Genesis 45:12
New International Version
“You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you.

New Living Translation
Then Joseph added, “Look! You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that I really am Joseph!

English Standard Version
And now your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth that speaks to you.

Berean Standard Bible
Behold! You and my brother Benjamin can see that I, Joseph, am the one speaking with you.

King James Bible
And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.

New King James Version
“And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you.

New American Standard Bible
Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you.

NASB 1995
“Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you.

NASB 1977
“And behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you.

Legacy Standard Bible
And behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you.

Amplified Bible
Look! Your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that I am speaking to you [personally in your language and not through an interpreter].

Christian Standard Bible
Look! Your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin can see that I’m the one speaking to you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Look! Your eyes and my brother Benjamin’s eyes can see that it is I , Joseph, who am speaking to you.

American Standard Version
And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.

Contemporary English Version
All of you, including my brother Benjamin, can tell by what I have said that I really am Joseph.

English Revised Version
And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"You and my brother Benjamin can see for yourselves that I am the one who is speaking to you.

Good News Translation
Joseph continued, "Now all of you, and you too, Benjamin, can see that I am really Joseph.

International Standard Version
"Look, now! All of you can see me! And my own brother Benjamin can tell that it's really me speaking to you!

Majority Standard Bible
Behold! You and my brother Benjamin can see that I, Joseph, am the one speaking with you.

NET Bible
You and my brother Benjamin can certainly see with your own eyes that I really am the one who speaks to you.

New Heart English Bible
Look, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you.

Webster's Bible Translation
And behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh to you.

World English Bible
Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And behold, your eyes are seeing, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that [it is] my mouth which is speaking to you;

Young's Literal Translation
And lo, your eyes are seeing, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth which is speaking unto you;

Smith's Literal Translation
And behold, your eyes seeing, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that my mouth is speaking to you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold, your eyes, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaketh to you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin can see that it is my mouth speaking to you.

New American Bible
Surely, you can see for yourselves, and Benjamin can see for himself, that it is I who am speaking to you.

New Revised Standard Version
And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And behold, your eyes see and the eyes of my brother Benyamin, that my mouth is speaking with you.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joseph Sends for His Father
11And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’ 12Behold! You and my brother Benjamin can see that I, Joseph, am the one speaking with you. 13Tell my father about all my splendor in Egypt and everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”…

Cross References
Genesis 42:8
Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.

Genesis 37:5-8
Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. / He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: / We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” ...

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 3:6
Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

Acts 7:13
On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh.

Genesis 41:39-41
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. / 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.”

Genesis 43:3
But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’

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 50:17-21
‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. / His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ...

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.

Genesis 37:9-11
Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” / He told his father and brothers, but his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream that you have had? Will your mother and brothers and I actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” / And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what he had said.

Genesis 44:18-34
Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. / My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ / And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’ ...

Genesis 47:11-12
So Joseph settled his father and brothers in the land of Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. / Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families.

Genesis 39:2-4
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. / When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, / Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you.

your eyes.

Genesis 42:23
And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.

Luke 24:39
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

John 20:27
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

my mouth.

Genesis 42:23
And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.

Jump to Previous
Benjamin Eyes Mouth Really Speaketh Speaking Speaks Yourselves
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Benjamin Eyes Mouth Really Speaketh Speaking Speaks Yourselves
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.














Behold!
The word "behold" is often used in Scripture to draw attention to something significant or to emphasize the importance of what follows. It serves as a call to pay close attention, indicating that what is about to be revealed is of great importance. In the context of Genesis 45, Joseph is revealing his identity to his brothers, a pivotal moment in the narrative.

You and my brother Benjamin
Joseph specifically mentions Benjamin, his full brother, to emphasize the personal and familial connection. Benjamin was the only other son of Rachel, Joseph's mother, and had not been involved in the betrayal that led to Joseph's enslavement. This mention highlights the special bond between them and underscores the emotional weight of the reunion. It also serves to reassure the brothers of Joseph's sincerity and familial loyalty.

can see that I, Joseph,
Joseph's declaration of his identity is crucial. His brothers had not recognized him in his Egyptian attire and position of power. By revealing himself, Joseph bridges the gap between his past and present, showing that despite his transformation, he remains their brother. This revelation fulfills the dreams Joseph had earlier in Genesis, where his brothers would bow to him, demonstrating God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises.

am the one speaking with you.
Joseph's ability to speak directly to his brothers in their language confirms his identity and authenticity. It also signifies the breaking down of barriers between them, both linguistically and relationally. This moment is a turning point in the narrative, leading to reconciliation and the preservation of the family line, which is crucial for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Israel. This act of revealing himself can be seen as a type of Christ, who reveals Himself to His followers, breaking down barriers and bringing reconciliation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
The central figure in this passage, Joseph is the son of Jacob who was sold into slavery by his brothers. He rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. In this chapter, he reveals his identity to his brothers.

2. Benjamin
Joseph's younger brother, the only other son of Rachel. Benjamin is particularly dear to Joseph, and his presence is significant in this revelation scene.

3. Joseph's Brothers
The brothers who sold Joseph into slavery. They are now in Egypt seeking food during a famine and are unaware that the Egyptian official they are dealing with is their brother.

4. Egypt
The land where Joseph has risen to power and where this dramatic revelation takes place.

5. Jacob (Israel)
Although not present in this verse, Jacob is the father of Joseph and his brothers. His family is central to the unfolding of God's covenant promises.
Teaching Points
Recognition of God's Sovereignty
Joseph's ability to reveal himself to his brothers is a testament to God's sovereign plan. Despite human actions, God's purposes prevail.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Joseph's interaction with his brothers is a powerful example of forgiveness. He chooses to reconcile rather than seek revenge.

Identity and Transformation
Joseph's journey from a slave to a ruler illustrates how God can transform our circumstances and identity for His purposes.

Family and Restoration
The reunion of Joseph with his brothers and Benjamin highlights the importance of family and the possibility of restoration even after deep wounds.

Faith in God's Timing
Joseph's account encourages believers to trust in God's timing, as His plans often unfold over long periods.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Behold!
וְהִנֵּ֤ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

You
עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ (‘ê·nê·ḵem)
Noun - cdc | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

and my brother
אָחִ֣י (’ā·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Benjamin
בִנְיָמִ֑ין (ḇin·yā·mîn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites

can see
רֹא֔וֹת (rō·’ō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

[it is] I, [Joseph],
פִ֖י (p̄î)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

who am speaking
הַֽמְדַבֵּ֥ר (ham·ḏab·bêr)
Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

with you.
אֲלֵיכֶֽם׃ (’ă·lê·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to


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OT Law: Genesis 45:12 Behold your eyes see and the eyes (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 45:11
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