THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
This affirms the truth of his statement to his siblings, ‘God sent me before you to preserve a remnant on the earth’ (Genesis 45:7).
Genesis 47:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
But Joseph gave a possession to his father and his brethren in Egypt, in the best place of the land, in Ramesses, as Pharao had commanded.
וַיּוֹשֵׁ֣ב יוֹסֵף֮ אֶת־אָבִ֣יו וְאֶת־אֶחָיו֒ וַיִּתֵּ֨ן לָהֶ֤ם אֲחֻזָּה֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּמֵיטַ֥ב הָאָ֖רֶץ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ רַעְמְסֵ֑ס כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֥ה פַרְעֹֽה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Cyrill of Alexandria
The brothers who accompanied Benjamin recognized Joseph, who graciously hosted them with a feast. However, he did not grant them any possessions and instructed them to depart in order to bring their father, Jacob, to him (Genesis 45). Upon their arrival, Joseph was overjoyed to see his father and children and bestowed upon them the finest land. This serves as a clear indication that Christ, in the latter days, will welcome those returning from Israel, particularly when they find true unity with the new people of God. This is exactly what Benjamin represents.
Read more (105 words)
The inheritance we hope for will not be granted to us in separation from the holy patriarchs. Just as they, having departed in faith—as the wise Paul stated—did not receive the promises, since God had prepared something superior for us, so that they might not reach perfection apart from us (Hebrews 11:39-40), we await the patriarchs, ensuring that we attain completion alongside them. Thus, in union with the holy patriarchs from every age, we shall inherit the greater and everlasting kingdom of heaven in Christ, to whom and through whom glory is given to God the Father, alongside the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Ex 1:11Therefore he set over them masters of the works, to afflict them with burdens: and they built for Pharao cities of tabernacles, Phithom, and Ramesses.
- Gen 47:6The land of Egypt is before thee: and make them dwell in the best place, and give them the land of Gessen. And if thou knowest that there are industrious men among them, make them rulers over my cattle.
- Ex 12:37And the children of Israel set forward from Ramesse to Socoth, being about six hundred thousand men on foot, beside children.
- John 17:2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he may give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him.
- John 17:24Father, I will that where I am, they also whom thou hast given me may be with me: that they may see my glory which thou hast given me, because thou hast loved me before the creation of the world.
- John 14:2In my Father's house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you.
- John 10:10The thief cometh not, but for to steal and to kill and to destroy. I am come that they may have life and may have it more abundantly.
- John 14:23Jesus answered and said to him: If any one love me, he will keep my word. And my Father will love him and we will come to him and will make our abode with him.