Genesis 42:8
Genesis 42:8 in Multiple Translations
Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.
And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
Now though Joseph saw that these were his brothers, they had no idea who he was.
Even though Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn't recognize him.
(Now Ioseph knewe his brethren, but they knew not him.
And Joseph discerneth his brethren, but they have not discerned him,
Joseph recognized his brothers, but they didn’t recognize him.
And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
And though he knew his brethren, he was not known by them.
Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 42:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 42:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּכֵּ֥ר
יוֹסֵ֖ף
אֶת
אֶחָ֑י/ו
וְ/הֵ֖ם
לֹ֥א
הִכִּרֻֽ/הוּ
וַ/יַּכֵּ֥ר
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֶחָ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
וְ/הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הִכִּרֻֽ/הוּ
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 42:8
וַ/יַּכֵּ֥ר
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֶחָ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וְ/הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הִכִּרֻֽ/הוּ
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 42:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 42:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 42:8
- Sermons on Genesis 42:8
Context — Joseph’s Brothers Sent to Egypt
6Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.
7And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.”
8Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.
9Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, “You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.” 10“Not so, my lord,” they replied. “Your servants have come to buy food.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:2 | This is the account of Jacob. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was tending the flock with his brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah, and he brought their father a bad report about them. |
| 2 | John 20:14 | When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there; but she did not recognize that it was Jesus. |
| 3 | Luke 24:16 | But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. |
| 4 | John 21:4 | Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not recognize that it was Jesus. |
Genesis 42:8 Summary
This verse tells us that Joseph recognized his brothers when they came to buy food, but they did not recognize him. This is because Joseph had changed a lot since they last saw him, and he was now in a position of power. We can learn from this that God can change our circumstances and use us in powerful ways, even if others do not recognize us (1 Samuel 2:7). Joseph's experience also shows us that God is sovereign and can bring good out of difficult situations, as stated in Romans 8:28 (Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't Joseph's brothers recognize him?
Joseph's brothers did not recognize him because he had been away from them for many years and was now in a position of power, dressed in Egyptian attire, as seen in Genesis 41:42 (Genesis 41:42).
How did Joseph recognize his brothers?
Joseph recognized his brothers because they looked the same as they did when he was a young man, and he still remembered them, as mentioned in Genesis 42:7 (Genesis 42:7).
What does this verse reveal about Joseph's emotional state?
This verse shows that Joseph was not yet ready to reveal his true identity to his brothers, possibly due to a mix of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and a desire for revenge, as seen in his harsh treatment of them in Genesis 42:7 (Genesis 42:7).
What can we learn from Joseph's experience?
We can learn from Joseph's experience that God is sovereign and can use our difficult circumstances for good, as stated in Romans 8:28 (Romans 8:28), and that He can give us the strength to forgive and show kindness to those who have wronged us, as seen in Joseph's actions later in the story (Genesis 45:1-15).
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like I was in a position of power or influence, and how did I use that power?
- How can I, like Joseph, balance my desire for justice with my need to show kindness and compassion to those who have wronged me?
- What are some ways that I can, like Joseph, trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when things seem uncertain or difficult?
- How can I use my experiences, both positive and negative, to minister to and bless others, as Joseph did with his brothers?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:8
And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. It being about twenty two years since they saw him, and then he was young, and his beard not grown, as now it was; and besides, he was clothed as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:8
And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. Joseph saw his brethren ... they knew not him. This is not wonderful. They were full-grown men-he was but a lad at parting.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:8
Because his visage was much altered by his beard, and by other things, it being about twenty years since they saw him; and his Egyptian language, and habit, and carriage, together with the great dignity of his place, prevented all suspicions concerninging their brother.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:8
Genesis 42:8 And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.Ver. 8. But they knew not him.] As being now altered in stature, voice, visage, his present pomp, and haply also, by his former imprisonment and affliction. We read of a young man, that being condemned to die, was turned gray-headed in one night, through forethought and fear of death, and was thereupon spared.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 42:8
(8) Joseph knew.—As this is twice repeated, some suppose that Joseph (in Genesis 42:7) had only a suspicion, from their dress and appearance, that these Canaanites were his brethren; but that when they spake the Hebrew tongue (comp. Genesis 42:23), every doubt was removed. They would not recognize him, as he used the Egyptian language, was clad in a white linen dress, and being but seventeen when sold, had during the twenty years of separation changed in appearance much more than they had.
Sermons on Genesis 42:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Joseph: And He Washed His Face by J. Frank Norris | In this sermon, the preacher, Dillon, discusses the importance of human relationships and the need to follow God's law. He emphasizes the significance of presenting oneself in a ca |
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(Genesis) Genesis 38:27-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers and ends up in Egypt, where he becomes a prominent |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 37th chapter of the book of Genesis, which introduces the story of Joseph. The preacher explains that there is more emphasis on Joseph t |
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Christ in Genesis: Joseph's Throne by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lives of four individuals from the book of Genesis: Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Paul. He emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus as the sa |
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Islamic Spiritual War #2 - Wake Up America by Avi Lipkin | The video mentioned in the sermon transcripts is not described in detail, but it is implied that it highlights how the media can focus on one person while ignoring the surrounding |
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The Lord's Visits to His People by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches about the various ways the Lord visits His people, emphasizing the importance of earnest prayer, liberation from bondage, supernatural manifestations of po |
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John 20:10-23 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about Mary's emotional response at the tomb of Jesus, contrasting it with the disciples' reactions, highlighting her deep sorrow and the gradual revelation |