Genesis 44:1 kjv

And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth.

Genesis 44:1 nkjv

And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, "Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man's money in the mouth of his sack.

Genesis 44:1 niv

Now Joseph gave these instructions to the steward of his house: "Fill the men's sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each man's silver in the mouth of his sack.

Genesis 44:1 esv

Then he commanded the steward of his house, "Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man's money in the mouth of his sack,

Genesis 44:1 nlt

When his brothers were ready to leave, Joseph gave these instructions to his palace manager: "Fill each of their sacks with as much grain as they can carry, and put each man's money back into his sack.

Genesis 44 verses

Genesis 44 1 Meaning

Genesis 44:1 describes Joseph's immediate command to his steward after his brothers had eaten at his table, preparing for their departure from Egypt. This command initiates the final, pivotal test of his brothers. Joseph instructs his steward to fill their sacks with food to their maximum capacity and, crucially, to place each man's money back into the mouth of his sack, just as was done during their previous visit. This act sets the stage for the dramatic revelation of the missing divining cup in Benjamin's sack, which Joseph orchestrates to test his brothers' loyalty, transformation, and their readiness to protect Benjamin.

Genesis 44 1 Context

Genesis 44:1 immediately follows the account of Joseph's lavish feast with his brothers in his own house in Egypt. The emotional reunion with Benjamin and the preferential treatment given to him by Joseph had seemingly solidified the reconciliation. However, Joseph's deeper purpose was not yet complete. This verse marks the beginning of Joseph's final and most intense test designed to ascertain the true transformation of his brothers, particularly their repentance for betraying him and their willingness to protect Benjamin, their youngest brother, who now held the special place in Jacob's heart that Joseph once occupied. Historically, during this period, Egypt was a powerful, centralized empire where a high-ranking official like Joseph would have extensive administrative power and trusted subordinates like the steward. The return of money in sacks, initially a bewildering act, here becomes a deliberate set-up for the ultimate test, where a valuable silver cup will also be secretly planted, to precipitate a crisis that demands the brothers reveal their changed hearts.

Genesis 44 1 Word analysis

• Then he commanded (וַיְצַו, vay'tzav): This imperfect consecutive verb emphasizes the immediate sequence of action after the previous scene of feasting. It highlights Joseph's authoritative position (צוה, tsavah, meaning "to command" or "instruct") and proactive role in directing the unfolding events. This is a deliberate, calculated step in his overarching plan.
• the steward of his house (אֶת־אֲשֶׁר עַל־בֵּיתוֹ, et-asher al-beyto): Lit. "him who was over his house." This indicates a highly trusted and authoritative servant, akin to Joseph's own former position in Potiphar's house (Gen 39:4). The steward is Joseph's direct agent in executing this crucial test, signifying Joseph's complete control and the meticulous nature of his plan.
• saying (לֵאמֹר, le'mor): A common Hebrew literary device indicating that direct speech follows. It emphasizes the specific instructions given.
• Fill (מַלֵּא, malêʾ): An imperative verb, conveying a direct order. The instruction for filling their sacks highlights provision, but its paired instruction with returning money hints at deception.
• the men’s sacks (אֶת־אַמְתְּחֹת הָאֲנָשִׁים, et-amt'chot ha'anashim): אַמְתַּחַת (am'tachath) refers to large bags used for carrying grain or provisions, common for travelers. "The men" specifically refers to Joseph's brothers.
• with food (אֹכֶל, okhel): General term for sustenance, indicating generosity or abundance given to travelers, setting a seemingly benevolent scene.
• as much as they can carry (כַּאֲשֶׁר יוּכְלוּן שֵׂאת, ka'asher yukh'lun seyt): This detail emphasizes filling the sacks to their maximum capacity. It creates an appearance of magnanimity and ensures the brothers would be weighed down, potentially slowing them and making them ideal targets for the steward to overtake later.
• and put (וְשִׂים, v'sim): Another imperative, indicating a second, crucial directive. The shift from "fill" to "put" signifies a distinct and deliberate action.
• each man’s money (כֶּסֶף אִישׁ, kesef ish): כֶּסֶף (kesef) refers to silver, the standard currency of the time. This specific instruction directly mirrors Joseph's earlier actions (Gen 42:25), creating a pattern that will be broken by the additional placement of the cup in the next verse, intensifying the mystery and suspicion.
• in the mouth of his sack (בְּפִי אַמְתַּחְתּוֹ, b'fi am'tachto): "Mouth" here refers to the opening of the sack, implying easy and visible access. This deliberate placement ensures the money's eventual discovery by the brothers, designed to bewilder them, and for the later planted cup to be "found" readily by the steward. It is an intentional act to set up a situation of confrontation.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then he commanded the steward of his house": This phrase highlights Joseph's executive authority and the established chain of command within his household. It sets in motion the calculated phase of his plan, demonstrating meticulous oversight. The steward, a trusted subordinate, is key to the unfolding drama.
• "saying, 'Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry'": This part of the command shows a facade of hospitality and generosity. By providing ample provisions, Joseph appears to be acting charitably. However, the abundance also serves to prepare for their hurried departure and to add weight to their journey.
• "and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack": This instruction is the deceptive core of the verse. It mirrors previous events (Gen 42:25; 43:21) and signals a continuation of Joseph's intricate strategy. The placement "in the mouth of his sack" ensures its ready discovery, intensifying the psychological burden on the brothers, who had previously tried to return the money (Gen 43:18-23). This act creates suspense and prepares for the ultimate "discovery" of the silver cup.

