Genesis 43:2 kjv

And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food.

Genesis 43:2 nkjv

And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, "Go back, buy us a little food."

Genesis 43:2 niv

So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, "Go back and buy us a little more food."

Genesis 43:2 esv

And when they had eaten the grain that they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, "Go again, buy us a little food."

Genesis 43:2 nlt

When the grain they had brought from Egypt was almost gone, Jacob said to his sons, "Go back and buy us a little more food."

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 2 Meaning

This verse describes the practical necessity that arises after the grain from the first journey to Egypt is fully consumed, compelling Jacob, the patriarch, to instruct his sons to undertake another trip to procure more food due to the ongoing severity of the famine in Canaan. It highlights the urgent need for sustenance and sets the stage for the brothers' return to Egypt, an essential step in God's unfolding plan for Joseph and the entire family.

Genesis 43 2 Context

Genesis 43:2 is situated deep within the Joseph narrative, specifically after the first journey of Jacob's ten sons to Egypt, where they met Joseph but did not recognize him. During that initial visit, Joseph accused them of being spies and demanded that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to him to prove their honesty, holding Simeon captive as collateral. Upon their return, Jacob adamantly refused to let Benjamin go, fearing for his life after losing Joseph. This verse now shows the family at a crisis point: the provisions they brought back from Egypt have been entirely consumed due to the severe, ongoing famine that afflicts not only Egypt but also Canaan and the surrounding lands. The depletion of food supplies creates an inescapable need for another trip, forcing Jacob to confront his deeply held fears and the demands placed upon him by the circumstances and Joseph's conditions.

Genesis 43 2 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי, vayhi): This Hebrew conjunction and verb phrase is a common literary device used throughout biblical narratives. It functions as a temporal connector, signifying a sequence of events, often indicating that what follows is significant or a direct consequence of what precedes. It can convey divine purpose or an unfolding of a pre-ordained plan.
• when they had eaten up (כְּאָכְלָם, kĕ’okhlām): The word means "when they had finished eating." It highlights the completeness and finality of their consumption. The participle form emphasizes a state of depletion, underlining the dire circumstances and immediate necessity for action. It conveys a picture of utter scarcity, leaving no choice but to seek more food.
• the corn (אֶת־הַשֶּׁבֶר, ’et-haššever): This refers to "grain" or "provision." The Hebrew term shever (שבר) literally means "broken," referring to broken or crushed grain (hence "corn" or grain that has been threshed and prepared). It specifies the type of sustenance, which was the staple food and what they went to Egypt to acquire, underlining its crucial nature for survival during the famine. It connects directly to Gen 41 where Joseph was given control over Egypt's "corn" or grain supply.
• which they had brought out of Egypt (אֲשֶׁר הֵבִיאוּ מִמִּצְרָיִם, ’ašer hevî’û mimmitsrayim): This phrase acts as a direct link back to Genesis chapter 42. It emphasizes that the previous trip provided only temporary relief. The situation highlights the cyclical nature of dependency on external sources during the severe famine and the limitations of previous efforts.
• their father (אֲבִיהֶם, ’avîhem): This refers to Jacob, highlighting his role as the patriarch and head of the household. It signifies his authority and responsibility to provide for and protect his large family. His word carries weight and is central to the family's actions and decisions, despite his internal struggle regarding Benjamin.
• said unto them (וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם, vayyomer ’alehem): A standard narrative formula, indicating a direct communication or command. It sets the tone for Jacob's instruction, indicating that his words are authoritative and expected to be obeyed.
• Go again (שׁוּבוּ, shuvu): The imperative form of the verb "to return" or "go back." It conveys urgency and necessity. It implies a repetition of the previous journey, acknowledging the brothers' established route and Joseph's specific instructions for a return visit with Benjamin. The repetition underscores the dire, persistent nature of the famine.
• buy us (שִׁבְרוּ לָנוּ, shivru lanu): "Buy for us grain" or "obtain provision for us." The plural imperative directs all the sons, emphasizing a collective effort for the benefit of the entire family ("for us"). This confirms the continuation of the "business" aspect of their journey – exchanging payment for essential provisions.
• a little food (מְעַט אֹכֶל, mə‘aṭ ’okhel): This phrase implies Jacob's immediate, realistic, and perhaps desperate need. "A little food" suggests they are not asking for an abundance but simply enough to survive. It might also reflect Jacob's perceived limitation on what they can afford or expect, or a cautious hope given the perilous journey and the condition set by the Egyptian ruler.
• when they had eaten up... brought out of Egypt: This phrase group points to the physical, finite nature of the resources obtained through human effort and highlights the relentless pressure of the ongoing famine. It establishes the "trigger" for the subsequent events.
• their father said unto them, Go again: This phrase group highlights Jacob's paternal authority and responsibility, coupled with the imperative command driven by circumstances. It showcases the reluctant yet necessary decision of the patriarch.
• buy us a little food: This emphasizes the core necessity for mere survival and the urgency of their mission. "A little" underscores their dire situation and perhaps Jacob's humble expectation, reflecting the limited hope and resources available.

Genesis 43 2 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of famine in the ancient Near East, often orchestrated by divine providence (e.g., God closing the heavens), underscores human vulnerability and dependency on God's provision. In this case, Joseph's foresight, empowered by God's wisdom, became the channel of that provision. Jacob's delayed command suggests his deep internal conflict and lingering trauma from Joseph's presumed death and the current captivity of Simeon, making this simple instruction a moment of profound reluctance. The phrase "a little food" reflects the desperate hope of merely extending their survival, not expecting long-term security. This entire episode serves as a powerful illustration of how God uses human need and even familial dysfunction to meticulously execute His redemptive plan for His chosen people.

Genesis 43 2 Commentary

Genesis 43:2 succinctly illustrates the harsh reality of the famine that serves as a divine instrument in the unfolding narrative of Joseph and his family. The phrase "when they had eaten up the corn" is pivotal, signaling a forced shift from temporary relief to renewed desperation. It highlights the completeness of their consumption, leaving no alternative but a second perilous journey. Jacob, the aging patriarch, despite his deep anguish over Benjamin, is compelled by the most fundamental need—survival—to act. His command, "Go again, buy us a little food," reveals a blend of paternal responsibility and practical resignation. It underscores humanity's dependency on sustenance and God's sovereign hand working through seemingly mundane circumstances—eating grain—to move His redemptive plan forward, paving the way for the ultimate reconciliation and revelation of Joseph. This mundane event thus becomes a divinely orchestrated moment of necessity, driving the brothers toward a second, critical encounter with their long-lost brother, ultimately leading to the preservation of Jacob's family and the nation of Israel.