Scripture Helps

Genesis 42–50

Due to a famine in Canaan, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. They stood before their brother Joseph but did not recognize him, although he recognized them. After testing his brothers, Joseph revealed his identity and forgave them. Eventually, Jacob and all his family came to live in Egypt. Before his death, Jacob adopted Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and blessed them. He also blessed each of his other sons. Before Joseph died, he prophesied of Moses and Joseph Smith and their future roles with his descendants.

Resources

• Background and Context

• Learn More

• Media

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Background and Context

Genesis 42–45

Why did Joseph test his brothers?

In Genesis 42–45, Joseph tested his brothers several times before revealing his identity. Most of these tests focused on young Benjamin, who had become Jacob’s favored son after Joseph was sold into slavery. Joseph seemed to be giving his brothers opportunities to prove that they had changed and would not betray Benjamin as they had betrayed him.

Throughout this account, we see indications that Joseph’s brothers had indeed changed. Reuben expressed remorse for selling Joseph into slavery. When Benjamin was wrongfully accused of stealing, Judah offered to take Benjamin’s punishment rather than allow Benjamin to be held in Egypt as a servant or slave. And Judah and the other brothers were determined to protect Benjamin to spare their father from the anguish of losing another son.

Genesis 44:1–5

What was the significance of Joseph’s silver cup?

Part of Joseph’s test for his brothers involved placing his silver cup in Benjamin’s bag. The cup was described as the one “whereby indeed [Joseph] divineth.” Divination is the use of superstitious methods to attempt to predict future events. Divination is generally condemned in the scriptures.

However, the scriptures also mention examples of individuals legitimately using instruments to help them discover or receive truth from heaven. Objects such as the Urim and Thummim, seer stones, rods, and the Liahona have been used for righteous purposes.

The Genesis account does not provide enough details to know how Joseph used his silver cup. While the cup may have been used for righteous purposes, it is also possible that Joseph only claimed he used the cup for divination as part of his ruse in accusing Benjamin of stealing a highly valuable object.

Genesis 44:32–34

How can Judah’s actions remind us of the Savior?

Judah had once resented Joseph for being the favored son and was the one who suggested selling Joseph into slavery. But many years later in Egypt, Judah offered to take Benjamin’s place as a servant or slave. Judah’s actions can remind us of Jesus Christ, who was Judah’s descendant. As Judah offered to take Benjamin’s punishment so that Benjamin could return to his father, so Jesus Christ took our sins upon Himself so that we can return to our Heavenly Father.

Genesis 45:5–8

What did Joseph mean when he said that God had sent him to Egypt?

Joseph told his brothers not to grieve or be angry with themselves for selling him into slavery, explaining that God had sent him to Egypt “to preserve life.” Joseph’s words should not be misunderstood to mean that God caused Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery. Rather, Joseph was recognizing God’s omniscience and His ability to bring good out of difficult situations. Elder Neal A. Maxwell explained, “The evil intent of Joseph’s brothers was folded into the plans of God, who knows the beginning from the end and all that is in between.”

Joseph of Egypt, by Micahel T. Malm

Genesis 46:4

What was the meaning of the Lord’s promise to Jacob that “Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes?”

The Lord promised Jacob that Joseph would close Jacob’s eyes after his death. In Hebrew custom, it was the responsibility of the closest and most beloved relative to close the eyes of a deceased person and give them a parting kiss.

Genesis 48:1–6

Why did Jacob adopt Joseph’s two sons?

Before his death, Jacob needed to assign birthright responsibilities. Traditionally, the firstborn son received the birthright. However, Jacob’s firstborn, Reuben, lost his birthright due to sin, which led to Joseph receiving the birthright. As the birthright son, Joseph was entitled to a double portion of his father’s inheritance. Joseph’s double portion was shared by his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Because of their adoption by Jacob, Joseph’s sons were now counted as children of Israel, and each son’s descendants became a separate tribe of Israel.

Genesis 48:8–20

Why did Jacob place his right hand on Ephraim instead of Manasseh?

After adopting Manasseh and Ephraim, Jacob desired to bless them. Jacob placed his right hand on the head of the younger brother, Ephraim, signifying that Ephraim would eventually receive Joseph’s birthright. While the scriptures do not explain why Ephraim was chosen instead of his older brother, Manasseh, Jacob’s response to Joseph’s attempt to intervene made it clear that this was the Lord’s will.

As part of Ephraim’s birthright responsibilities, he and his descendants were given leadership responsibilities along with the tribe of Judah. In the last days, those of the tribe of Ephraim have the privilege and responsibility “to bear the priesthood, take the message of the restored gospel to the world, and raise an ensign to gather scattered Israel.”

Israel Blesses Ephraim with Birthright, by D. Keith Larson

Genesis 49:8–12

What is the significance of Jacob’s blessing to Judah?

At the end of his life, Jacob blessed each of his sons. In these blessings, Jacob gave warnings, described the consequences of some of his sons’ past actions, and prophesied of future events. Jacob’s most notable and detailed blessings were given to Judah and Joseph.

