Genesis 42:25 kjv

Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them.

Genesis 42:25 nkjv

Then Joseph gave a command to fill their sacks with grain, to restore every man's money to his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. Thus he did for them.

Genesis 42:25 niv

Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to put each man's silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them,

Genesis 42:25 esv

And Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, and to replace every man's money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them.

Genesis 42:25 nlt

Joseph then ordered his servants to fill the men's sacks with grain, but he also gave secret instructions to return each brother's payment at the top of his sack. He also gave them supplies for their journey home.

Genesis 42 verses

Genesis 42 25 Meaning

Joseph, wielding his authority as the administrator of Egypt, issued a command for his servants to generously fill his brothers' grain sacks, to secretly place each man's payment back into his own sack, and to provide them with necessary supplies for their return journey to Canaan. These instructions were executed precisely as ordered.

Genesis 42 25 Context

Genesis chapter 42 finds Jacob's sons journeying from Canaan to Egypt to buy food, as a severe famine grips the land. Unbeknownst to them, the administrator overseeing the grain distribution is their brother Joseph, whom they had treacherously sold into slavery many years prior. Joseph immediately recognizes them, but chooses to conceal his identity and instead tests them by accusing them of being spies. He demands they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, as proof of their truthfulness, keeping Simeon as a hostage. This specific verse, Gen 42:25, follows Joseph's initial harsh encounter with his brothers and details his first secret act of kindness and calculated strategy towards them. It's a critical moment that sets the stage for a series of events designed by Joseph to assess his brothers' characters and ultimately orchestrate their full reconciliation and their relocation to Egypt under God's provident care.

Genesis 42 25 Word analysis

• Then Joseph gave orders (וַיְצַו֙ יוֹסֵ֔ף - wayy'ṣaw Yôsēp̄): The Hebrew verb tzavah (צוה) means "to command, appoint, instruct." This highlights Joseph's supreme authority as Egypt's ruler, under Pharaoh. It underscores the intentionality and directness of his actions; this was not a suggestion but a clear directive, demonstrating his control over the situation and the detailed planning behind his benevolent yet manipulative acts.
• to fill (לְמַלֵּ֨א - lĕmallēʾ): The infinitive malé (מלא) means "to fill, make full, accomplish." This denotes generosity and abundance. Their sacks were not merely partially filled but completely laden, symbolizing Egypt's vast resources and Joseph's abundant provision, echoing divine generosity amidst scarcity.
• their sacks (שַׂקֵּיהֶ֣ם - saqqêhem): The Hebrew word saq (שַׂק) refers to a large bag made of coarse material, typically used for grain. These were common for transport. The focus on their individual sacks emphasizes that each brother received this full measure.
• with grain (בָּר - bār): The Hebrew term bar (בָּר) signifies "grain" or "corn," the staple food supply. This detail points directly to the immediate purpose of their journey – sustenance during the widespread famine. Joseph provides what is essential for life.
• to put each man’s money back into his sack (וּלְהָשִׁ֧יב אִישׁ־כַּסְפּוֹ֙ אֶל־שַׂקּוֹ):
  • to put back (וּלְהָשִׁ֧יב - ūlĕhāshīv): From shuv (שוב), "to return, turn back." This is the most psychologically impactful command. It implies a restoration or an unexpected giving back.
  • each man’s money (אִישׁ־כַּסְפּוֹ֙ - ’îsh-kas'pô): Ish (איש) "each man," and keseph (כסף) "silver, money." This was their payment for the grain. The return of it is an act of extraordinary and unearned grace. It was not taken from one common pile but placed specifically into each brother's individual sack, ensuring personal discovery and heightened consternation upon finding it. This act of hidden return simultaneously served as a mysterious kindness and a calculated stratagem to test their honesty, trouble their consciences, and compel their return to Egypt, deepening the dramatic tension.
• and to give them provisions for their journey (וְלָתֵ֨ת לָהֶ֥ם צֵדָ֖ה לַדָּ֑רֶךְ):
  • provisions (צֵדָה - ṣēdâ): Specifically "food for a journey," indicating rations to sustain them until they reached home.
  • journey (לַדָּ֑רֶךְ - ladereḵ): Derech (דרך) refers to a "way, road, journey." Joseph ensures their safe and sustained return, highlighting his hidden care even while acting as their stern accuser. This provision serves a practical purpose while further signifying a generous hand, creating a complex emotional response in the brothers upon discovery.
• And so it was done for them (וַיַּעַשׂ לָהֶם כֵּן): The verb `asah (עשה) "to do, make, accomplish." This concise phrase confirms the immediate and efficient execution of Joseph's commands. It underlines his unquestioned authority within Egypt and the flawless implementation of his multifaceted plan, signifying the certainty and outworking of his strategic designs.

Genesis 42 25 Bonus section

The deliberate secrecy of returning the money, ensured by placing it "into his sack" rather than openly, plays a crucial role in Joseph's plan. This element of surprise upon discovery later in their journey (Gen 42:27-28) heightens the brothers' distress and fear, leading them to question what God is doing to them. It deepens their sense of vulnerability and serves as a powerful catalyst, making their return to Egypt with Benjamin not merely an administrative requirement but a desperate plea for justice or understanding, which further serves Joseph's aim of revealing their true characters. The "bonus" of returned money thus paradoxically creates more distress, effectively moving the narrative towards reconciliation and testing the brothers' repentance.

Genesis 42 25 Commentary

Genesis 42:25 stands as a highly significant verse in the unfolding narrative of Joseph and his brothers. It delineates Joseph's initial steps in a deeply strategic and psychologically acute process of testing and eventual reconciliation. Joseph's directives are laden with intent: the abundant provision of grain demonstrates Egypt's capacity and Joseph's power; the concealed return of their money is a profound act of unmerited favor, though perceived as bewildering and fearful by the brothers. This specific action forces the brothers into introspection, challenging their understanding of fairness and bringing their past transgressions to the forefront of their minds, hinting at a divine hand at work. The additional journey provisions complete a picture of unexpected, mysterious care from an unknown source. Through this orchestrated beneficence, Joseph expertly manipulates circumstances to provoke their eventual return with Benjamin, setting the stage for the dramatic revelations and the family's ultimate restoration. This verse encapsulates Joseph's complex character – authoritative ruler, astute strategist, and ultimately, a compassionate brother operating under divine guidance.