Genesis 45:23 · Bible study
Genesis 45:23 Commentary: Joseph's Generous Gift
Hebrew · 7 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Examine the significance of Joseph's lavish gift to Jacob: ten donkeys loaded with Egypt's best, revealing filial love and the depth of reconciliation.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Joseph sends a generous gift of food and luxury items to his father Jacob as a concrete expression of love and reconciliation.
- Key words: tuv (good things, abundance), mazon (prepared food, delicacies), bar (grain), lechem (bread).
- Main debate: Exact contents of “good things”, old wine (Gill) versus sweetmeats or preserves (Clarke), and whether the gift mirrors Jacob’s earlier gift (Genesis 43:11).
- Theological theme: Abundant provision as proof of forgiveness and filial love; God’s grace exceeding what is asked.
- Best use: A model of practical, personal generosity that meets both physical and emotional needs.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
And he sent to his father the following: ten donkeys loaded with the best of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and provisions for his father’s journey.
WEB World English Bible 2000
He sent the following to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and provision for his father by the way.
KJV King James Version 1769
And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And to his father he sent after this manner: ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she-asses laden with grain and bread and provision for his father by the way.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and to his father he hath sent thus: ten asses bearing of the good things of Egypt, and ten she-asses bearing corn and bread, even food for his father for the way.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And to his father he sent this: ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she-asses laden with corn and bread, and food for his father by the way.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Sending to his father as much money and raiment; adding besides, ten he-asses, to carry off all the riches of Egypt, and as many she-asses, carrying wheat and bread for the journey.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y á su padre envió esto: diez asnos cargados de lo mejor de Egipto, y diez asnas cargadas de trigo, y pan y comida, para su padre en el camino.
E a seu pai enviou isto: dez asnos carregados do melhor do Egito, e dez asnas carregadas de trigo, e pão e comida, para seu pai no caminho.
Il envoya à son père dix ânes chargés de ce qu’ il y avait de meilleur en Égypte, et dix ânesses chargées de blé, de pain et de vivres, pour son père pendant le voyage.
Und seinem Vater sandte er dabei zehn Esel, mit Gut aus Ägypten beladen, und zehn Eselinnen mit Getreide und Brot und Speise seinem Vater auf den Weg.
En zijn vader desgelijks zond hij tien ezelen, dragende van het beste van Egypte, en tien ezelinnen, dragende koren, en brood, en spijze voor zijn vader op den weg.
e a suo padre mandò questo: dieci asini carichi delle migliori cose d’Egitto, dieci asine cariche di grano, di pane e di viveri, per suo padre, durante il viaggio.
Ojcu też swemu posłał te rzeczy: dziesięć osłów, niosących z najlepszych rzeczy Egipskich, i dziesięć oślic, niosących zboże, i chleb, i żywność ojcu jego na drogę.
также и отцу своему послал десять ослов, навьюченных лучшими произведениями Египетскими, и десять ослиц, навьюченных зерном, хлебом и припасами отцу своему на путь.
