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Epiphany Season · Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany · Year C

Genesis 45:3-11, 15

Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers

February 20, 2028

Joseph Recognised by his Brothers, Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Baciccio)
Joseph Recognised by his Brothers, Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Baciccio), c. 1670Musée Fesch, Ajaccio
The brothers thrown back on each other in the moment he says who he is, one still on his knees, one reaching, and Joseph holding the youngest against him.I am Joseph. Come closer to me. Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.Giovanni Battista Gaulli (Baciccio)Baciccio, who painted the recognition as a shock running through a crowd rather than a reunion.Musée Fesch, AjaccioThe Musée Fesch in Ajaccio.Musée Fesch, Ajaccio
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelLuke 6:27-38Lk 6:27-38
Epistle1 Cor. 15:35-38, 42-501 Cor 15:35-38, 42-50
Old TestamentGen. 45:3-11, 15Gn 45:3-11, 15
PsalterPs. 37:1-11, 39-40Ps 37:1-11, 39-40

Overview & Insights

"God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors." (Genesis 45:7)

Joseph makes himself known to the brothers who sold him, weeping and forgiving them, and interprets his suffering as God's providence sent ahead to preserve life during the famine.

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Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 45:3-11, 15Commentary on Gn 45:3-11, 15 Working Preacher

The Lutheran home commentary reading Joseph's tears as forgiveness rooted in God's providence.

Genesis 45 - Joseph Reconciled to His BrothersGn 45 - Joseph Reconciled to His Brothers Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse-by-verse evangelical study of Joseph's self-revelation and forgiveness.

Genesis Commentaries and SermonsGn Commentaries and Sermons Precept Austin

A gateway to inductive word studies and cross references across Genesis.

Genesis 45:3 CommentariesGn 45:3 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentaries gathered verse by verse on Joseph's revelation to his brothers.

Genesis 45:3 Verse-by-Verse CommentaryGn 45:3 Verse-by-Verse Commentary StudyLight

A large library of expositors stacked verse by verse for a further voice on the passage.

Background & Word Study

Genesis 45 (Hebrew and English)Gn 45 (Hebrew and English) Sefaria

The Hebrew of the passage alongside English with linked Jewish commentary.

Genesis 45:3 InterlinearGn 45:3 Interlinear BibleHub

The Hebrew of the passage word by word with parsing and lexical helps.

Book of Genesis Overview (Ch. 12-50)Book of Gn Overview (Ch. 12-50) BibleProject

An animated overview of the second half of Genesis, including the Joseph narrative.

The Church Fathers

Genesis 45 (Catena)Gn 45 (Catena) Catena

Patristic comments verse by verse on Joseph's tearful reconciliation with his brothers.

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