CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 43:18 But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph's house. "We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time," they said. "They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/43-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/01_Gen_43_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 43:18 - Joseph's Hospitality to His Brothers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph's house. We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time, they said. They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/43-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/43-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/43.htm">Chapter 43</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/43-17.htm" title="Genesis 43:17">◄</a> Genesis 43:18 <a href="/genesis/43-19.htm" title="Genesis 43:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/43.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/43.htm">New International Version</a> Now the men were frightened when they were taken to his house. They thought, &#8220We were brought here because of the silver that was put back into our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our donkeys.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/43.htm">New Living Translation</a> The brothers were terrified when they saw that they were being taken into Joseph’s house. “It’s because of the money someone put in our sacks last time we were here,” they said. “He plans to pretend that we stole it. Then he will seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.” <a href="/esv/genesis/43.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house, and they said, “It is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys.” <a href="/bsb/genesis/43.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” <a href="/kjv/genesis/43.htm">King James Bible</a> And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/43.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys.” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/43.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, so that he may attack us and overpower us, and take us as slaves with our donkeys.” <a href="/nasb/genesis/43.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph&#8217s house; and they said, &#8220It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us, and take us for slaves with our donkeys.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/43.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us, and take us for slaves with our donkeys.” <a href="/lsb/genesis/43.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us and take us for slaves with our donkeys.” <a href="/amp/genesis/43.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and [expecting the worst] they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time [we came] that we are being brought in, so that he may find a reason to accuse us and assail us, and take us as slaves, and seize our donkeys.” <a href="/csb/genesis/43.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But the men were afraid because they were taken to Joseph’s house. They said, “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time. They intend to overpower us, seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/43.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But the men were afraid because they were taken to Joseph&#8217s house. They said, &#8220We have been brought here because of the money that was returned in our bags the first time. They intend to overpower us, seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/43.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. <a href="/cev/genesis/43.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But on the way they got worried and started thinking, "We are being taken there because of the money that was put back in our sacks last time. He will arrest us, make us his slaves, and take our donkeys." <a href="/erv/genesis/43.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. <a href="/gwt/genesis/43.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The men were frightened, because they had been brought to Joseph's house. They thought, "We've been brought here because of the money that was put back into our sacks the first time. They're going to attack us, overpower us, take our donkeys, and make us slaves." <a href="/gnt/genesis/43.htm">Good News Translation</a> As they were being brought to the house, they were afraid and thought, "We are being brought here because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time. They will suddenly attack us, take our donkeys, and make us his slaves." <a href="/isv/genesis/43.htm">International Standard Version</a> The men were terrified as they were being taken to Joseph's palace. "It's because of that money that was returned to our sacks the first time we were brought to him," they reasoned. "He's seeking an excuse to attack us, enslave us, and confiscate our donkeys!" <a href="/msb/genesis/43.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph?s house. ?We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,? they said. ?They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.? <a href="/net/genesis/43.htm">NET Bible</a> But the men were afraid when they were brought to Joseph's house. They said, "We are being brought in because of the money that was returned in our sacks last time. He wants to capture us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys!" <a href="/nheb/genesis/43.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph?s house, and they said, "It is because of the silver that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are brought here; so that he may capture us, and make us slaves, and take our donkeys." <a href="/wbt/genesis/43.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time, are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bond-men, and our asses. <a href="/web/genesis/43.htm">World English Bible</a> The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “Because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time, we’re brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, attack us, and seize us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/43.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the men are afraid because they have been brought into the house of Joseph, and they say, “For the matter of the money which was put back in our bags at the commencement are we brought in—to roll himself on us, and to throw himself on us, and to take us for servants—our donkeys also.” <a href="/ylt/genesis/43.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the men are afraid because they have been brought into the house of Joseph, and they say, 'For the matter of the money which was put back in our bags at the commencement are we brought in -- to roll himself upon us, and to throw himself on us, and to take us for servants -- our asses also.' <a href="/slt/genesis/43.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the men will be afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they will say, For the word of the silver turned back in our sacks at the beginning, we were brought in; to roll himself upon us and to fall upon us and to take us for servants and our asses.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/43.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they being much afraid, said there one to another: Because of the money, which we carried back the first time in our sacks, we are brought in: that he may bring upon us a false accusation, and by violence make slaves of us and our asses. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/43.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And there, being terrified, they said one to another: “Because of the money, which we carried back the first time in our sacks, we have been brought in, so that he may unleash a false accusation against us, and by violence subjugate both us and our donkeys into servitude.” <a href="/nabre/genesis/43.htm">New American Bible</a> But they became apprehensive when they were led to his house. “It must be,” they thought, “on account of the money put back in our bags the first time, that we are taken inside—in order to attack us and take our donkeys and seize us as slaves.” <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/43.