In Genesis 45, Joseph finally reveals his identity to his brothers who had sold him into slavery years earlier. Unable to control himself any longer in the presence of his Egyptian attendants, Joseph commands everyone except his brothers to leave the room. In this private moment, he breaks down weeping so loudly that the Egyptians and Pharaoh's household can hear him from outside.

Through his tears, Joseph declares to his stunned brothers, "I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?" The brothers are so shocked and terrified that they can’t answer him, struck speechless by the realization that the powerful Egyptian official before them is the very brother they had betrayed. Joseph, seeing their fear, gently calls them closer and reassures them, explaining that, while they intended evil against him, God used their actions for good.

Joseph urges his brothers not to be angry with themselves or each other for selling him, emphasizing that God sent him ahead to Egypt to save lives. He explains that there are still five more years of famine coming, and that God positioned him in Egypt to preserve their family line. In a remarkable display of forgiveness and eternal perspective, Joseph reframes their betrayal as part of God's sovereign plan to make him "a father to Pharaoh" and ruler over all Egypt.

The practical implications of this reunion quickly become apparent as Joseph instructs his brothers to return to Canaan and bring their father Jacob — along with all their families, livestock, and possessions — to settle in the land of Goshen in Egypt. Joseph promises to provide for them there during the remaining years of famine, ensuring they won’t become impoverished. He gives them wagons and provisions for the journey, along with changes of clothing for each brother and special gifts of silver and garments for Benjamin.

When Pharaoh learns that Joseph's brothers have come to Egypt, he enthusiastically endorses the plan and instructs Joseph to tell his family to bring everything and that they would receive “the good of the land of Egypt.”

Genesis 45 concludes with the brothers arriving back in Canaan and telling their father, "Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt."