« | Genesis 45 | » |
1 Joseph was no longer able to control his feelings in front of his servants, so he ordered them all to leave the room. No one else was with him when Joseph told his brothers who he was.
2 He cried with such loud sobs that the Egyptians heard it, and the news was taken to the king's palace.
3 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" But when his brothers heard this, they were so terrified that they could not answer.
4 Then Joseph said to them, "Please come closer." They did, and he said, "I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.
5 Now do not be upset or blame yourselves because you sold me here. It was really God who sent me ahead of you to save people's lives.
6 This is only the second year of famine in the land; there will be five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor reaping.
7 God sent me ahead of you to rescue you in this amazing way and to make sure that you and your descendants survive.
8 So it was not really you who sent me here, but God. He has made me the king's highest official. I am in charge of his whole country; I am the ruler of all Egypt.
9 "Now hurry back to my father and tell him that this is what his son Joseph says: 'God has made me ruler of all Egypt; come to me without delay.
10 You can live in the region of Goshen, where you can be near me---you, your children, your grandchildren, your sheep, your goats, your cattle, and everything else that you have.
11 If you are in Goshen, I can take care of you. There will still be five years of famine; and I do not want you, your family, and your livestock to starve.' "
12 Joseph continued, "Now all of you, and you too, Benjamin, can see that I am really Joseph.
13 Tell my father how powerful I am here in Egypt and tell him about everything that you have seen. Then hurry and bring him here."
14 He threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and began to cry; Benjamin also cried as he hugged him.
15 Then, still weeping, he embraced each of his brothers and kissed them. After that, his brothers began to talk with him.
16 When the news reached the palace that Joseph's brothers had come, the king and his officials were pleased.
17 He said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers to load their animals and to return to the land of Canaan.
18 Let them get their father and their families and come back here. I will give them the best land in Egypt, and they will have more than enough to live on.
19 Tell them also to take wagons with them from Egypt for their wives and small children and to bring their father with them.
20 They are not to worry about leaving their possessions behind; the best in the whole land of Egypt will be theirs."
21 Jacob's sons did as they were told. Joseph gave them wagons, as the king had ordered, and food for the trip.
22 He also gave each of them a change of clothes, but he gave Benjamin three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothes.
23 He sent his father ten donkeys loaded with the best Egyptian goods and ten donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and other food for the trip.
24 He sent his brothers off and as they left, he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way."
25 They left Egypt and went back home to their father Jacob in Canaan.
26 "Joseph is still alive!" they told him. "He is the ruler of all Egypt!" Jacob was stunned and could not believe them.
27 But when they told him all that Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to take him to Egypt, he recovered from the shock.
28 "My son Joseph is still alive!" he said. "This is all I could ask for! I must go and see him before I die."
The Good News Bible (GNB)
The Good News Bible (GNB), also known as the Good News Translation (GNT) in the United States, is an English translation of the Bible that prioritizes readability and accessibility for a diverse audience. First published in 1966 by the American Bible Society, the GNB was originally designed as a translation for people with limited English proficiency, including non-native speakers and those with lower literacy levels. Its straightforward and contemporary language makes it particularly effective for use in educational settings, churches, and personal study.
One of the hallmark features of the Good News Bible is its dynamic equivalence translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the thought and meaning of the original texts rather than adhering strictly to a word-for-word approach. This allows the translators to use idiomatic expressions and familiar language that resonate with modern readers. The GNB aims to present the Bible in a way that is relatable and engaging, making it easier for readers to connect with the biblical stories and teachings without getting bogged down by archaic language or complex theological terminology.
In addition to its clear language, the Good News Bible includes helpful illustrations, maps, and notes that enhance the reader’s understanding of the text. The translation is structured to facilitate comprehension, often breaking up longer passages into shorter paragraphs and sections. This visual organization aids readers in navigating the biblical narrative and understanding the context of various stories and teachings. The GNB also includes helpful footnotes that provide additional information and insights into specific verses, making it a valuable resource for study and reflection.
Despite its strengths, the Good News Bible has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can lead to a loss of nuance and depth present in the original languages. Additionally, some readers express concern that the GNB’s simplified language may not adequately convey the richness of the biblical text. However, the Good News Bible remains a widely used and appreciated translation, particularly for its commitment to making the scriptures accessible to all, allowing readers from various backgrounds to engage with and understand the timeless messages of the Bible.