Genesis 45:8

A father to Pharaoh. Joseph spoke to them concerning his authority, giving God the honor for his appointment to the high position he held. He used three expressions to describe his office, of which the first was “father to Pharaoh.” Some commentators have seen in it a specific Egyptian title, one clearly attested for high dignitaries of the Eighteenth Dynasty. But this interpretation is questionable, inasmuch as the title was borne by men who fulfilled priestly duties, and there is not the slightest evidence that Joseph performed any such duties. It is probably better to explain the word as a Hebrew expression, since Joseph spoke to his brothers as a Hebrew to Hebrews, and not as an Egyptian. He may have meant that he was a trusted counselor of the king and a sustainer of the dynasty (see Isa. 22:21; Job 29:16).

Lord of all his house. The second term had already been used by the king himself, at the time of Joseph’s appointment (Gen. 41:40). It indicates that Joseph stood at the head of the royal household.

Ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. The third designation, also bestowed upon Joseph by Pharaoh, was certainly not new to Joseph’s brothers, who had heard of and experienced his authority. They already knew that his power was not limited to the distribution of food or to dealings with foreigners, but that he was actually viceroy of Egypt (see ch. 42:30).