Genesis 45:20

20 They are not to worry about leaving their possessions behind; the best in the whole land of Egypt will be theirs."

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 Let them get their father and their families and come back here. I will give them the best land in Egypt, and they will have more than enough to live on.
19 Tell them also to take wagons with them from Egypt for their wives and small children and to bring their father with them.
20 They are not to worry about leaving their possessions behind; the best in the whole land of Egypt will be theirs."
21 Jacob's sons did as they were told. Joseph gave them wagons, as the king had ordered, and food for the trip.
22 He also gave each of them a change of clothes, but he gave Benjamin three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothes.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.