Genesis 45:5 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

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

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

So now, don't be upset or angry with yourselves for selling me into slavery here, because God sent me ahead of you to save lives.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Joseph is telling his brothers not to feel guilty about selling him into slavery because God used their actions to put him in a position where he could save many people from famine.

📚 Historical Context

This occurs when Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers who had sold him into slavery years earlier. Egypt was experiencing abundance while surrounding nations faced severe famine, and Joseph, now second in command in Egypt, was distributing food to save lives. His brothers had come to Egypt seeking grain, not knowing they were dealing with the brother they had betrayed.

Explore Similar Verses

Nehemiah 5:5

Yet we are the same people as our fellow Jews, and our children are just like their children. But look—we're having to sell our sons and daughters into slavery to survive, and some of our daughters have already been enslaved. We don't have the power to buy them back because other people now own our lands and vineyards.

Genesis 37:27

Come on, let's sell him to the Ishmaelites instead of killing him ourselves. After all, he is our brother—our own flesh and blood. And his brothers agreed to this plan.

Genesis 50:17

This is what you should say to Joseph: 'Please forgive your brothers for the wrong they did to you and the evil they committed against you. Now we beg you, please forgive us, the servants of your father's God.' When they said this to Joseph, he wept.

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