The “sceptre” mentioned in verse 10 signifies the right or authority of Judah’s descendants to rule. The kings of Israel, including David and Solomon, were descendants of Judah, as was Jesus Christ, the “King of kings.”

Jacob also prophesied that Judah’s kingdom would remain intact “until Shiloh come.” In Hebrew, the name Shiloh can mean “He to whom it belongs” and refers to Jesus Christ, a descendant of Judah. President Russell M. Nelson taught: “The tribe of Judah was given responsibility to prepare the world for the first coming of the Lord. From that tribe, Mary was called upon to be the mother of the Son of God.”

Genesis 49:22–26

What is the significance of Jacob’s blessing to Joseph?

The prophecy that Joseph’s “branches [will] run over the wall” can refer to the scattering of Joseph’s descendants across the earth. Lehi and his family, who migrated from Jerusalem to the Americas, played a key role in the fulfillment of this prophecy. The Book of Mormon teaches that Lehi’s family was of the lineage of Joseph’s son Manasseh.

President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “We testify to the world that we have the record of Joseph—even the Book of Mormon. Like Judah, Joseph had a people—the Nephites and Lamanites. Like Judah, Joseph had a land—the Americas. Like Judah, Joseph had prophets, and his descendants also had a visitation from Jesus Christ, even the resurrected Lord.”

Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–38

What does the Joseph Smith Translation add to our understanding of Joseph of Egypt’s final words?

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

“In [the Bible], Genesis 50 ends with verse 26, which records the death of Joseph. In the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), that chapter not only adds important information to verses 24 through 26 but provides twelve additional verses that enrich our knowledge of the link of Joseph (see JST, Genesis 50:27–38). Those additions include the following insights, which I paraphrase:

1. A righteous branch would be raised up later out of Joseph’s loins (see JST, Genesis 50:24).

2. Israel would be scattered. A branch would be broken off and carried into a far country (see JST, Genesis 50:25).

3. A choice seer would be raised up from Joseph’s loins to do work for the fruit of his loins (see JST, Genesis 50:26–29).

4. Writings from the fruit of Joseph’s loins would grow together with writings from the fruit of Judah’s loins to bring knowledge of their fathers and of everlasting covenants. That knowledge would come in the last days (see JST, Genesis 50:30–32).

5. The promised seer would be called Joseph, after the name of his father, and he would be like unto Joseph, son of Jacob, bringing salvation to the children of the Lord (see JST, Genesis 50:33).

“These additions are good examples of ‘plain and precious’ truths that have been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith (see 1 Nephi 13:40).”

Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:26–33

How were Joseph’s prophecies of Joseph Smith fulfilled?

The Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 50:26–33 records Joseph’s prophecy of a “choice seer,” which refers to the Prophet Joseph Smith. The following are possible fulfillments of some of Joseph’s prophecies about Joseph Smith.

Prophecy about Joseph Smith	Possible fulfillment
Prophecy about Joseph Smith “He shall be esteemed highly” (verse 27).	Possible fulfillment Millions of believers consider Joseph Smith to be the Prophet of the Restoration.
Prophecy about Joseph Smith “He shall bring them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers” (verse 28).	Possible fulfillment One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to bring the house of Israel to a knowledge of the covenants of the Lord. Because the priesthood was restored through Joseph Smith, we can make covenants with God through priesthood ordinances.
Prophecy about Joseph Smith “Unto him will I give power to bring forth my word” (verse 30).	Possible fulfillment The Lord revealed the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, and other inspired writings through Joseph Smith.
Prophecy about Joseph Smith “Out of weakness shall he be made strong” (verse 32).	Possible fulfillment From humble beginnings and with little formal education, Joseph Smith became a mighty prophet.
Prophecy about Joseph Smith “They that seek to destroy him shall be confounded” (verse 33).	Possible fulfillment Those who have sought to discredit Joseph Smith and his work have been unsuccessful.
Prophecy about Joseph Smith “His name shall be called Joseph, and it shall be after the name of his father” (verse 33).	Possible fulfillment Joseph Smith Jr. was the third son of Joseph Smith Sr. and was named after his father.

Brother Joseph, by David Lindsley

Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:31

What does it mean that the writings of the seed of Joseph and of Judah would grow together?

Joseph of Egypt prophesied of two sets of writings that would “grow together” in the last days: the writings of his own descendants (the Book of Mormon) and the writings of the descendants of Judah (the Bible). President Boyd K. Packer observed that in our day, the Bible and Book of Mormon are “woven together in such a way that as you pore over one you are drawn to the other; as you learn from one you are enlightened by the other. They are indeed one in our hands.”

