Genesis 45:8
New International Version
“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

New Living Translation
So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.

English Standard Version
So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

New American Standard Bible
Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

NASB 1995
“Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

NASB 1977
“Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Legacy Standard Bible
So now, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has set me as a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Amplified Bible
So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.”

American Standard Version
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 ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Contemporary English Version
After all, you weren't really the ones who sent me here--it was God. He made me the highest official in the king's court and placed me over all Egypt.

English Revised Version
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 ruler over all the land of Egypt.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It wasn't you who sent me here, but God. He has made me [like] a father to Pharaoh, lord over his entire household, and ruler of Egypt.

Good News Translation
So it was not really you who sent me here, but God. He has made me the king's highest official. I am in charge of his whole country; I am the ruler of all Egypt.

International Standard Version
As a result, it wasn't you who sent me here, but God himself! He established me as a father-figure to Pharaoh himself! I'm in charge of his entire palace and ruler over the entire land of Egypt.

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh?lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

NET Bible
So now, it is not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me an adviser to Pharaoh, lord over all his household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

New Heart English Bible
So now, it wasn?t you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and now, you have not sent me here, but God, and He sets me for a father to Pharaoh, and for lord to all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Young's Literal Translation
and now, ye -- ye have not sent me hither, but God, and He doth set me for a father to Pharaoh, and for lord to all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Smith's Literal Translation
And now not you sent me here, but God: and he placed me for a father to Pharaoh, and for lord to all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Not by your counsel was I sent hither, but by the will of God: who hath made me as it were a father to Pharao, and lord of his whold house, and governor in all the land of Egypt.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I was sent here, not by your counsel, but by the will of God. He has caused me to be like a father to Pharaoh, and to be the lord of his entire house, as well as governor throughout all the land of Egypt.

New American Bible
So it was not really you but God who had me come here; and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his household, and ruler over the whole land of Egypt.

New Revised Standard Version
So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord over all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And now, it was not you who sent me here, but God made me a father to Pharaoh and Lord over all his house and Ruler in all the land of Egypt.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now then ye did not send me hither, but God; and he hath made me as a father of Pharao, and lord of all his house, and ruler of all the land of Egypt.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joseph Reveals His Identity
7God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh— lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Cross References
Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Genesis 50:20
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.

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.

Psalm 105:16-22
He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. / He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, ...

Isaiah 46:10
I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’

Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Ephesians 1:11
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.

1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. / Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Job 12:9-10
Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? / The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind.

John 19:11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.


Treasury of Scripture

So now it was not you that sent me here, but God: and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

it was not.

Genesis 45:5
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 19:11
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

father.

Genesis 41:39-48
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: …

Judges 17:10
And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in.

Job 29:16
I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

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Egypt Entire Governor Hither House Household Pharaoh Ruler Throughout Wasn't
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.














So then
This phrase serves as a conclusion to Joseph's revelation to his brothers. It indicates a turning point in the narrative, where Joseph is about to reveal a divine perspective on the events that have transpired. The Hebrew word used here, "וְעַתָּה" (ve'atah), often signifies a transition or a summation, inviting the listener to consider the implications of what has been previously stated.

it was not you who sent me here
Joseph absolves his brothers of ultimate responsibility for his being in Egypt. The Hebrew verb "שָׁלַח" (shalach) means "to send" and is used here to emphasize the agency behind Joseph's journey. Joseph's statement reflects a profound understanding of divine providence, suggesting that human actions, while significant, are ultimately under God's sovereign control.

but God
This phrase is pivotal, highlighting the central theme of divine sovereignty. The Hebrew word for God here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a term that denotes God's power and authority. Joseph's recognition of God's hand in his life is a testament to his faith and understanding that God orchestrates events for a greater purpose, even when human intentions are flawed.

He has made me
The phrase underscores God's active role in Joseph's rise to power. The Hebrew verb "שׂוּם" (sum) means "to set" or "to place," indicating that Joseph's position was not self-achieved but divinely appointed. This reflects the biblical theme that God elevates individuals according to His will and purpose.

a father to Pharaoh
This metaphorical expression signifies Joseph's role as an advisor and protector to Pharaoh. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a "father" was a figure of authority and guidance. Joseph's position is unique, as he, a Hebrew, becomes a trusted counselor to the Egyptian king, illustrating God's ability to transcend cultural and national boundaries.

lord of all his household
Joseph's authority extends over Pharaoh's entire household, signifying a position of immense trust and responsibility. The Hebrew word "אָדוֹן" (adon) means "lord" or "master," and its use here emphasizes Joseph's comprehensive control and influence within the Egyptian court.

and ruler over all the land of Egypt
This phrase highlights the extent of Joseph's authority, which encompasses the entire nation. The Hebrew word "מָשַׁל" (mashal) means "to rule" or "to govern," indicating that Joseph's leadership is both extensive and divinely sanctioned. His governance is a fulfillment of God's promise and a testament to God's faithfulness in elevating His chosen servants to positions of influence for His purposes.

(8) But God.--Heb., but the God. The article is. rarely found with Elohim in the history of Joseph, but wherever it is added it is a sign of deep feeling on the speaker's part. (Comp. Genesis 48:15.) It was the Elohim, who had been the object of the worship of their race, that had now interposed to save them.

A father.--This was a not uncommon title of the chief minister or vizier of Oriental kings.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Therefore
וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

it was not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

you
אַתֶּ֞ם (’at·tem)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

who sent
שְׁלַחְתֶּ֤ם (šə·laḥ·tem)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

me here,
הֵ֔נָּה (hên·nāh)
Adverb
Strong's 2008: Hither, thither

but
כִּ֖י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

God,
הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

who has made me
וַיְשִׂימֵ֨נִֽי (way·śî·mê·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

Pharaoh's
לְפַרְעֹ֗ה (lə·p̄ar·‘ōh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

adviser—
לְאָ֜ב (lə·’āḇ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

lord
וּלְאָדוֹן֙ (ū·lə·’ā·ḏō·wn)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

of all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his household
בֵּית֔וֹ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

and ruler
וּמֹשֵׁ֖ל (ū·mō·šêl)
Conjunctive waw | 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
אֶ֥רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

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


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OT Law: Genesis 45:8 So now it wasn't you who sent (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 45:7
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