Genesis 45:26
New International Version
They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them.

New Living Translation
“Joseph is still alive!” they told him. “And he is governor of all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned at the news—he couldn’t believe it.

English Standard Version
And they told him, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” And his heart became numb, for he did not believe them.

Berean Standard Bible
“Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them.

Berean Literal Bible
and they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive! And he is ruling in all the land of Egypt.” And his heart went numb for he did not believe them.

King James Bible
And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not.

New King James Version
And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them.

New American Standard Bible
And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and indeed he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” But he was stunned, for he did not believe them.

NASB 1995
They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and indeed he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” But he was stunned, for he did not believe them.

NASB 1977
And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and indeed he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” But he was stunned, for he did not believe them.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and indeed he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” But his heart was stunned, for he did not believe them.

Amplified Bible
and they said to him, “Joseph is still alive, and indeed he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” But Jacob was stunned and his heart almost stopped beating, because he did not believe them.

Berean Annotated Bible
“Joseph (YHWH has added) is still alive, they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt (land of bondage)! But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them.

Christian Standard Bible
They said, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt! ” Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They said, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them.

American Standard Version
And they told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt. And his heart fainted, for he believed them not.

Contemporary English Version
they told their father that Joseph was still alive and was the ruler of Egypt. But their father was so surprised that he could not believe them.

English Revised Version
And they told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt. And his heart fainted, for he believed them not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They told him, "Joseph is still alive! Yes, he is ruler of Egypt." Jacob was stunned and didn't believe them.

Good News Translation
"Joseph is still alive!" they told him. "He is the ruler of all Egypt!" Jacob was stunned and could not believe them.

International Standard Version
where they informed their father, "Joseph is still alive! As a matter of fact, he's ruling the entire land of Egypt." But Jacob didn't believe them, because he had become cynical.

NET Bible
They told him, "Joseph is still alive and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!" Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them.

New Heart English Bible
And they told him, saying, "Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt." But he was unmoved, because he did not believe them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them.

World English Bible
They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” His heart fainted, for he didn’t believe them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they declare to him, saying, “Joseph [is] yet alive,” and that he [is] ruler over all the land of Egypt; and his heart ceases, for he has not given credence to them.

Berean Literal Bible
and they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive! And he is ruling in all the land of Egypt.” And his heart went numb for he did not believe them.

Young's Literal Translation
and they declare to him, saying, 'Joseph is yet alive,' and that he is ruler over all the land of Egypt; and his heart ceaseth, for he hath not given credence to them.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will announce to him, saying, Joseph is yet living, and that he the ruler over all the land of Egypt. And his heart will be cold for he believed them not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they told him, saying: Joseph thy son is living: and he is ruler in all the land of Egypt. Which when Jacob heard, he awaked as it were out of a deep sleep, yet did not believe them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they reported to him, saying: “Your son Joseph is alive, and he is ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. When Jacob heard this, he was stirred up, as if from a deep sleep, yet he did not believe them.

New American Bible
When they told him, “Joseph is still alive—in fact, it is he who is governing all the land of Egypt,” he was unmoved, for he did not believe them.

New Revised Standard Version
And they told him, “Joseph is still alive! He is even ruler over all the land of Egypt.” He was stunned; he could not believe them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they told him, saying, Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. But Jacob disregarded their story, for he did not believe them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they told him and they said to him, “Yoseph is still alive and he is Ruler in all the land of Egypt”, and he turned away in his heart because he did not believe them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they told him, saying: 'Joseph is yet alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.' And his heart fainted, for he believed them not.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they reported to him, saying, Thy son Joseph is living, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt; and Jacob was amazed, for he did not believe them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Revival of Jacob
25So the brothers went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26“Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. 27However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived.…

Cross References
“Joseph is still alive,”

Genesis 46:30
Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”

1 Kings 17:23
Then Elijah took the child, brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. “Look, your son is alive,” Elijah declared.

2 Kings 4:36
Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite woman.” So he called her and she came. Then Elisha said, “Pick up your son.”
they said,

Genesis 37:32-33
They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.” / His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!”

Luke 24:9-10
And when they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. / It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.
“and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!”

Genesis 41:40-44
You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” / Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. …

Acts 7:10
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.

Psalm 105:21-22
He made him master of his household, ruler over all his substance, / to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.
But Jacob was stunned,

Genesis 37:33-35
His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” / Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.

