Genesis 43 21

Genesis 43:21 kjv

And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.

Genesis 43:21 nkjv

but it happened, when we came to the encampment, that we opened our sacks, and there, each man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight; so we have brought it back in our hand.

Genesis 43:21 niv

But at the place where we stopped for the night we opened our sacks and each of us found his silver?the exact weight?in the mouth of his sack. So we have brought it back with us.

Genesis 43:21 esv

And when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each man's money in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it again with us,

Genesis 43:21 nlt

But as we were returning home, we stopped for the night and opened our sacks. Then we discovered that each man's money ? the exact amount paid ? was in the top of his sack! Here it is; we have brought it back with us.

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 21 meaning

Genesis 43:21 describes the sons of Jacob recounting their distressed discovery of the money they had previously paid for grain, found returned in their sacks when they opened them at the lodging place. They emphasize that the money was "in full weight," indicating no attempt at theft or dishonesty on their part. Their open confession of finding the money and bringing it back demonstrates their sincere attempt to rectify what they perceive as a grave error or misunderstanding, underscoring their fear of being accused of theft and their desire to maintain integrity.

Genesis 43 21 Context

Genesis 43:21 takes place during the second journey of Jacob's sons to Egypt to purchase food, driven by a severe famine that grips the land. They had previously encountered the Egyptian governor, Joseph (unbeknownst to them, their own brother), who had treated them harshly and imprisoned Simeon until Benjamin, Jacob's youngest and Joseph's full brother, was brought to Egypt. As part of Joseph's test, he secretly returned the brothers' money in their sacks, first discovered by one brother on the initial journey back home (Gen 42:27-28). Now, standing before Joseph's steward in Egypt, the brothers, filled with anxiety and fearing an accusation of theft or deception, painstakingly recount this bewildering event, explaining that they brought the original money back and more. Their deep distress stems from this mysterious 'returned' money, as they desperately seek to prove their integrity and innocence, a stark contrast to their earlier deceit concerning Joseph's disappearance.

Genesis 43 21 Word analysis

• And it came to pass: A common Hebrew idiom ("וַיְהִי" - vayhí), indicating a transition in narrative or the start of a significant event. It directs the reader's attention to what follows.

• when we came to the inn: The Hebrew word is "מָלוֹן" (malon), which refers to a lodging place or encampment, often a temporary stop along a journey. It wasn't necessarily a developed inn as we understand it, but a place where travelers would stay overnight. The brothers, weary from their journey, chose this spot for their rest.

• that we opened our sacks: The Hebrew for sacks is "אַמְתְּחוֹתֵינוּ" (amtəkhothênû), referring to large bags for provisions, particularly grain. This act signifies their intention to feed their donkeys or prepare for a meal. The act of opening reveals the unexpected discovery.

• and, behold: The Hebrew "וְהִנֵּה" (vəhinnēh) is an interjection often used to introduce something surprising, unexpected, or striking. It draws attention to the astonishing discovery made by the brothers.

• every man’s money was in the mouth of his sack: The Hebrew word for money is "כֶּסֶף" (kesef), meaning silver or coin, the primary currency of the time. The phrase "mouth of his sack" ("פִּי אַמְתַּחְתּוֹ" - pi'amtahato) implies the opening or top of the bag, making it an immediate and unmistakable discovery, not something hidden deep within.

• our money in full weight: This phrase ("כַּסְפֵּנוּ בְּמִשְׁקָלוֹ" - kaspenū bəmišqālō) is crucial. "Full weight" ("מִשְׁקָלוֹ" - mišqālō) means it was the exact amount they had initially paid, undisturbed and complete. This detail is stated to emphasize their integrity and lack of intent to defraud or steal. It's a key part of their defense, showing no missing or added money to manipulate.

• and we have brought it again in our hand: "in our hand" ("בְּיָדֵנוּ" - bəyādênū) emphasizes that they physically held it and transported it back with them. This highlights their direct responsibility and conscious effort to return the money, demonstrating their good faith and honesty in light of the Law, which stipulated restitution for lost or stolen property, especially when found. This proactive step shows their attempt to distance themselves from any appearance of theft.

• "we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man’s money was in the mouth of his sack": This passage emphasizes the collective and individual shock. The public nature of the discovery, when they were together, reinforces their shared bewilderment and lack of conspiratorial action. The "mouth of his sack" detail makes it a clear, undeniable discovery for each man, not a deep-seated secret. This detail makes it hard for them to ignore the issue.

• "our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand": This statement represents the brothers' defense. It’s an urgent plea of innocence, emphasizing their integrity ("full weight") and their diligent efforts to rectify the situation by bringing the money back, hoping to clear their name from any suspicion of theft. Their actions demonstrate a desire to do what is right according to custom and, unknowingly, according to God’s law.

Genesis 43 21 Bonus section

The brothers' detailed explanation to Joseph's steward in Gen 43:21, though concise, serves multiple narrative purposes beyond simple honesty. It deepens their sense of moral obligation and the conviction that they are facing consequences, implicitly from God, for past sins (specifically, selling Joseph). The repetition of their discovery, first noted in Gen 42:27-28, emphasizes their distress and fear of being branded thieves in Egypt, which would have dire implications in a society with strict laws against theft. Their scrupulous return of "money in full weight" demonstrates a desperate attempt to restore trust and avoid further entanglement. This scene highlights the brothers' vulnerability and dependence on Joseph's steward for mercy, rather than relying on their own cunning, marking a significant departure from their earlier manipulative behaviors. It showcases the transformative power of trials, compelling them towards transparency and integrity, unwittingly aligning with Joseph's long-term plan of reconciliation and testing.

Genesis 43 21 Commentary

Genesis 43:21 articulates the sons of Jacob's profound anxiety and sincere desire for honesty in the face of a mysterious and incriminating situation. They recount their bewilderment upon discovering their payment for grain mysteriously returned in their sacks. This event is not simply a mundane detail but a pivotal moment showcasing the brothers' character development. Unlike their previous deceit concerning Joseph, they are now meticulously honest, openly declaring the unexpected money and attempting restitution. This shows a growing moral sensitivity, possibly driven by the weight of their past sin regarding Joseph, leading them to fear God's hand in their present troubles. The phrase "in full weight" is their earnest appeal to integrity, confirming they didn't tamper with it, while bringing it back in hand signifies their responsible effort to correct the error. This anxious, humble confession is part of Joseph's divine strategy to bring his brothers to full repentance and trust, demonstrating how God sovereignly uses difficult circumstances to mature and transform individuals, aligning them with His righteous ways.