送 給他父親 公驢 十匹，馱著 埃及 的美物，母驢 十匹，馱著 糧食 與餅 和菜，為他父親 路上用。
And to his father he sent ten asses with good things from Egypt on their backs, and ten she-asses with grain and bread and food for his father on the journey.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Genesis 45:23
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Joseph’s gift to his father is lavish and intentional. The scale, ten donkeys and ten female donkeys, signals abundance, not mere sufficiency. Gill notes that the “good things of Egypt” (Hebrew tuv mitsrayim) likely included old wine, a detail from the Talmud cited by Jarchi, indicating Joseph sent what would comfort an elderly man. For the “meat” (Hebrew mazon), Adam Clarke clarifies it means prepared delicacies, perhaps aromatic preserves like those mentioned in 2 Chronicles 16:14. The gift mirrors the “choice fruits” Jacob had earlier sent to the Egyptian ruler (Genesis 43:11), now returned many times over. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown connect the generous scale to the earlier “five messes of Benjamin”, a token of filial love. Across all traditions, the consensus is that Joseph’s gift embodies genuine reconciliation and provision for the journey ahead. Nothing is held back.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Joseph sent substantial material support to his father Jacob, demonstrating his love and the reality of his position in Egypt. The gift is both practical and symbolic of full reconciliation.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Contents of 'good things of Egypt' | All commentators agree Joseph sent the finest food and drink Egypt could offer. | Gill (citing the Talmud) specifies old wine; Adam Clarke suggests aromatic preserves or potted meat. Aben Ezra lists legumes, figs, and dates. The Hebrew <em>tuv</em> is general, allowing for variety across traditions. |
| Symbolism of the number ten | The number likely expresses completeness or a full measure. | Some traditions (e.g., Calvin) focus on the sheer scale as evidence of genuine love; others see the pairing of male and female donkeys as ensuring both immediate and ongoing provision. Most agree the exact number is less important than the lavish intention. |
| Relationship to Jacob's earlier gift | Both gifts represent the best of the land at that time. | Some commentators (Keil & Delitzsch, JFB) see Joseph’s gift as a deliberate return of Jacob’s earlier present (Genesis 43:11), now multiplied. Others view it as Joseph’s own initiative, independent of reciprocity. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Joseph’s gift must be understood in the narrative flow of Genesis 45. Moments earlier, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, wept, and forgave them. Pharaoh then commanded Joseph to bring his entire family to Egypt, providing wagons for transport (vv. 19, 21). Within this frame, Joseph adds his own personal gift to his father Jacob: twenty donkeys carrying provisions.
The Hebrew word for “good things” (tuv) appears often in contexts of abundance, the “good of the land” (Genesis 45:18, 20) that Pharaoh promised. Joseph is not only following orders; he is exceeding expectations. He sends ten male donkeys laden with the finer goods of Egypt, perhaps wine, spices, or preserved meats (as Clarke suggests from mazon), and ten female donkeys carrying staple foods: grain, bread, and additional provisions for the journey itself.
Donkeys were the primary pack animals of the ancient Near East. The number ten may carry symbolic weight, reflecting completeness or a full measure. Jacob had once sent his sons with a small gift of balm, honey, and spices to the Egyptian ruler (43:11). That gift came from a land of famine. Now Joseph returns the favor from a land of plenty, with an abundance that declares: there is more than enough. He also provides “provision for his father by the way”, securing Jacob’s comfort during the long journey to Egypt. Every detail shows Joseph’s attention to his father’s dignity and well-being.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for Genesis 45:23. The Septuagint and Vulgate align closely with the Masoretic text. The wording “meat for his father by the way” in the KJV reflects the Hebrew mazon, which is uniformly rendered as food or provision in modern translations.
Reception History
This verse has been read across traditions as a model of filial duty and generous forgiveness. Early Jewish interpreters (e.g., in the Talmud) saw Joseph sending old wine as fitting for an aged father, emphasizing respect for parents. Reformed commentators such as Matthew Henry drew the lesson that reconciled relationships produce practical kindness. Anglicans and Methodists (Adam Clarke) focused on the word mazon as prepared delicacies, highlighting Joseph’s thoughtful attention to Jacob’s comfort. In modern preaching, the verse is often used to illustrate that genuine repentance and forgiveness lead to tangible, even extravagant, acts of love.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Generosity flows from reconciliation. Joseph does not just forgive; he gives abundantly. The gift proves forgiveness is real.
- Joseph remembers his father. He sends things an old man would enjoy, delicacies, wine, comfort. Love sees the person, not just the need.
- Provision for the journey. Joseph ensures Jacob lacks nothing on the road to Egypt. God’s grace often comes through human hands in practical forms.
Five-point outline
- Read the room: After years of separation, Joseph knows his father needs tangible proof of his wellbeing.
- Scale matters: Ten male and ten female donkeys, no half measures. The number suggests completeness.
- Quality and quantity: Both luxury goods and everyday staples are sent. Love covers both celebration and survival.
- Personal touch: Joseph sends specifically “to his father.” The gift is not generic; it is chosen for Jacob.
