Genesis 43:21
Genesis 43:21 in Multiple Translations
But 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.
And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.
and it came to pass, when we came to the lodging-place, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.
And when we came to our night's resting-place, on opening our bags we saw that every man's money was in the mouth of his bag, all our money in full weight: and we have it with us to give it back;
and when we stopped for the night, we opened our sacks and each of us found our money—the exact amount—at the top of our sacks. So we've brought it back with us.
And as wee came to an ynne and opened our sackes, behold, euery mans money was in his sackes mouth, euen our money in full weight, but we haue brought it againe in our handes.
and it cometh to pass, when we have come in unto the lodging-place, and open our bags, that lo, each one's money [is] in the mouth of his bag, our money in its weight, and we bring it back in our hand;
When we came to the lodging place, we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. We have brought it back in our hand.
And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.
And when we had bought, and come to the inn, we opened our sacks, and found our money in the mouths of the sacks: which we have now brought again in the same weight.
But at the place where we stopped for the night as we were returning home, we opened our sacks. We were astonished to see that in the top of each of our sacks was the exact amount of silver that we had paid for the grain! So we have brought it back with us.
Then on the way home, we stopped at a place to camp for the night. Then we opened our food bags, and we saw that all our money was in those bags, on top of the food. We don’t know who put that money in our bags. So now, we brought that money here, to give it back. And we brought some other money with us too, so that we can buy more food.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 43:21
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 43:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְהִ֞י
כִּי
בָ֣אנוּ
אֶל
הַ/מָּל֗וֹן
וַֽ/נִּפְתְּחָ/ה֙
אֶת
אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֔י/נוּ
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
כֶֽסֶף
אִישׁ֙
בְּ/פִ֣י
אַמְתַּחְתּ֔/וֹ
כַּסְפֵּ֖/נוּ
בְּ/מִשְׁקָל֑/וֹ
וַ/נָּ֥שֶׁב
אֹת֖/וֹ
בְּ/יָדֵֽ/נוּ
וַֽ/יְהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בָ֣אנוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מָּל֗וֹן
mâlôwn
H4411
lodging
Art | N-ms
וַֽ/נִּפְתְּחָ/ה֙
pâthach
H6605
to open
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֔י/נוּ
ʼamtachath
H572
sack
N-fp | Suff
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
כֶֽסֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בְּ/פִ֣י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
אַמְתַּחְתּ֔/וֹ
ʼamtachath
H572
sack
N-fs | Suff
כַּסְפֵּ֖/נוּ
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/מִשְׁקָל֑/וֹ
mishqâl
H4948
weight
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/נָּ֥שֶׁב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cp
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/יָדֵֽ/נוּ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 43:21
וַֽ/יְהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בָ֣אנוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
הַ/מָּל֗וֹן
mâlôwn
H4411
"lodging"
Art | N-ms
A lodging place, like an inn or campsite, where people can stay. In the Bible, it refers to a place of rest, like the inn in Luke 2:7. It's a temporary home.
Definition: place of lodging, inn, khan
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: inn, place where...lodge, lodging (place). See also: Genesis 42:27; Joshua 4:8; Isaiah 10:29.
וַֽ/נִּפְתְּחָ/ה֙
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp | Suff
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
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.
אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֔י/נוּ
ʼamtachath
H572
"sack"
N-fp | Suff
A sack refers to a flexible container, like a bag, used for carrying grain or other items. It is mentioned in the Bible as a common item used for storage and transport.
Definition: 1) sack, flexible container (for grain) 2) (TWOT) spread out
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: sack. See also: Genesis 42:27; Genesis 43:23; Genesis 44:12.
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
כֶֽסֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
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.
בְּ/פִ֣י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
אַמְתַּחְתּ֔/וֹ
ʼamtachath
H572
"sack"
N-fs | Suff
A sack refers to a flexible container, like a bag, used for carrying grain or other items. It is mentioned in the Bible as a common item used for storage and transport.
Definition: 1) sack, flexible container (for grain) 2) (TWOT) spread out
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: sack. See also: Genesis 42:27; Genesis 43:23; Genesis 44:12.
כַּסְפֵּ֖/נוּ
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms | Suff
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
בְּ/מִשְׁקָל֑/וֹ
mishqâl
H4948
"weight"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means weight or heaviness, often referring to a full weight, like in trade or commerce, as seen in Genesis. It represents a standard unit of measurement.
Definition: heaviness, weight
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (full) weight. See also: Genesis 24:22; 1 Kings 7:47; Jeremiah 52:20.
וַ/נָּ֥שֶׁב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
בְּ/יָדֵֽ/נוּ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Genesis 43:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 43:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:21
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:21
- Sermons on Genesis 43:21
Context — Joseph’s Hospitality to His Brothers
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.
