Genesis 43 15

Genesis 43:15 kjv

And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.

Genesis 43:15 nkjv

So the men took that present and Benjamin, and they took double money in their hand, and arose and went down to Egypt; and they stood before Joseph.

Genesis 43:15 niv

So the men took the gifts and double the amount of silver, and Benjamin also. They hurried down to Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph.

Genesis 43:15 esv

So the men took this present, and they took double the money with them, and Benjamin. They arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph.

Genesis 43:15 nlt

So the men packed Jacob's gifts and double the money and headed off with Benjamin. They finally arrived in Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph.

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 15 meaning

This verse marks a critical juncture in the narrative of Jacob’s sons, depicting their decisive return to Egypt. It highlights their complete compliance with the severe demands made by the powerful Egyptian governor (Joseph). They meticulously prepared and took the specific present requested by their father, Jacob, added double the necessary silver, and most significantly, brought Benjamin with them, demonstrating their ultimate surrender to the dire circumstances. This journey concluded with them standing in deference before Joseph, completely unaware of his true identity.

Genesis 43 15 Context

(p)The chapter opens with the family of Jacob again running out of food during the severe famine gripping the land of Canaan. Jacob initially refused to allow Benjamin, his youngest son and Rachel's only other child, to accompany his brothers back to Egypt for grain, fearing for his safety after Joseph's perceived death. However, due to the intense pressure of the famine and Judah's impassioned plea, taking full responsibility for Benjamin's return, Jacob relented. In verse 15, the brothers fulfill all their father's difficult stipulations, gathering a significant "present" (tribute), double the previous money (to pay for the grain and perhaps correct the earlier unexplained return of money), and most crucially, taking Benjamin. This marked their courageous but anxious step to return to face the unknown demands of the powerful Egyptian governor, leading directly to Joseph’s eventual revelation and the family’s preservation. Historically, presenting gifts to rulers was a common practice in the ancient Near East to gain favor or show deference, especially when seeking critical resources or aid.

Genesis 43 15 Word analysis

(ul)

• And the men: (Hebrew: וְהָאֲנָשִׁים – v'ha'anashim). Refers to Jacob’s sons (excluding Jacob himself and Benjamin, who is handled by them), highlighting their collective action and shared burden.
• took: (Hebrew: לָקְחוּ – lakchu). Used twice in this verse. Signifies deliberate, active compliance and assuming responsibility for these items and Benjamin.
• that present: (Hebrew: אֶת־הַמִּנְחָה – et-hamminchah). Minchah means "tribute," "gift," or "offering." It specifically refers to the balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds Jacob instructed them to bring (Gen 43:11). This was a diplomatic gesture to seek favor or appeasement, reflecting common ancient Near Eastern practices.
• double money: (Hebrew: וּמִשְׁנֵה כֶסֶף – u'mishneh kesef). Mishneh means "double" or "second." Kesef is "silver" or "money." This was in addition to the money they were to take for new provisions. It aimed to correct the mystery of the money found in their sacks from the first trip and possibly to offer a generous sum to secure favorable treatment.
• in their hand: (Hebrew: בְּיָדָם – b'yadam). Denotes that the money was directly in their possession or under their control, signifying readiness for transaction or a sign of responsibility.
• and Benjamin: (Hebrew: וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִן – v'et-binyamin). The critical, heart-wrenching component for Jacob and his sons. Benjamin’s presence signifies Jacob's complete surrender to divine providence and dire necessity. His inclusion marks a pivotal moment, fulfilling Joseph’s demand.
• rose up: (Hebrew: וַיָּקֻמוּ – vayyakumu). Implies action after a period of decision or preparation. Signifies setting out on the journey, leaving Canaan.
• and went down to Egypt: (Hebrew: וַיֵּרְדוּ מִצְרָיְמָה – v'yeirdu Mitzraymah). "Went down" is a geographical reference as Egypt is lower in elevation than Canaan, but also culturally signified entering a place of powerful authority or a journey of dependency.
• and stood before Joseph: (Hebrew: וַיַּעַמְדוּ לִפְנֵי יוֹסֵף – vayya'amdu lifnei Yosef). This posture indicates reverence, submission, and anticipation of judgment or command before an authority figure. Unbeknownst to them, it fulfills Joseph’s childhood dreams where his family bowed to him.(ul)
• "took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin": This phrase details the three crucial elements of their compliance. The "present" represents their attempt at appeasement, the "double money" their rectification and perhaps extra provision, and "Benjamin" their ultimate, agonizing submission, demonstrating trust and desperation.
• "rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph": This sequence captures the full narrative arc of their difficult decision-making (rising up), the perilous journey (went down to Egypt), and the climatic encounter (stood before Joseph), highlighting the solemnity and anticipation of their arrival. It signifies their resolute commitment despite the great personal cost.

Genesis 43 15 Bonus section

(h2)(ul)

• The brothers' meticulous preparation (the gifts, the double money) emphasizes the profound fear and respect they held for Joseph, even though they didn't know who he was. This foreshadows their ultimate recognition and humbling.
• Benjamin's presence in Egypt, being brought "by his brothers," reinforces the motif of "sending down" (Jacob sent him down via them), linking him thematically to Joseph, who was also "sent down" to Egypt.
• The journey "down" to Egypt has symbolic significance, often implying descent into a place of trial or dependency in biblical narratives, but here also divinely ordained for the salvation of Jacob's family.
• The act of "standing before Joseph" highlights Joseph's position of authority, which was fully established by divine providence. It prepares the reader for the dramatic scenes of testing and revelation that follow.

Genesis 43 15 Commentary

(p)Genesis 43:15 presents the culmination of Jacob's painful decision and his sons' obedient, though anxious, compliance. Driven by extreme famine, they perform every command. The meticulous detail of the present and double money reflects both pragmatic financial dealings and an earnest effort to gain favor and alleviate perceived wrongdoing from their prior trip. The presence of Benjamin, a son Jacob cherished dearly, underscores the immense stakes and their utter vulnerability before the unknown Egyptian governor. Their journey "down to Egypt" and eventual standing "before Joseph" symbolizes their submission to a higher authority, unknowingly fulfilling Joseph’s prophetic dreams and positioning them for a divine unfolding. This verse thus embodies humility, obedience under duress, and a tangible step towards reconciliation and the preservation of God's covenant people.