1 Samuel 4:18
As soon as the ark of God was mentioned, Eli fell backward from his chair by the city gate, and being old and heavy, he broke his neck and died. And Eli had judged Israel forty years.
for he did not believe them.

Luke 24:11
But their words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.

Mark 16:11
And when they heard that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they did not believe it.

Mark 16:13
And they went back and reported it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.
Genesis 42:36
Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons. Joseph is gone and Simeon is no more. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is going against me!”

Genesis 44:28
When one of them was gone, I said: “Surely he has been torn to pieces.” And I have not seen him since.

Genesis 46:29-30
Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. / Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”


Treasury of Scripture

And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not.

Joseph.

Luke 24:34
Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

and he is.

Genesis 45:8,9
So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt…

Psalm 105:21
He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:

And Jacob's.

Genesis 37:35
And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

Genesis 42:36,38
And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me…

Genesis 44:28
And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since:

he believed.

Job 9:16
If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.

Job 29:24
If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.

Psalm 126:1
A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

Jump to Previous
Alive Believe Believed Egypt Fact Fainted Governor Heart Indeed Jacob Jacob's Joseph Overcome Quite Ruler Stunned Word
Jump to Next
Alive Believe Believed Egypt Fact Fainted Governor Heart Indeed Jacob Jacob's Joseph Overcome Quite Ruler Stunned Word
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.












Joseph is still alive,
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and presumed dead by his father, Jacob. The revelation of Joseph's survival is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. It echoes the theme of resurrection and restoration, as Joseph's life is a type of Christ, who was also thought to be dead but is alive. This moment fulfills the dreams Joseph had in his youth, which were divinely inspired and foretold his rise to prominence.

they said,
The brothers, who once conspired against Joseph, now become the bearers of good news. Their transformation from deceitful siblings to truthful messengers highlights the theme of repentance and redemption. This change in character is significant in the broader narrative of reconciliation within the family of Jacob.

and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!
Joseph's rise to power in Egypt is a remarkable story of divine intervention and favor. As second-in-command to Pharaoh, Joseph's position is a fulfillment of God's promise and a demonstration of His sovereignty. This mirrors the story of Daniel, who also rose to prominence in a foreign land. Joseph's role as a ruler prefigures Christ's ultimate authority over all nations, as seen in Philippians 2:9-11.

But Jacob was stunned,
Jacob's initial reaction of shock is understandable given the years of grief he endured believing Joseph was dead. This moment of disbelief is a natural human response to unexpected joy and fulfillment of long-lost hope. It reflects the emotional depth and complexity of the biblical characters, making their stories relatable and profound.

for he did not believe them.
Jacob's skepticism is reminiscent of the disciples' initial disbelief at the resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:11). This doubt underscores the extraordinary nature of the news and sets the stage for a deeper revelation and confirmation of truth. It also highlights the theme of faith and the challenge of believing in God's promises despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
Once sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rises to become the ruler over Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. His journey from suffering to prominence is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness.

2. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob is initially disbelieving upon hearing the news of Joseph's survival and status. His life is marked by struggles and divine encounters.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph rises to power. It serves as a place of both refuge and testing for the Israelites.

4. Joseph's Brothers
They are the bearers of the news to Jacob. Their earlier betrayal of Joseph is now contrasted with their role in reuniting the family.

5. The Famine
A significant event that leads Jacob's sons to Egypt, setting the stage for the revelation of Joseph's identity and God's plan for Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Providence
Joseph's rise to power in Egypt demonstrates God's control over circumstances, even when they seem dire. Trust in God's plan, even when it is not immediately visible.

The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers and the restoration of his family highlight the importance of forgiveness in healing and restoring relationships.

Faith in God's Promises
Jacob's initial disbelief turns to faith, reminding us to trust in God's promises, even when they seem impossible.

The Role of Trials in Spiritual Growth
Joseph's trials prepared him for leadership and service. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and preparation for God's purposes.

The Importance of Family and Legacy
The reunion of Jacob's family underscores the significance of family unity and the continuation of God's covenant promises through generations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 45:26?

