Genesis 45:16
New International Version
When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased.

New Living Translation
The news soon reached Pharaoh’s palace: “Joseph’s brothers have arrived!” Pharaoh and his officials were all delighted to hear this.

English Standard Version
When the report was heard in Pharaoh’s house, “Joseph’s brothers have come,” it pleased Pharaoh and his servants.

Berean Standard Bible
When the news reached Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.

King James Bible
And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

New King James Version
Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well.

New American Standard Bible
Now when the news was heard in Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, it pleased Pharaoh and his servants.

NASB 1995
Now when the news was heard in Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, it pleased Pharaoh and his servants.

NASB 1977
Now when the news was heard in Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, it pleased Pharaoh and his servants.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the news was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” And it was good in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants.

Amplified Bible
When the news was heard in Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, it pleased Pharaoh and his servants.

Christian Standard Bible
When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace, “Joseph’s brothers have come,” Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace, “Joseph’s brothers have come,” Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.

American Standard Version
And the report thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

Contemporary English Version
When it was told in the palace that Joseph's brothers had come, the king and his officials were happy.

English Revised Version
And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Pharaoh's household heard the news that Joseph's brothers had come, Pharaoh and his officials were pleased.

Good News Translation
When the news reached the palace that Joseph's brothers had come, the king and his officials were pleased.

International Standard Version
As soon as the news reached Pharaoh's palace that Joseph's brothers had arrived, Pharaoh and his servants were ecstatic.

Majority Standard Bible
When the news reached Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.

NET Bible
Now it was reported in the household of Pharaoh, "Joseph's brothers have arrived." It pleased Pharaoh and his servants.

New Heart English Bible
Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh?s house, saying, "Joseph?s brothers have come." It pleased Pharaoh and his servants.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the fame of this was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

World English Bible
The report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” It pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the sound has been heard in the house of Pharaoh, saying, “The brothers of Joseph have come”; and it is good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants,

Young's Literal Translation
And the sound hath been heard in the house of Pharaoh, saying, 'Come have the brethren of Joseph;' and it is good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the voice was heard in the house of Pharaoh, saying, Joseph's brethren came; and it will be good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of his servants.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it was heard, and the fame was abroad in the king's court: The brethren of Joseph are come: and Pharao with all his family was glad.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And it was overheard, and the news spread by word throughout the king’s court. The brothers of Joseph had arrived, and Pharaoh was gladdened along with all his family.

New American Bible
The news reached Pharaoh’s house: “Joseph’s brothers have come.” Pharaoh and his officials were pleased.

New Revised Standard Version
When the report was heard in Pharaoh’s house, “Joseph’s brothers have come,” Pharaoh and his servants were pleased.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the news of their meeting was reported in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brothers are come; and the news pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a voice was heard in the house of Pharaoh, that said, “The brothers of Yoseph have come”, and the report was pleasing in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of his Servants.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the report thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying: 'Joseph's brethren are come'; and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the report was carried into the house of Pharao, saying, Joseph's brethren are come; and Pharao was glad, and his household.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Pharaoh Invites Jacob to Egypt
16When the news reached Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and his servants were pleased. 17Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do as follows: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan.…

Cross References
Exodus 1:8-11
Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” ...

Acts 7:13-14
On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. / Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all.

Genesis 41:37-40
This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials. / So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” / Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. ...

Genesis 47:5-6
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have come to you, / the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They may dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know of any talented men among them, put them in charge of my own livestock.”

Exodus 12:31-32
Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. / Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.”

Acts 7:9-10
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Genesis 50:18-21
His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? / As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. ...

Exodus 1:6-7
Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, / but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them.

Acts 7:11-12
Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. / When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit.

Genesis 46:31-34
Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh: ‘My brothers and my father’s household from the land of Canaan have come to me. / The men are shepherds; they raise livestock, and they have brought their flocks and herds and all that they own.’ / When Pharaoh summons you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ ...

Exodus 1:1-5
These are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: / Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; / Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; ...

Acts 7:15-16
So Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. / Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver.

Genesis 50:24-25
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” / And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”

Exodus 3:7-10
The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. / I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. / And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them. ...

Hebrews 11:22
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.


