Genesis 43:28
Genesis 43:28 in Multiple Translations
“Your servant our father is well,” they answered. “He is still alive.” And they bowed down to honor him.
And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.
And they said, Thy servant our father is well, he is yet alive. And they bowed the head, and made obeisance.
And they said, Your servant, our father, is well, he is still living. And they went down on their faces before him.
“Yes, your servant our father is still alive, and is well,” they replied and bowed low in respect.
Who answered, Thy seruant our father is in good health, he is yet aliue: and they bowed downe, and made obeysance.
and they say, 'Thy servant our father [is] well, he is yet alive;' and they bow, and do obeisance.
They said, “Your servant, our father, is well. He is still alive.” They bowed down humbly.
And they answered, Thy servant, our father, is in good health, he is yet alive: and they bowed their heads and made obeisance.
And they answered: Thy servant our father is in health, he is yet living. And bowing themselves they made obeisance to him.
One of them replied, “Yes, our father, who is willing to be your servant, is still alive, and he is well.” Then again they bowed down in front of him.
They said, “Yes, our father is still alive, and he is good. He respects you.” Then they all got down on their knees again, and they put their faces near the ground, to show respect to Joseph.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 43:28
BAB
Word Study
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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 43:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ
שָׁל֛וֹם
לְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֥
לְ/אָבִ֖י/נוּ
עוֹדֶ֣/נּוּ
חָ֑י
וַֽ/יִּקְּד֖וּ
ו/ישתחו
וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ
וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שָׁל֛וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
N-ms
לְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֥
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לְ/אָבִ֖י/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-ms | Suff
עוֹדֶ֣/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv | Suff
חָ֑י
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
וַֽ/יִּקְּד֖וּ
qâdad
H6915
to bow
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
ו/ישתחו
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 43:28
וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שָׁל֛וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
לְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֥
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
לְ/אָבִ֖י/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
עוֹדֶ֣/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv | Suff
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
חָ֑י
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וַֽ/יִּקְּד֖וּ
qâdad
H6915
"to bow"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To bow means to shrivel up or bend the body in deference. In the Bible, it is often used to describe showing respect or worship, like bowing down to God. This act is seen in many stories, including those of Moses and the prophets.
Definition: (Qal) to bow down
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bow (down) (the) head, stoop. See also: Genesis 24:26; 1 Samuel 24:9; Nehemiah 8:6.
ו/ישתחו
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Genesis 43:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 43:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 43:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:28
- Sermons on Genesis 43:28
Context — Joseph’s Hospitality to His Brothers
26When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him.
27He asked if they were well, and then he asked, “How is your elderly father you told me about? Is he still alive?”
28“Your servant our father is well,” they answered. “He is still alive.” And they bowed down to honor him.
29When Joseph looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Then he declared, “May God be gracious to you, my son.” 30Joseph hurried out because he was moved to tears for his brother, and he went to a private room to weep.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:7 | We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” |
| 2 | Genesis 43:26 | When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 14:4 | When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 24:17 | After the death of Jehoiada, however, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. |
| 5 | Genesis 37:9–10 | Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” He told his father and brothers, but his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream that you have had? Will your mother and brothers and I actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” |
| 6 | Exodus 18:7 | So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 1:2 | On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 1:16 | And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?” |
Genesis 43:28 Summary
In Genesis 43:28, the brothers tell Joseph that their father is well and still alive, and they bow down to honor him. This shows that they respect Joseph's authority and are humble. We can learn from their example by being honest and respectful to those in charge of us (as seen in Romans 13:1-2). Just like Joseph's brothers, we can trust that God is taking care of our loved ones, even when we can't see it (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the brothers bowing down to honor Joseph in Genesis 43:28?
The brothers' action of bowing down to honor Joseph is a sign of respect and recognition of his authority, as seen in Genesis 37:7-10 where Joseph's dreams foretold his brothers bowing down to him.
How does Joseph's inquiry about his father's well-being in Genesis 43:27 relate to the brothers' response in Genesis 43:28?
Joseph's question shows his concern for his family, and the brothers' response reassures him that their father is well, which is a testament to God's providence and care, as seen in Psalm 121:8.
What can we learn from the brothers' honesty and humility in Genesis 43:28?
The brothers' honesty and humility in acknowledging Joseph's authority and expressing their father's well-being demonstrate the importance of integrity and humility, as taught in Proverbs 22:1 and Matthew 18:4.
How does this verse contribute to the overall narrative of Joseph's story in the book of Genesis?
Genesis 43:28 is a pivotal moment in Joseph's story, as it reveals his brothers' humility and sets the stage for Joseph's eventual revelation of his identity, highlighting God's sovereignty and redemption, as seen in Genesis 50:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show respect and honor to those in authority over me, just like the brothers did with Joseph?
- How can I cultivate humility and integrity in my own life, especially in difficult or trying circumstances?
- What are some times when I have experienced God's providence and care, just like Joseph's family did in this story?
- How can I use my words and actions to bring comfort and reassurance to others, just like the brothers did when they told Joseph about their father's well-being?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:28
And they answered, thy servant our father [is] in good health, he [is] yet alive,.... Which is an answer to both his questions; and by calling their father Joseph's servant, he did obeisance to him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:28
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 43:28
Thy servant; by which expression delivered in Jacob’ s name, and by his order, Jacob himself made obeisance to him, as was foretold, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:28
Genesis 43:28 And they answered, Thy servant our father [is] in good health, he [is] yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance. Ver. 28.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:28
(28) They bowed down.—This was the literal fulfilment of the first dream concerning the eleven sheaves making obeisance. As their business in Egypt was to buy corn, there was a fitness also in their being represented as sheaves.
Sermons on Genesis 43:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 43:24-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the emotional reunion between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph is overwhelmed with emotion and quickly leaves the room to weep in private. He |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. He explains that Joseph, at the age of 17, was a rather gullible and naive boy who had been sheltered by |
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(Revelation) Revelation 11:16-12:17 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of avoiding pride and rebellion, as these traits make people like Satan. He highlights that Satan infects people with pride a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 42:24-45:28 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis. He highlights the moment when Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers a |
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The Driving Force of Satan by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and its significance in understanding God's goodness and love. He emphasizes that God runs to forgive when we come to |