph gave them the wagons that Pharaoh had promised and food for the trip.
22 He outfitted all the brothers in brand-new clothes, but he gave Benjamin three hundred pieces of silver and several suits of clothes.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.