Genesis 43:27 kjv

And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?

Genesis 43:27 nkjv

Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?"

Genesis 43:27 niv

He asked them how they were, and then he said, "How is your aged father you told me about? Is he still living?"

Genesis 43:27 esv

And he inquired about their welfare and said, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?"

Genesis 43:27 nlt

After greeting them, he asked, "How is your father, the old man you spoke about? Is he still alive?"

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 27 Meaning

Genesis 43:27 describes Joseph's tender inquiry regarding his aging father, Jacob, when his brothers arrive in Egypt for the second time. Joseph asks about Jacob's overall well-being and whether he is still alive. This moment reveals Joseph's profound filial concern and deep emotional connection to the family he was separated from for many years, forming a pivotal step in the unfolding reconciliation.

Genesis 43 27 Context

Genesis 43:27 occurs during a deeply suspenseful and emotionally charged period in the patriarchal narrative. A severe famine afflicts Canaan, compelling Jacob's sons to travel to Egypt to buy grain. On their first trip, Joseph, now the powerful vizier of Egypt, recognizes his brothers but keeps his identity secret. He tests them by imprisoning Simeon and demanding they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them on their next visit, to prove their honesty. This verse takes place during their second trip. Jacob, having reluctantly permitted Benjamin to go, waits anxiously. Joseph's seemingly casual inquiry about his father is loaded with the pent-up emotion of years of separation and the fulfillment of God's providence, disguised behind the façade of a severe Egyptian official. This encounter is a crucial step towards family reunion and the preservation of God's chosen lineage.

Genesis 43 27 Word analysis

• And he asked them (וַיִּשְׁאַל֙ - wayyišʾal): This Hebrew verb, a Hiphil imperfect of ša'al, indicates a direct, active, and specific inquiry. It's not a casual passing remark but a pointed question from Joseph, signifying his intense personal interest. It also hints at a position of authority, as the ruler is questioning his subjects.
• of their welfare (לִשְׁלוֹמָ֤ם - li-šlomam): The noun is from the root shalom (שָׁלוֹם), meaning "peace," but in this context, it expands beyond absence of conflict to encompass "well-being," "completeness," "wholeness," "prosperity," "health," and "security." Joseph is inquiring about their entire state of being, particularly that of their father, a holistic assessment rather than just a medical check.
• and said (וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ - wayyomer): A common conjunctive verb introducing direct speech, emphasizing that Joseph's concern transitioned from an inquiry to an explicit verbalization.
• Is your old father well, of whom you spoke? (הֲשָׁל֣וֹם אֲבִיכֶ֣ם הַזָּקֵ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֔ם - haššālôm ’āvîkem hazzāqēn ’ăšer ’ămartem):
  • Is your old father well? (הֲשָׁל֣וֹם אֲבִיכֶ֣ם הַזָּקֵ֔ן - haššālôm ’āvîkem hazzāqēn): The reiteration of shalom as a question ("Is there peace/well-being?") directly underscores the depth of Joseph's concern. The addition of "your old father" (hāzzāqēn - 'the old man') highlights Jacob's vulnerability due to age, adding poignancy to the question. It shows Joseph’s particular concern for Jacob given his age and prior grief.
  • of whom you spoke? (אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֔ם - ’ăšer ’ămartem): This phrase connects back to the brothers' earlier conversation with Joseph in Genesis 42, showing Joseph's clear recollection and the importance of this detail to him. It subtly reinforces Joseph's apparent knowledge and power.
• Is he still alive? (הַעוֹדֶנּוּ חָ֑י - ha‘odennû ḥāy): A highly poignant and direct question. Ḥāy means "living" or "alive." This reveals the core of Joseph's anxiety: after all these years, he yearns to know if his beloved father, whom he believed mourned his supposed death, has survived the intervening period and Jacob's deep sorrow over losing Joseph. It expresses his longing for reunion and the emotional stakes involved in this family saga.

Words-Group Analysis

• And he asked them of their welfare...: This opening signifies a formal inquiry, befitting a ruler, yet infused with underlying personal emotion. It reflects ancient Near Eastern courtesies where one would inquire about the general state of others before delving into specifics, but for Joseph, it was the specific state of his father that mattered most.
• Is your old father well... Is he still alive?: These twin questions, following a more general inquiry about "their welfare," pinpoint Joseph's ultimate concern. The mention of "old" emphasizes Jacob's fragility and the passage of time. The two questions signify Joseph's layered anxiety: first, regarding his father's current health and general condition, and second, confirming his very existence after two decades of separation. This reflects a son’s deep love and a hidden desire for reconciliation, even as he maintains his disguise. This moment highlights the core tension of the narrative—Joseph’s strategic deception balanced by genuine affection and concern.

Genesis 43 27 Bonus section

This verse subtly introduces the theme of parental honor and care which is a foundational principle in biblical law and wisdom literature. Joseph's actions, even while orchestrating a complex plan, consistently show high regard for his father. The phrase "old father" highlights Jacob's age and vulnerability, underscoring the ancient world's respect for elders, often seen as repositories of wisdom and bearers of lineage. Joseph’s persistent inquiry reveals that even political power and separation could not erase the natural bond and responsibility toward his parents. This particular query by Joseph about his father's well-being is more than just protocol; it is a manifestation of hesed (covenant loyalty/love) towards his family and God's faithfulness working through human emotions and plans.

Genesis 43 27 Commentary

Genesis 43:27 is a deceptively simple verse, yet it reveals much about Joseph's character and the intricate workings of God's providence. Joseph, though appearing as a stern Egyptian official, cannot hide the profound filial love he holds for his father. His immediate and detailed inquiry about Jacob's "welfare" (shalom – holistic well-being) and his very survival ("Is he still alive?") speaks volumes of his inner turmoil and longing. This specific questioning goes beyond general politeness, reflecting years of unexpressed love and deep anxiety for the family he believed lost. It demonstrates the enduring strength of familial bonds established by God and a poignant reminder that even through suffering and separation, divine love orchestrates circumstances for restoration. Joseph's strategic testing of his brothers is always coupled with his emotional attachment to his kin, preparing the way for a grand, divinely appointed family reunion that preserves the lineage chosen for the covenant.