Definition: And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I [am] Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse together! It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious passage from Genesis. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it’s about Joseph’s incredible role and destiny. Here’s what’s happening: “And Joseph said unto his brethren…” – This means Joseph is speaking to his brothers. He’s addressing them directly. “…Come near to me, I pray you.” – He's inviting them to come closer to him. It sounds like he’s trying to connect with them. “And they came near.” – This is the key part! They actually did come near. It shows that Joseph was able to influence them. “…And he said, I [am] Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.” – This is where it gets a little more complex and dramatic. Joseph explains that he is Joseph. He’s telling them that he's his brother, and that he was taken away from them by their father, Jacob (who owned the family). He’s saying, “I am Joseph.” So, what does this mean? This verse sets up a really significant story about a man who is incredibly important. It highlights several things: Jacob's Loss: Joseph was sold into Egypt by his father, Jacob, and that’s the start of a long and challenging journey for him. Joseph's Position: Joseph becomes the leader of the Israelites after being sold away from his family. He’s given a crucial role in leading them back together. It’s a bit mysterious, but it’s important! The verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is working through Joseph to bring about a new and better future for Israel. Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of "Egypt"? Discuss what Joseph’s role was in the story?