Treasury of Scripture

And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brothers are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.

it pleased Pharaoh well.

Genesis 16:6
But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.

Genesis 20:15
And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.

Genesis 34:18
And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.

Jump to Previous
Bondmen Eyes Fame Good Heard House Joseph Joseph's News Officials Palace Pharaoh Pharaoh's Pleased Reached Report Seemed Servants Sound Thereof
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Bondmen Eyes Fame Good Heard House Joseph Joseph's News Officials Palace Pharaoh Pharaoh's Pleased Reached Report Seemed Servants Sound Thereof
Genesis 45
1. Joseph makes himself known to his brothers.
5. He comforts them in God's providence.
9. He sends for his father.
16. Pharaoh confirms it.
21. Joseph furnishes then for their journey.
25. Jacob is revived with the news.














When the news reached
This phrase indicates the swift dissemination of information within the royal court. In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh's palace was a hub of activity and communication. The Hebrew word for "news" here is "שֵׁמַע" (shema), which can also mean report or rumor. This reflects the importance of oral communication in ancient times, where news traveled quickly through word of mouth, especially in a place as bustling as Pharaoh's house.

Pharaoh’s house
The term "house" in this context refers not just to a physical building but to the entire royal household, including the Pharaoh's family, servants, and officials. In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh was considered a god-king, and his household was a center of power and influence. The mention of "Pharaoh’s house" underscores the significance of Joseph's position and the impact of his family's arrival on the Egyptian court.

that Joseph’s brothers had come
This phrase highlights the reconciliation and restoration of Joseph's family. The arrival of Joseph's brothers in Egypt is a pivotal moment in the narrative, symbolizing forgiveness and the fulfillment of God's providential plan. The Hebrew word for "brothers" is "אָחִים" (achim), emphasizing the familial bond that, despite past betrayals, remains intact and is now being restored.

Pharaoh and his servants
The inclusion of both Pharaoh and his servants indicates a collective response from the Egyptian leadership. Pharaoh, as the supreme ruler, and his servants, who were likely high-ranking officials, together express a unified reaction. This reflects the hierarchical yet communal nature of ancient Egyptian governance, where the Pharaoh's decisions and emotions influenced the entire court.

were pleased
The reaction of being "pleased" is significant, as it shows Pharaoh's favor towards Joseph and his family. The Hebrew word "יָטַב" (yatab) conveys a sense of goodness or well-being. This positive response from Pharaoh and his servants not only highlights Joseph's esteemed position in Egypt but also God's favor and blessing upon Joseph's family. It underscores the theme of divine providence and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Joseph's life.

(16) It pleased Pharaoh . . . --It was of great importance, as regards the future position of the Israelites in Egypt, that they should go thither, not as men who had forced themselves on the country. but as invited guests. Hence the information that the arrival of Joseph's brethren was a thing pleasing to Pharaoh, and hence also the fulness with which his commands are recorded.

Verse 16. - And the fame thereof - literally, the voice, hence rumor (cf. Jeremiah 3:9) - was heard in Pharaoh's house (having been brought thither doubtless by some of the Court officials), saying, Joseph's brethren - it is probable that they would style him Zaphnath-paaneah (cf. Genesis 41:45) are come (i.e. are arrived in Egypt): and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants - literally, it was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants (cf. Genesis 41:37). The LXX. render ἐχάρη δὲ Φαραὼ; the Vulgate, gavisus est Pharao, i.e. Pharaoh was glad.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When the news
וְהַקֹּ֣ל (wə·haq·qōl)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

reached
נִשְׁמַ֗ע (niš·ma‘)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

Pharaoh’s
פַּרְעֹה֙ (par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

house
בֵּ֤ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

that Joseph’s
יוֹסֵ֑ף (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

brothers
אֲחֵ֣י (’ă·ḥê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 251: A brother, )

had come,
בָּ֖אוּ (bā·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

Pharaoh
פַרְעֹ֔ה (p̄ar·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

and his servants
עֲבָדָֽיו׃ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

were pleased.
וַיִּיטַב֙ (way·yî·ṭaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing


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OT Law: Genesis 45:16 The report of it was heard (Gen. Ge Gn)
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