Genesis 43:19 kjv
And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,
Genesis 43:19 nkjv
When they drew near to the steward of Joseph's house, they talked with him at the door of the house,
Genesis 43:19 niv
So they went up to Joseph's steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house.
Genesis 43:19 esv
So they went up to the steward of Joseph's house and spoke with him at the door of the house,
Genesis 43:19 nlt
The brothers approached the manager of Joseph's household and spoke to him at the entrance to the palace.
Genesis 43 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 42:28 | "Our money has been restored, and behold, it is in our sacks!" and their | Brothers' fear of discovery, anxiety. |
| Gen 44:4 | When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to his | Joseph's continued testing and perceived trickery. |
| Prov 28:13 | Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses | Seeking to clear conscience, honest disclosure. |
| 1 Jn 1:9 | If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and | Confession leading to grace/cleansing. |
| Ps 32:5 | I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity... | Voluntarily confessing, not waiting to be caught. |
| Gen 33:8 | He said, "What do you mean by all this company that I met?" Jacob said, "T | Jacob's humble approach to Esau, seeking favor. |
| 1 Kgs 10:5 | the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of | Describes order and management of a high official's household. |
| Lk 12:42 | "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over | Role of a steward (manager) over a household. |
| 1 Cor 4:2 | Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. | Steward's responsibility for faithfulness. |
| Lev 6:4 | then, if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he | Making restitution for perceived wrong. |
| Matt 5:25 | Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to th | Urgency in addressing a legal dispute. |
| Acts 24:12-13 | And they did not find me in the temple disputing with anyone... | Addressing false accusations promptly. |
| Phil 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others | Humility in approach, not arrogance. |
| Ps 73:28 | But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, | Desire for proximity to the source of peace/safety. |
| Deut 25:15 | You shall have a full and just weight, a full and just measure, that your | Principle of honesty and just dealings. |
| Prov 11:3 | The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treach | Integrity guiding actions. |
| Prov 18:16 | A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. | The idea of bringing something (money) to gain favor. |
| Matt 25:14 | "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and | Concept of entrustment to servants (stewards). |
| 2 Cor 7:11 | For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you... | Earnestness and zeal in responding to a situation. |
| Gen 43:23 | He replied, "Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your | Steward's response to their fears and confession. |
| Eccl 5:2 | Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word | Careful communication when addressing officials. |
Genesis 43 verses
Genesis 43 19 Meaning
Genesis 43:19 describes Jacob's sons approaching the steward responsible for Joseph's house, engaging him in conversation at the entrance. This action is driven by their deep apprehension regarding the money that was inexplicably returned in their sacks from their first trip to Egypt. Their immediate initiative to explain their situation reveals their fear of being accused of theft and their urgent desire to demonstrate their innocence and integrity before Joseph's household officials.
Genesis 43 19 Context
Genesis chapter 43 follows Jacob's reluctant decision to allow Benjamin to go to Egypt with his brothers, as necessitated by Joseph's strict demand for the return of all the brothers. The severe famine forces them to acquire more grain. The brothers are burdened with overwhelming anxiety, particularly concerning the money that was found in their sacks after their first journey, which they perceived as an accusation of theft. This fear of repercussion upon returning to Egypt is profound. Verse 19 depicts their immediate and pre-emptive action upon arriving at Joseph's prominent residence. Rather than waiting to be summoned or accused, they take the initiative to address their perceived dilemma with Joseph's trusted steward, hoping to avert severe consequences and prove their integrity.
Genesis 43 19 Word analysis
- and they came near (וַיִּגְּשׁ֥וּ, wa-yiggĕšū): Derived from the Hebrew root `נגשׁ (nagash)`, meaning "to draw near," "approach," "present oneself." It conveys intentional, often purposeful movement towards a person or place. Here, it indicates a deliberate action, not just accidental proximity. This immediacy reflects their great anxiety and eagerness to explain, possibly before they could be apprehended or accused.
- to the steward (אֶל־הָאִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֔ף, ʾel-hāʾîš ʾăšer ʿal-bêt Yōʿsēp̄): Literally "to the man who was over Joseph's house." The Hebrew `אישׁ (ʾîš)` means "man," and `על־בית (ʿal-bayit)` means "over the house." This signifies a specific and powerful official—Joseph's majordomo or chief administrator. Such a steward held significant authority, overseeing all household affairs, staff, and even financial matters. He was a trusted, authoritative figure, not a mere servant, making their direct approach to him all the more significant. This position reflects the highly structured administrative system of ancient Egypt.
- of Joseph's house (בֵּ֥ית יוֹסֵֽף, bêt Yōʿsēp̄): Refers specifically to the official residence and domain of Joseph, the vizier of Egypt. This was not a humble abode but a grand and influential establishment, underscoring the brothers' low status in comparison and their respectful, almost fearful, posture.
- and spoke with him (וַֽיְדַבְּר֣וּ אֵלָ֗יו, wa-yəḏabberû ʾēlāyw): From the Hebrew root `דבר (davar)`, meaning "to speak," "converse," "say." This suggests more than just a greeting; it implies an engaged discussion. The immediate and formal address of a highly-ranked official reflects their urgent need to clarify their situation and present their side of the story without delay.
- at the door of the house (פֶּ֣תַח הַבָּֽיִת, petaḥ ha-bāyit): `פּתח (petaḥ)` means "opening," "door," "entrance." Their choice of position is telling—they did not presume to enter uninvited but stood at the threshold. This humble posture demonstrates respect for authority, an awareness of protocol, and their status as foreign suppliants. It also implies their intention was urgent and public enough to address without entering, yet before potential deeper entry or engagement within the house that might be misconstrued. They wanted their intentions known immediately.
- "and they came near... at the door of the house": This phrase captures the physical proximity combined with a humble, waiting posture. They assertively seek to address the problem but do so respectfully and within bounds, standing at the official entryway, a liminal space. This immediate proactive stance, rather than waiting to be discovered, speaks volumes about their fear and sense of vulnerability.
- "to the steward of Joseph's house and spoke with him": This grouping emphasizes their direct target—the chief official who held delegated authority from Joseph—and their immediate objective: to verbalize their anxieties and explain their circumstances before anyone could level an accusation. It shows their hope that transparency might ward off dire consequences.
Genesis 43 19 Bonus section
The act of the brothers immediately engaging Joseph's steward (אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֔ף) before being formally summoned is a cultural marker of profound anxiety. In ancient Near Eastern societies, approaching high officials required specific protocols. To preemptively speak at the entrance underscores their intense fear of being considered thieves. It reveals their understanding of Egyptian administrative structures and their proactive, though fearful, strategy to mitigate an unfavorable situation, showcasing their vulnerability and powerlessness in a foreign land ruled by a severe, unknown vizier. Their fear ultimately prepares them for repentance and, unwittingly, for Joseph's revelation of his true identity and God's sovereign plan.
Genesis 43 19 Commentary
This concise verse reveals the depth of Jacob's sons' anxiety and their immediate, yet fearful, attempt to rectify a potentially damning misunderstanding. Upon arriving at Joseph's prominent residence, they bypass any lower servants and directly engage the steward, a key administrator. Their conversation at the very door highlights their blend of urgency, respect for authority, and desire for self-vindication before any accusation could be made. Their proactive confession about the returned money is a profound illustration of fear leading to an attempt at honest explanation, reflecting a desire to clear their name and avoid further calamity in a land where they were strangers and potentially vulnerable. This act of speaking openly sets the stage for God's hidden plan of reconciliation to unfold through Joseph's interactions with his brothers.