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house, and they said, “It is because of the money, replaced in our sacks the first time, that we have been brought in, so that he may have an opportunity to fall upon us, to make slaves of us and take our donkeys.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/43.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they were afraid, when they brought them into Joseph's house; and they said, It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time that we are brought in; so that he may seek occasion against us, and conspire against us, that they may make us slaves, and take away our asses. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/43.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they were afraid when they brought them to the house of Yoseph, and they said, “Because of the money that he returned in our sacks at the first, they are bringing us to magnify themselves against us, and to deal treacherously against us, and to enslave us and our donkeys as slaves.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/43.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said: 'Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.' <a href="/sep/genesis/43.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the men, when they perceived that they were brought into the house of Joseph, said, We are brought in because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first; even in order to inform against us, and lay it to our charge; to take us for servants, and our asses. <a href="/parallel/genesis/43-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=11249" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/43.htm">Joseph's Hospitality to His Brothers</a> …17The man did as Joseph had commanded and took the brothers to Joseph’s house. 18<a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">But the brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yî·rə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">were frightened</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: hū·ḇə·’ū (V-Hofal-Perf-3cp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">they had been taken</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">to Joseph’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">house.</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">“We</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: mū·ḇā·’îm (V-Hofal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">have been brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">here because of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: hak·ke·sep̄ (Art:: N-ms) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">the silver</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: haš·šāḇ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">that was returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/572.htm" title="572: bə·’am·tə·ḥō·ṯê·nū (Prep-b:: N-fpc:: 1cp) -- A sack. From mathach; properly, something expansive, i.e. A bag.">in our bags</a> <a href="/hebrew/8462.htm" title="8462: bat·tə·ḥil·lāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A beginning. From chalal in the sense of opening; a commencement; rel. Original.">the first time,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they said.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1556.htm" title="1556: lə·hiṯ·gō·lêl (Prep-l:: V-Hitpael-Inf) -- To roll, roll away. A primitive root; to roll.">“They intend</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lê·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: ū·lə·hiṯ·nap·pêl (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Hitpael-Inf) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">to overpower</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lê·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">us</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: wə·lā·qa·ḥaṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">and take</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯā·nū (DirObjM:: 1cp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">us</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">as slaves,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">along with</a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: ḥă·mō·rê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">our donkeys.”</a> 19So they approached Joseph’s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21-22</a> Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” / And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!” <a href="/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16</a> “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one who was found with the cup.” <a href="/genesis/50-15.htm">Genesis 50:15-17</a> When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. <a href="/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20</a> “Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” <a href="/numbers/32-23.htm">Numbers 32:23</a> But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out. <a href="/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4</a> So Samuel did what the LORD had said and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace?” <a href="/1_kings/17-18.htm">1 Kings 17:18</a> “O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?” <a href="/job/15-21.htm">Job 15:21-22</a> Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. / He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. <a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13</a> For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. <a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1</a> The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. <a href="/isaiah/57-11.htm">Isaiah 57:11</a> Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me? <a href="/matthew/14-26.htm">Matthew 14:26</a> When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. <a href="/matthew/25-24.htm">Matthew 25:24-25</a> Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ <a href="/mark/6-49.htm">Mark 6:49-50</a> but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— / for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” <a href="/luke/19-21.htm">Luke 19:21</a> For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall on us, and take us for slaves, and our asses.the men.<a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21,28,35</a> And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us… <a href="/judges/13-22.htm">Judges 13:22</a> And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.<a href="/job/15-21.htm">Job 15:21</a> A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.seek occasion against us.<a href="/deuteronomy/22-14.htm">Deuteronomy 22:14,17</a> And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid: … <a href="/judges/14-4.htm">Judges 14:4</a> But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.<a href="/job/30-14.htm">Job 30:14</a> They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/42-35.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/42-26.htm">Asses</a> <a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/genesis/41-38.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-13.htm">Bond-Men</a> <a href="/genesis/42-26.htm">Donkeys</a> <a href="/genesis/27-13.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/genesis/41-54.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/43-17.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/43-17.htm">Joseph's</a> <a href="/genesis/43-15.htm">Money</a> <a href="/genesis/31-35.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/genesis/43-12.htm">Sacks</a> <a href="/genesis/37-16.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/revelation/3-11.htm">Seize</a> <a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/genesis/43-10.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/29-4.htm">We're</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/43-23.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Asses</a> <a href="/genesis/49-19.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Bond-Men</a> <a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Donkeys</a> <a href="/genesis/44-14.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/genesis/43-20.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/43-19.