What is the meaning of Genesis 45:13?

Tell my father

“Tell my father” (Genesis 45:13) shows Joseph’s heart for reconciliation.

• After decades of silence (Genesis 37:31-35), Jacob must hear the truth that his son lives (Genesis 45:26-27).

• Joseph honors the fifth commandment—honor your father (Exodus 20:12)—years before it was written, modeling family responsibility.

• God often sends good news through trusted messengers; the brothers now carry tidings of life, echoing later proclamations of resurrection life (Luke 24:46-48).

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about all my splendor in Egypt

“about all my splendor in Egypt” highlights God’s providence.

• Pharaoh placed Joseph over all Egypt (Genesis 41:39-44; Psalm 105:21); those honors prove God’s faithfulness to earlier dreams (Genesis 37:5-11).

• Joseph’s exaltation foreshadows Christ’s exaltation after suffering (Philippians 2:8-11).

• Sharing God-given success encourages faith; Jacob will see God turned evil to good (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28).

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and everything you have seen

“and everything you have seen” anchors the report in eyewitness evidence.

• The brothers experienced Joseph’s authority, provision, and forgiveness firsthand (Genesis 45:4-11).

• Scripture often links testimony with sight (Deuteronomy 4:9; 1 John 1:1-3). Credible witnesses strengthen belief.

• Believers today likewise share what we have “seen and heard” of the Lord’s work in our lives (Acts 4:20).

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and bring my father down here quickly

“and bring my father down here quickly” conveys urgency and compassion.

• Famine still raged (Genesis 45:6); Goshen offered safety (Genesis 45:10).

• God had foretold Israel’s sojourn in Egypt (Genesis 15:13-14); this move advances that plan.

• Joseph longs for reunion (Genesis 46:29) and will personally support his family (Genesis 47:12), illustrating how God draws His people to refuge (Matthew 11:28).

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summary

Genesis 45:13 records Joseph’s instructions to his brothers: report his survival and exaltation, testify as eyewitnesses, and hasten Jacob to Egypt. The verse reveals Joseph’s filial love, celebrates God’s providential elevation of a faithful servant, underscores the power of eyewitness testimony, and calls for swift obedience to God’s unfolding plan.