Learn More

Forgiving others

• Kristin M. Yee, “Beauty for Ashes: The Healing Path of Forgiveness,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 36–38

• Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Ministry of Reconciliation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 77–79

Patriarchal blessings

• Topics and Questions, “Patriarchal Blessings,” Gospel Library

• Randall K. Bennett, “Your Patriarchal Blessing—Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father,” Liahona, May 2023, 42–43

• Kazuhiko Yamashita, “When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing,” Liahona, May 2023, 88–90

The Prophet Joseph Smith

• Craig C. Christensen, “A Choice Seer Will I Raise Up,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 27–30

Media

Music

• “Praise to the Man,” Hymns, no. 27

Images

An illustration of Joseph of Egypt, by Robert T. Barrett

Forgiveness, by Megan Rieker

Jacob Blessing His Sons, by Harry Anderson

The Bible and the Book of Mormon Testify of Christ, by Greg K. Olsen

Joseph in Egypt, by Paul Mann

Notes

1. See Genesis 42:21–24.

2. See Genesis 44:1–33. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated as “servant” can also be translated as “slave.” The Hebrew word can denote either voluntary service or slavery (see Tremper Longman III and Mark L. Strauss, The Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words [2023], entry 5650, page 998).

3. See Genesis 42:36–38; 43:8–9; 44:20–22, 30–34.

4. Genesis 44:5.

5. See Bible Dictionary, “Divination.”

6. See Leviticus 19:31; 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10; 2 Kings 21:6; Isaiah 8:19; 19:3; Acts 8:9; 13:6, 8; 16:16.

7. See Numbers 27:21; Abraham 3:1; Joseph Smith—History 1:35, 62. See also “Abraham 3:1. What is the Urim and Thummim?”

8. See Church History Topics, “Seer Stones,” Gospel Library.

9. See Exodus 7:9–12; Numbers 17:1–8; Church History Topics, “Divining Rods,” Gospel Library.

10. See 1 Nephi 16:10, 26–30; Alma 37:38–42.

11. See Genesis 37:26–27.

12. See Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:1–17.

13. See Mosiah 15:9.

14. Genesis 45:5.

15. Neal A. Maxwell, Notwithstanding My Weakness (1981), 22.

16. See Kenneth W. Godfrey, “Making the Old Testament Live,” in A Symposium on the Old Testament (address to religious educators, Aug. 16–18, 1979), 111. In Genesis 50:1 we learn that after Jacob’s death, “Joseph fell upon his father’s face, and wept upon him, and kissed him.”

17. See 1 Chronicles 5:1–2. “The birthright then went to Joseph, who was the firstborn son of Jacob’s second wife, Rachel” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Israel,” Gospel Library).

18. The birthright son often inherited a double portion of the father’s possessions, which he was expected to use to help care for the physical needs of the family (see Deuteronomy 21:17; see also Bradley R. Wilcox, “O Youth of the Noble Birthright,” Liahona, Nov. 2024, 94; Richard Neitzel Holzapfel and others, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament: An Illustrated Reference for Latter-day Saints, 62).

19. See Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 48:5–6, Gospel Library. See also Guide to the Scriptures, “Israel,” Gospel Library.

20. See Guide to the Scriptures, “Ephraim,” Gospel Library. See also Jeremiah 31:9; Doctrine and Covenants 133:34. “Ephraim received the birthright of Joseph, and Joseph received the birthright of Jacob (Israel)” (Daniel H. Ludlow, “What Laws Governed the Inheritance of Birthright in the Old Testament?” Ensign, Sept. 1980, 53.

21. See Genesis 48:19–20. As with Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, the birthright son in Abraham’s family was not always the eldest.

22. See Kerry Muhlestein, God Will Prevail (2021), 94–96.

23. Guide to the Scriptures, “Ephraim,” Gospel Library.

24. See Genesis 49. Similar to patriarchal blessings given in our day, Jacob’s blessings to his sons described future possibilities for them.

25. See Guide to the Scriptures, “David” and “Solomon,” Gospel Library.

26. Revelation 17:14; 19:16.

27. Genesis 49:10.

28. Bible Dictionary, “Shiloh.” President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “This prophecy concerning Shiloh has been subject to several rabbinic and Christian interpretations and the object of considerable controversy. The interpretation given this passage by the … Church is one based on revelation to modern prophets, not on scholarly commentary. It was revealed to Joseph Smith that Shiloh is the Messiah [see Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24, Gospel Library]” (“A Message to Judah from Joseph,” Ensign, Dec. 1976, 71).

29. Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, Oct. 2022, 11.

30. Genesis 49:22.

31. See Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–25, Gospel Library.

32. See 1 Nephi 15:12; 3 Nephi 15:12–14.

33. See Alma 10:3. See also 1 Nephi 5:14–16.

34. Ezra Taft Benson, “A New Witness for Christ,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 8.

35. Russell M. Nelson, “Remnants Gathered, Covenants Fulfilled,” in Sperry Symposium Classics: The Old Testament, ed. Paul Y. Hoskisson (2005), 3.

36. See the title page of the Book of Mormon.

37. See Joseph Smith—History 1:4.

38. Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:31, Gospel Library.

39. Boyd K. Packer, “Scriptures,” Ensign, Nov. 1982, 53.