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/43-19.htm">Joseph's</a> <a href="/genesis/43-21.htm">Money</a> <a href="/judges/9-33.htm">Occasion</a> <a href="/genesis/43-21.htm">Sacks</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/exodus/12-21.htm">Seize</a> <a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/genesis/43-20.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-7.htm">We're</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 43</div>1. <a href="/genesis/43-1.htm">Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin.</a> 15. <a href="/genesis/43-15.htm">Joseph entertains his brothers.</a> 19. <a href="/genesis/43-19.htm">They discover their fears to the steward.</a> 26. <a href="/genesis/43-26.htm">Joseph makes them a feast.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/43.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/43.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. The brothers' fear reflects their guilt and anxiety over their past actions, particularly their treatment of Joseph. This fear is compounded by their unfamiliarity with Egyptian customs and the power dynamics at play. Joseph's house, likely a grand and imposing structure, symbolizes authority and judgment. The brothers' apprehension can be seen as a foreshadowing of their eventual reconciliation with Joseph, highlighting the theme of divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan.“We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. The mention of the silver returned in their bags recalls the earlier incident in <a href="/genesis/42-25.htm">Genesis 42:25-28</a>, where Joseph secretly returned their money. This act, while generous, is misunderstood by the brothers as a trap, illustrating their lack of trust and the burden of their guilty conscience. The silver can be seen as a test of their integrity and a parallel to the betrayal of Joseph, who was sold for silver. This situation also prefigures the concept of unmerited grace, as the brothers receive provision without cost, akin to the grace offered through Christ.“They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” The fear of being overpowered and enslaved reflects the brothers' awareness of their vulnerable position in a foreign land. Historically, Egypt was a powerful nation, and the brothers' concern about becoming slaves is not unfounded, given the common practice of enslaving foreigners. This fear also echoes their earlier betrayal of Joseph, who was sold into slavery, creating a poignant irony. The mention of donkeys underscores their concern for their livelihood and possessions, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their fear. This scenario can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where He transforms fear and bondage into freedom and reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The governor of Egypt, who is actually their brother, though they do not recognize him. He is testing his brothers' integrity and repentance. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a> The sons of Jacob, who are returning to Egypt with Benjamin to buy more grain. They are fearful due to their past actions and the mysterious return of their money. 3. <a href="/topical/j/joseph's_house.htm">Joseph's House</a> The place where Joseph invites his brothers, which causes them fear and suspicion due to their guilty consciences. 4. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain during the famine. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_money_in_the_sacks.htm">The Money in the Sacks</a> The silver that was returned to the brothers' sacks, which they fear is a trap set by Joseph.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_guilt.htm">Fear and Guilt</a> The brothers' fear is rooted in their guilty consciences. When we harbor unconfessed sin, it can lead to irrational fears and assumptions about others' intentions. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the brothers' fear and misunderstanding, God is orchestrating events for a greater purpose. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace amidst uncertainty. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_reconciliation.htm">Repentance and Reconciliation</a> This passage sets the stage for the eventual reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. True repentance involves facing past wrongs and seeking restoration. <a href="/topical/m/misunderstanding_and_assumptions.htm">Misunderstanding and Assumptions</a> The brothers assume the worst about Joseph's intentions. We should be cautious about making assumptions without seeking the truth. <a href="/topical/p/providence_and_provision.htm">Providence and Provision</a> The return of the money, though initially a source of fear, is part of God's provision for the family. Recognizing God's provision can transform our perspective on challenging situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_43.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 43</a> <a href="/q/how_does_genesis_44_align_with_earlier_chapters.htm">How do the events in Genesis 44 fit coherently with earlier chapters in Genesis, given the discrepancies in character motivations and the sudden moral tension introduced by Joseph's actions?</a> <a href="/q/do_genesis_43_details_match_history.htm">(Genesis 43) Do the narrative details and timelines align with any reliable extra-biblical sources or known historical events in Egypt and Canaan?</a> <a href="/q/could_large_silver_returns_go_unnoticed.htm">(Genesis 43:12) How plausible is it that large amounts of silver were secretly returned without raising alarms among Egyptian authorities or the local population?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_family_conflict.htm">What Old Testament prophecies predict the Messiah?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/genesis/43-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But the men הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person were frightened וַיִּֽירְא֣וּ (way·yî·rə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten that כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction they had been taken הֽוּבְאוּ֮ (hū·ḇə·’ū) Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to Joseph’s יוֹסֵף֒ (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites house. בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house “We אֲנַ֖חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> We have been brought מֽוּבָאִ֑ים (mū·ḇā·’îm) Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go here because of עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the money הַכֶּ֙סֶף֙ (hak·ke·sep̄) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> Silver, money that was returned הַשָּׁ֤ב (haš·šāḇ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again in our bags בְּאַמְתְּחֹתֵ֙ינוּ֙ (bə·’am·tə·ḥō·ṯê·nū) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_572.htm">Strong's 572: </a> Something expansive, a bag the first time,” בַּתְּחִלָּ֔ה (bat·tə·ḥil·lāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8462.htm">Strong's 8462: </a> A commencement, rel, original they said. וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “They intend לְהִתְגֹּלֵ֤ל (lə·hiṯ·gō·lêl) Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1556.htm">Strong's 1556: </a> To roll, roll away to overpower וּלְהִתְנַפֵּ֣ל (ū·lə·hiṯ·nap·pêl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie us עָלֵ֔ינוּ (‘ā·lê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against and take וְלָקַ֧חַת (wə·lā·qa·ḥaṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take us אֹתָ֛נוּ (’ō·ṯā·nū) Direct object marker | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case as slaves, לַעֲבָדִ֖ים (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant along with וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case our donkeys.” חֲמֹרֵֽינוּ׃ (ḥă·mō·rê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> A male ass <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/43-18.htm">OT Law: Genesis 43:18 The men were afraid because they were (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/43-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 43:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 43:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/43-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 43:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 43:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>