Genesis 43 12

Genesis 43:12 kjv

And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight:

Genesis 43:12 nkjv

Take double money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight.

Genesis 43:12 niv

Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake.

Genesis 43:12 esv

Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight.

Genesis 43:12 nlt

Also take double the money that was put back in your sacks, as it was probably someone's mistake.

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 12 meaning

This verse embodies Jacob's profound wisdom and unwavering integrity as he provides instructions to his sons for their crucial second journey to Egypt. Recognizing the mysterious return of their money during the first trip, Jacob commands them to prepare not only a double amount for the new grain purchase but also to meticulously return the specific funds previously found in their sacks. This deliberate act aims to preempt any suspicion of theft or dishonest gain, attributing the earlier event to a potential, unintentional mistake or "oversight" on the part of the Egyptian officials. It powerfully underlines the paramount importance of rectitude, transparent conduct, and caution in all their dealings.

Genesis 43 12 Context

Jacob's family faced a dire famine, prompting his sons (excluding Benjamin) to travel to Egypt for grain. There, they encountered Joseph, now the powerful vizier, who recognized them but was not recognized in return. Joseph, to test his brothers and out of a desire to see Benjamin, accused them of being spies, demanding that they bring their youngest brother to prove their honesty. He held Simeon captive as security. Unknown to his brothers, Joseph then secretly had their payment money returned within their sacks (Gen 42:27-28, 35), causing immense fear and consternation when discovered.

Jacob, overwhelmed by previous losses and now terrified for Benjamin, initially refused to send him (Gen 42:36). It was Judah who eventually pledged his own life for Benjamin's safe return (Gen 43:8-9), persuading a deeply reluctant Jacob to finally agree to the perilous second journey. Genesis 43:12 encapsulates Jacob's final, critical instructions. These words reveal his practical sagacity, his unwavering commitment to integrity, and his caution amidst profound uncertainty. He is driven to rectify any perceived past "error" and prevent any future accusations, prioritizing his family's safety and honor above all else.

Genesis 43 12 Word analysis

• And take double money:

  • Hebrew: מִשְׁנֶה כֶּסֶף (mishneh kesef). "Mishneh" (מִשְׁנֶה) literally means "second" or "double portion," signifying twice the amount. "Kesef" (כֶּסֶף) refers to silver, often used interchangeably for money.
  • Significance: Jacob’s command to take double money shows extreme caution and a desire to make absolutely sure they pay enough. It reflects a proactive attempt to demonstrate honesty and to secure the needed grain, perhaps acknowledging increased famine prices or simply demonstrating his family’s integrity and earnestness to transact fairly, going above and beyond.

• in your hand:

  • Significance: This literal instruction emphasizes open, visible conduct. It means the money should be readily available for transparent transaction, not concealed. This stands in stark contrast to the previous, mysterious discovery of money hidden inside their sacks. It suggests an intention for forthright dealing.

• and the money that was brought back:

  • Hebrew: הַמּוּשָׁב (hammushav), a hophal (causative passive) participle, meaning "that which was caused to be brought back" or "returned."
  • Significance: This precise phrasing highlights that the money's return was an action performed to them, not by them. Jacob maintains their innocence, implicitly rejecting any notion that they stole the money or willingly kept it.

• in the mouth of your sacks:

  • Hebrew: פִי אַמְתְּחוֹתֵיכֶם (pi amtechotecham). "Pi" (פִי) refers to the "mouth" or opening of a container, while "amtechoth" (אַמְתְּחוֹת) refers to "sacks" or "grain bags."
  • Significance: This detail precisely recalls the unsettling discovery made by the brothers during their first journey (Gen 42:27-28, 35). Specifying the exact location of the money emphasizes that Jacob addresses the specific past incident, intending to rectify it fully.

• carry it back in your hand:

  • Significance: This reiterates the command for visible and immediate restitution. Jacob is ensuring that nothing is held back that might lead to further suspicion or accusation of theft. It's a proactive measure of integrity.

• peradventure it was an oversight:

  • Hebrew: שְׁגָגָה (shegaghah). This Hebrew term often appears in the Pentateuch, especially in Mosaic Law (e.g., Lev 4:2; Num 15:27), to describe an unintentional error, inadvertent mistake, or unwitting sin, contrasting with deliberate, high-handed offenses.
  • Significance: Jacob avoids attributing malicious intent to the Egyptian officials or to providence itself. He takes a pragmatic, humble, and non-confrontational approach, positing a benign explanation (an "oversight") for the baffling occurrence. This allows him to act righteously without making accusations, demonstrating a practical wisdom that prioritizes reconciliation and self-preservation through blamelessness.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "And take double money... and the money that was brought back... carry it back in your hand...": This complex set of instructions demonstrates Jacob's heightened prudence and scrupulous integrity. He insists on an excessive payment for new grain while concurrently ensuring meticulous restitution for the earlier, mysterious return. This reflects a commitment to unequivocally clear his family of any suspicion of theft and avoid future conflicts, illustrating an advanced ethical understanding for his time.
  • "peradventure it was an oversight": This concluding phrase provides a profound insight into Jacob’s character. It reveals his willingness to give the benefit of the doubt, avoid hasty judgment, and prioritize practical ethical action over speculation. By humbly framing the past event as a mere "oversight," Jacob disarms potential accusations and models a spirit of integrity that aligns with God's desire for righteousness, even amidst inexplicable circumstances.

Genesis 43 12 Bonus section

The carefulness in Jacob's instructions regarding the money speaks to the critical importance of a good reputation and honorable dealing in ancient Near Eastern society. An accusation of theft, particularly against powerful officials of a dominant state like Egypt, could result in dire consequences, including imprisonment, enslavement, or even execution for his sons. Jacob's actions are thus not just about honesty but also about survival and prudent risk mitigation. The fact that the money was found "in the mouth of your sacks" was deeply unsettling because it placed his sons in a compromising position, vulnerable to serious charges. Jacob's proactive measure aimed to completely eliminate this vulnerability. While Jacob sees it as an "oversight," it is indeed a significant part of God's overarching plan for testing his sons, humbling them, and eventually bringing them into Joseph's presence. Joseph later clarifies that God used these events for a greater purpose (Gen 45:5; 50:20), indicating that even perceived "oversights" or human errors can be woven into the fabric of divine providence. This passage illustrates a critical stage in the family's character development, contrasting sharp trading practices sometimes associated with their background (e.g., Jacob with Laban) with an emerging emphasis on truthfulness and blameless conduct.

Genesis 43 12 Commentary

Genesis 43:12 highlights Jacob's mature wisdom, marked by practical foresight and a profound commitment to integrity, even in the face of profound personal anguish. His command to bring "double money" for new provisions, coupled with the explicit instruction to return the original money found in their sacks, demonstrates a thorough ethical resolve. This meticulous attention to honest dealings serves to avert any potential accusation of theft, which carried severe penalties in the ancient Near East. Jacob wisely attributes the past anomaly to a mere "oversight" (shegaghah), reflecting prudence rather than blame. This proactive display of uprightness, costing more but securing their reputation and safety, proved pivotal in paving the way for God's larger providential plan to unfold—ultimately leading to Joseph's revelation and the preservation of Jacob's family. It exemplifies a foundational biblical principle: live honorably before God and people, letting truth and integrity guide actions, particularly in uncertain times.