22We have brought additional silver with us to buy food. We do not know who put our silver in our sacks.” 23“It is fine,” said the steward. “Do not be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, gave you the treasure that was in your sacks. I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 43:12 | Take double the silver with you so that you may return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. |
| 2 | Genesis 42:27–35 | At the place where they lodged for the night, one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and he saw his silver in the mouth of the sack. “My silver has been returned!” he said to his brothers. “It is here in my sack.” Their hearts sank, and trembling, they turned to one another and said, “What is this that God has done to us?” When they reached their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they described to him all that had happened to them: “The man who is lord of the land spoke harshly to us and accused us of spying on the country. But we told him, ‘We are honest men, not spies. We are twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in the land of Canaan.’ Then the man who is lord of the land said to us, ‘This is how I will know whether you are honest: Leave one brother with me, take food to relieve the hunger of your households, and go. But bring your youngest brother back to me so I will know that you are not spies but honest men. Then I will give your brother back to you, and you can trade in the land.’” As they began emptying their sacks, there in each man’s sack was his bag of silver! And when they and their father saw the bags of silver, they were dismayed. |
| 3 | Romans 13:8 | Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. |
| 4 | Hebrews 13:5 | Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” |
| 5 | Romans 12:17 | Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. |
| 6 | Hebrews 13:18 | Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. |
| 7 | 1 Peter 2:12 | Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. |
| 8 | 1 Peter 3:16 | keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. |
| 9 | Genesis 43:15 | So the men took these gifts, along with double the amount of silver, and Benjamin as well. Then they hurried down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. |
Genesis 43:21 Summary
[Genesis 43:21 tells us that when Joseph's brothers opened their sacks, they found their silver inside, which was a surprise to them. This event shows that the brothers were honest and wanted to do the right thing, even when they didn't understand what was happening. We can learn from their example by being truthful and trustworthy in our own lives, just like Joseph was in Genesis 39:9. We can also trust God's sovereignty in our lives, just as the brothers eventually came to understand God's plan, as seen in Genesis 50:20 (and Romans 8:28).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the brothers find in their sacks when they opened them?
The brothers found their silver in the mouth of each of their sacks, which was the full amount they had paid, as stated in Genesis 43:21. This was a surprising and mysterious event for them.
Why did the brothers bring the silver back with them?
The brothers brought the silver back with them because they did not know who had put it in their sacks and they wanted to return it, as they mentioned in Genesis 43:21 and Genesis 43:22.
What does this event reveal about the character of the brothers?
This event shows that the brothers were honest men who wanted to do the right thing, even when they did not understand what was happening, which is similar to the integrity shown by Joseph in Genesis 39:9.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Joseph and his brothers?
This verse is part of the story of Joseph's brothers coming to Egypt to buy food, and it sets the stage for their encounter with Joseph, who is testing their character, as seen in Genesis 42:15-16 and Genesis 43:23.
Reflection Questions
- What would I have done if I were in the brothers' shoes and found my money returned to me in such a mysterious way?
- How can I apply the brothers' honesty and integrity in my own life, especially in situations where no one is watching?
- What does this verse teach me about God's sovereignty and His ability to work out all things for good, as stated in Romans 8:28?
- In what ways can I trust God's providence in my life, even when events seem strange or unexplainable, like the brothers' experience in Genesis 43:21?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:21
And it came to pass when we came to the inn,.... Upon the road, on the first day's journey, to refresh themselves and their cattle: that we opened our sacks; to give provender to our cattle; by which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:21
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 43:21
Genesis 43:21 And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, [every] man’ s money [was] in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand. Ver. 21. Every man’ s money.] This made their hearts even ready to go out of their mouths, as the Heb. hath it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:21
(21) The inn.—The lodging-place. (See Note on Genesis 42:27.) Our sacks.—Heb., our travelling or forage bags. It is the word used at the end of Gen 42:27. So immediately afterwards the silver was found “in the mouth of the travelling-bag.” And so again in Genesis 43:22-23. This is accurate, as the silver was placed in the private bag of each one, and not in the corn sacks; but as we have seen in Genesis 42:27; Genesis 42:35, only one of them found his money at the lodging-place. This, however, was a matter of no importance, while it was necessary to show that they were a full day’s journey on the route homewards before the mistake was discovered.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:21
21. the lodging place) Cf. Genesis 42:27 (J). every man’s money] According to E, every man’s bundle of money was found, when they emptied their sacks at their journey’s end. Cf. Genesis 42:35. in full weight] Lit. “in its weight.” The money was not in coins, but in metal, probably bars, rings, or ingots, which had to be weighed.
Sermons on Genesis 43:21
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Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses tr |
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Letter 115 by James Bourne | James Bourne, in a letter to M. C. B., discusses the narrow path to life and the rarity of finding it, especially in higher social circles. He acknowledges the presence of hypocris |
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Justification by Works by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the topic of faith and works in the book of James. He begins by highlighting James' unique method of presenting an illustration before |
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What Time Is It? by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus Christ and how it should encourage believers to persevere. He highlights four responsibilities that Christians h |
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(2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It |
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(Basics) 48. Giving Everything to God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being righteous and faithful in money matters. He encourages the audience to give back what is rightfully owed to others, i |
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(Basics) 61. Selfishness by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of sin and its impact on our lives. He compares sin to various physical ailments, stating that sin is worse than sickness, i |