2. How does Genesis 45:26 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Joseph's life journey?

3. What emotions might Jacob have felt upon hearing "Joseph is still alive"?

4. How can we trust God's plans when circumstances seem dire, like Jacob's?

5. Compare Jacob's disbelief in Genesis 45:26 to Thomas's doubt in John 20:25.

6. How can we encourage others to believe in God's promises despite past hardships?

7. How did Jacob react to the news that Joseph was alive in Genesis 45:26?

8. Why did Jacob initially not believe his sons in Genesis 45:26?

9. What does Genesis 45:26 reveal about family dynamics and trust?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 45?

11. Who were the believers in the Old Testament?

12. Who brought Joseph to Egypt: the Ishmaelites who bought him (Genesis 37:28), the Midianites who sold him (Genesis 37:36), or his brothers who sold him (Genesis 45:4)?

13. Genesis 50:24-25 mentions Joseph's assurance that his bones will eventually leave Egypt. Is there any extrabiblical evidence suggesting a later fulfillment of this promise?

14. How should we respond to betrayal and deceit?
What Does Genesis 45:26 Mean
“Joseph is still alive,”

- The brothers’ declaration reverses years of grief beginning in Genesis 37:31-35 when Jacob concluded, “Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!”

- God’s providence shines: what looked hopeless is overturned, echoing Romans 8:28—God works all things for good.

- Like the disciples hearing of Christ’s resurrection (Luke 24:34), the news of life where death was assumed signals divine intervention and faithfulness.


“and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!”

- Joseph’s elevation fulfills the earlier dreams Jacob once rebuked (Genesis 37:5-11) and Pharaoh’s appointment in Genesis 41:40-44.

- The statement shows God’s sovereignty in pagan settings, paralleling Daniel’s rise in Babylon (Daniel 2:48).

- It also secures the preservation of the covenant family (Genesis 45:7)—God positions His servant beforehand to provide in famine, reminiscent of Esther 4:14.


But Jacob was stunned,

- The Hebrew narrative paints Jacob’s heart “numb” (Genesis 45:26, alt.). Long-nurtured sorrow makes sudden joy hard to absorb, similar to Psalm 126:1, “When the LORD restored the captives… we were like those who dream.”

- Shock often precedes belief; Zacharias reacted likewise to Gabriel’s announcement (Luke 1:18-20).


for he did not believe them.

- Unbelief isn’t final; Jacob soon revives when he sees the evidence (Genesis 45:27). Thomas follows the same path to faith in John 20:24-29.

- The episode illustrates that faith grows through testimony plus tangible confirmation—wagons, provisions, and eventually Joseph’s own embrace (Genesis 46:29).

- God accommodates human weakness, turning doubt into strengthened trust, exactly what He later does for Gideon with the fleece (Judges 6:36-40).


summary

Genesis 45:26 captures the dramatic moment when decades of grief collide with God’s redemptive plan. The announcement of Joseph’s life and authority reveals the Lord’s unwavering purpose, the reliability of earlier promises, and His tender patience with a father slow to believe. What seemed lost is found, what seemed dead is alive, and through it all God preserves His people and keeps His word.

(26) Jacob's heart fainted.--Heb., grew cold. This was not the effect of incredulity or suspicion, but of surprise. Jacob, crushed by the loss of the child who had taken the place of his beloved Rachel in his heart, had nothing left to interest him except Benjamin. When, therefore, the news come that Joseph still lives, his mind cannot open itself to receive the joyful tidings, and their first effect is to chill him with a renewed sense of his loss. It is only when he sees the wagons, and other clear proofs of the fact, that life returns to his benumbed faculties, and he becomes capable of joy.



Parallel Commentaries ...


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

is still
ע֚וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

alive,”
חַ֔י (ḥay)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

they said,
וַיַּגִּ֨דוּ (way·yag·gi·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

“and
וְכִֽי־ (wə·ḵî-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he
ה֥וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is ruler
מֹשֵׁ֖ל (mō·šêl)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4910: To rule, have dominion, reign

over all
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the land
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Egypt!”
מִצְרָ֑יִם (miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

But Jacob was stunned,
וַיָּ֣פָג (way·yā·p̄āḡ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6313: To be sluggish

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he did not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

believe them.
הֶאֱמִ֖ין (he·’ĕ·mîn)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 539: To confirm, support


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OT Law: Genesis 45:26 They told him saying Joseph is still (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 45:25
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