- Journey-ready: Provision is packed for the road, not just for arrival. Joseph thinks ahead.
Illustration hooks
- A care package from a distant child. Most parents know the feeling of receiving a package that shows their child remembered their tastes, a favourite snack, a warm blanket. Joseph’s gift works the same way.
- The first pay cheque home. A young adult sends money to parents who sacrificed for them. The amount may be small, but the gesture says everything. Joseph’s gift is that gesture, magnified.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How can I show love to a family member I have been separated from?
- What does it look like to provide for someone’s physical needs while also caring for their heart?
- Is my forgiveness as generous as Joseph’s, or do I hold back?
Leading a Discussion
Joseph’s gift to his father is more than logistics. It is a love letter in the form of loaded donkeys. After years of grief and guilt, Jacob needs to know that his son is alive, successful, and still devoted to him. The gift speaks volumes. As you discuss this passage, consider how tangible acts of love can communicate what words alone cannot.
Discussion questions
- What does the scale of Joseph’s gift (twenty donkeys) suggest about his feelings for his father? Why might this be important after years of separation?
- Joseph sends both “good things of Egypt” and staple foods. Why would he include both luxury and necessity? What does this teach about whole-person care?
- How does this gift connect with the earlier gifts to the brothers (changes of clothing, silver)? What is different about what Jacob receives?
- Read Genesis 43:11. Compare the small gift Jacob sent to Joseph (before he knew who he was) with this lavish return gift. What does the contrast reveal about God’s provision?
- In what ways does Joseph’s gift serve as proof of his identity and position? How does it prepare Jacob for the journey to Egypt (see v. 27)?
- Think of a time when someone gave you something that felt like “too much.” How did it affect your relationship? How does Joseph’s “too much” gift affect his relationship with Jacob?
- How can our acts of giving reflect the reconciliation and grace we have received? What might “the good things of Egypt” look like in your context today?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 24:10 | The servant took ten of his master’s camels, and departed, having a variety of good things of his master’s with him. He arose, and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. |
| Genesis 43:11 | Their father, Israel, said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take from the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry down a present for the man, a little balm, a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts, and almonds; |
| Exodus 16:3 | and the children of Israel said to them, “We wish that we had died by Yahweh’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots, when we ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke examines the Hebrew word for meat here and finds it means prepared or specially made food, possibly even aromatic delicacies. He suggests this was not ordinary provisions but a choice gift sent to show Isaac's respect, especially since Jacob already had herds for basic meat.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Note highlights Joseph's thoughtful provision in sending two distinct kinds of donkeys: the males carried the finest goods of Egypt as gifts, while the females carried wheat, bread, and meat specifically for his father's journey. This distinction shows care for both honor and practical need.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill notes that Jewish interpreters differ on Joseph's phrase "after this manner." Some say he sent his father gifts like he gave his brothers, while others understand it as a specific list: ten asses loaded with Egypt's finest goods (old wine, according to the Talmud), ten she-asses with grain, plus prepared bread and various foods for the journey.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown points out that Joseph's generous supply to his father was deliberately lavish, meant as a visible token of his filial love. Like the five portions given to Benjamin earlier, the overabundance here served as a personal expression of affection.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch notes that Joseph gave his brothers far more than Pharaoh had commanded: extra sets of fine clothes (especially five for Benjamin), silver, and loaded donkeys for Jacob. The warning not to get angry along the way shows Joseph knew the brothers might quarrel over blame and wanted to prevent conflict during their journey home.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange reads the brothers' journey as a moral trial proving their repentance, especially toward Benjamin. Judah's offer to substitute himself for Benjamin shows his self-sacrifice, causing Joseph to reveal himself. The story highlights God's providence turning their evil deed into a means of preserving life.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry notes that Pharaoh's generosity toward Joseph's family springs entirely from his regard for Joseph. Even the servants' pleasure is merely feigned, following their master's lead. The land's bounty is acknowledged as Joseph's achievement under God, making the offer of Egypt's best a fitting tribute.