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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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.

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!”

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.

Exodus 4:14
Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.

Exodus 18:9
And Jethro rejoiced over all the good things the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had rescued from the hand of the Egyptians.

1 Kings 10:7
But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity have far exceeded the report I heard.

2 Kings 11:14
And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!”

Psalm 126:1-3
A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers. / Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” / The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Isaiah 29:14
Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”

Isaiah 52:8
Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, together they shout for joy. For every eye will see when the LORD returns to Zion.

Jeremiah 31:15-17
This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” / This is what the LORD says: “Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for the reward for your work will come, declares the LORD. Then your children will return from the land of the enemy. / So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land.

Matthew 28:8
So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.

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


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.

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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.














They informed him
This phrase indicates the act of communication, a pivotal moment where the brothers convey life-altering news to their father, Jacob. The Hebrew root for "informed" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to make known or declare. This is significant as it marks a moment of revelation and truth, contrasting with the brothers' earlier deceit regarding Joseph's fate. It underscores the importance of truth-telling and the power of words to transform understanding and relationships.

Joseph is still alive
The declaration that "Joseph is still alive" is profound, given the years of grief Jacob endured believing his beloved son was dead. The Hebrew name "יוסף" (Yosef) means "He will add," reflecting Joseph's role in God's plan to add blessing and preservation to his family. This statement is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, reminding believers that God's plans often unfold beyond human understanding and expectation.

and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt
This phrase highlights Joseph's rise to power, a remarkable journey from slavery to rulership. The Hebrew word for "ruler" is "מָשַׁל" (mashal), meaning to govern or have dominion. Joseph's position as ruler over Egypt is a fulfillment of the dreams God gave him in his youth, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the truth that He raises the humble and exalts the faithful. It also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who would rule with justice and mercy.

But Jacob was stunned
The word "stunned" captures Jacob's initial reaction of disbelief and shock. The Hebrew root "פָּגַע" (paga) can imply being overwhelmed or faint. This reaction is understandable given the emotional weight of the news and the years of mourning. It reflects the human tendency to doubt or struggle with accepting unexpected blessings, encouraging believers to trust in God's goodness even when it seems too good to be true.

for he did not believe them
Jacob's disbelief is a natural human response to extraordinary news. The Hebrew word "אָמַן" (aman) means to confirm or support, often translated as "believe" or "trust." Jacob's initial lack of belief serves as a reminder of the struggle between faith and doubt. It challenges believers to hold onto faith in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible, and to remember that God's ways are higher than our ways.

(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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