Genesis 44 1 Bonus section

Joseph’s actions in Genesis 44:1-2 demonstrate a profound "tough love" approach. His intention is not to inflict suffering arbitrarily but to create a scenario of intense pressure. This pressure forces his brothers to make a critical choice that reveals their true transformation from their past callousness (selling Joseph into slavery) to genuine solidarity and sacrificial love for Benjamin. This dramatic test is reminiscent of divine refinement processes seen throughout the Bible, where God allows or orchestrates difficult circumstances to purify, expose, and mature His people (e.g., Job's trials, Israel's wilderness wanderings). Joseph, in a sense, acts as a divinely appointed agent to bring about this internal transformation in his brothers before the grand revelation of his identity and the family's relocation to Egypt. This narrative also showcases how deception, when employed under specific circumstances and with a redemptive ultimate aim, can be part of God's complex plan for bringing about His good purposes.

Genesis 44 1 Commentary

Genesis 44:1 serves as the tactical beginning of Joseph's most elaborate and critical test for his brothers. Far from simply provisioning their journey, Joseph issues specific commands that initiate a complex setup designed to probe the depths of their character. By instructing his steward to return their money again to their sacks, Joseph exploits a past point of anxiety for his brothers. This repetition builds significant dramatic irony for the reader, who knows Joseph's true identity, and forebodes a greater revelation for the brothers.

The command to "fill the sacks... as much as they can carry" highlights not just generosity, but also practical preparation for a journey that Joseph intends to interrupt. The subsequent order to return "each man’s money in the mouth of his sack" is not a benevolent act but a crucial step in orchestrating their imminent distress. This is the setup, leading directly into the concealment of his silver divining cup in Benjamin’s sack in the next verse, making Benjamin the focus of the accusation. Joseph's purpose is not revenge but redemption and reconciliation. He needed to verify his brothers’ transformation, particularly their changed attitude towards Benjamin, their youngest brother, who now held the vulnerable position that Joseph once did. This careful choreography of events demonstrates Joseph’s strategic wisdom, a wisdom often understood as divinely inspired, orchestrating circumstances to bring about a redemptive outcome for his family. The entire situation serves as a proving ground for their repentance and newfound brotherly devotion, paving the way for full reconciliation.