Definition: Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 45:5. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage in the Bible! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s plan for a group of people – primarily Joseph – and it’s a bit about how God works things out. It’s saying that God invited Joseph to come with him to Egypt, but he didn't want the people of Israel to be alone. Here's a breakdown: "Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves..." – This is a gentle reminder to everyone involved that it’s okay to feel a little surprised or even upset about this situation. God isn’t trying to punish anyone; he’s setting things in motion. "...that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life." – This is the key part! “Sold me hither” means God sent Joseph to Egypt. But, why did He send him? He was sent to save Israel from famine and oppression. "To preserve life" refers to saving them from a difficult time. Putting it all together: God wanted to help the Israelites out of a really tough situation – they were starving and being mistreated by their oppressors. So, He sent Joseph to Egypt, with the intention that he would be trusted with leadership and eventually bring about a solution for them. It's like God setting up a plan to help people through challenges. Why is this verse significant? This story shows how God can work in surprising ways. It’s a classic example of God using providence – His purposeful guidance of events. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of a specific symbol or theme related to this passage (like faith, trust, or leadership)?