Genesis 43:19
Genesis 43:19 in Multiple Translations
So they approached Joseph’s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house.
And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,
And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they spake unto him at the door of the house,
So they went up to Joseph's chief servant at the door of the house,
So they went and spoke to Joseph's household supervisor at the entrance to the house.
Therefore came they to Iosephs stewarde, and communed with him at the doore of ye house.
And they come nigh unto the man who [is] over the house of Joseph, and speak unto him at the opening of the house,
They came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they spoke to him at the door of the house,
And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,
Wherefore going up to the steward of the house, at the door,
They went with the man who was in charge of things in Joseph’s house. When they arrived at the entrance of the house,
So when those men got near to Joseph’s house, they stopped outside the door of the house, and they talked to Joseph’s worker.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 43:19
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 43:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּגְּשׁוּ֙
אֶל
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
עַל
בֵּ֣ית
יוֹסֵ֑ף
וַ/יְדַבְּר֥וּ
אֵלָ֖י/ו
פֶּ֥תַח
הַ/בָּֽיִת
וַֽ/יִּגְּשׁוּ֙
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יוֹסֵ֑ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
וַ/יְדַבְּר֥וּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
פֶּ֥תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
הַ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 43:19
וַֽ/יִּגְּשׁוּ֙
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יוֹסֵ֑ף
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.
וַ/יְדַבְּר֥וּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
פֶּ֥תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
הַ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — Genesis 43:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph’s Hospitality to His Brothers
17The man did as Joseph had commanded and took the brothers to Joseph’s house.
18But 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.”
19So they approached Joseph’s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house.
20“Please, sir,” they said, “we really did come down here the first time to buy food. 21But when we came to the place we lodged for the night, we opened our sacks and, behold, each of us found his silver in the mouth of his sack! It was the full amount of our silver, and we have brought it back with us.Genesis 43:19 Summary
In Genesis 43:19, Joseph's brothers approach his steward at the entrance to the house, showing their humility and willingness to explain their situation. This verse teaches us about the importance of honesty and communication in resolving conflicts, as seen in Ephesians 4:25. The brothers' actions demonstrate that even in uncertain or frightening circumstances, we can trust in God's sovereignty and timing, as seen in Genesis 45:5 and Romans 8:28. By approaching the steward with respect and humility, the brothers set the stage for a positive encounter with Joseph, which ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God's plan for their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Joseph's brothers frightened when they were taken to his house?
Joseph's brothers were frightened because they thought they were being brought to the house as punishment for the silver that was returned in their bags, as mentioned in Genesis 43:18, and they feared being enslaved as a result, similar to the concerns expressed in Genesis 42:35.
Who is the steward mentioned in Genesis 43:19?
The steward is likely a high-ranking servant in Joseph's household, responsible for managing the daily affairs of the house, similar to the steward mentioned in Matthew 20:8 who was in charge of the vineyard.
What can we learn from the brothers' approach to Joseph's steward?
The brothers' approach to the steward shows their humility and willingness to explain their situation, as seen in Genesis 43:20-21, which demonstrates the importance of honesty and communication in resolving conflicts, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:25.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Joseph?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it sets the stage for the brothers' encounter with Joseph and the eventual revelation of his identity, which is a fulfillment of the dreams mentioned in Genesis 37:5-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt frightened or uncertain about my circumstances, and how can I apply the brothers' example of humility and honesty to those situations?
- How can I, like Joseph's brothers, approach those in authority with respect and humility, as seen in Genesis 43:19-21?
- What can I learn from the brothers' experience about the importance of communication and clarity in resolving conflicts, as emphasized in Genesis 43:20-21 and Ephesians 4:25?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when circumstances seem uncertain or frightening, as seen in Genesis 45:5 and Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:19
And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house,.... The same person before called the ruler of his house, under whose direction they were; just before they came to the house, as it seems by what
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:19
And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:19
Genesis 43:19 And they came near to the steward of Joseph’ s house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,Ver. 19. And they came near.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:19
(19) At the door of the house.—Alarmed at a thing so unexpected as being taken to the house of the governor, they can see nothing but danger, and will not enter until they receive the assurance of safety from the officer “who was over Joseph’s house.” (See Note on Genesis 43:25.)
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:19
19. at the door of the house] Before crossing the threshold they wished to explain their innocence about the money. According to the old Hebrew law, a thief who failed to make restitution might be seized and sold for a slave (Exodus 22:3).
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 43:19
19. Communed at the door — Before they will enter the house, they resolve to have an understanding about the money that was returned in their sacks.