Genesis 43:20 - and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food.
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What does "Genesis 43:20" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. It refers to a specific point when Joseph's brothers have returned to Egypt for a second time to buy food. Let's break it down:
"and said": This indicates that the brothers are speaking to someone. In this context, they are speaking to Joseph's steward, the man in charge of Joseph's house.
"Oh, my lord": This is a respectful form of address, showing that they are acknowledging the steward's authority.
"we indeed came down the first time to buy food": This is the key part. The brothers are reminding the steward of their previous visit to Egypt. They are emphasizing that their primary purpose for the first visit was simply to purchase food to sustain their family during a famine.
Why are they saying this?
They are reminding the steward of their previous visit for a few possible reasons:
1. To establish their innocence: The brothers are likely feeling uneasy about their second visit. During their first visit, a strange series of events occurred, culminating in them being accused of stealing a silver cup (which Joseph had planted in Benjamin's bag). By reminding the steward of their initial, simple purpose for being in Egypt, they may be hoping to dispel any suspicion or mistrust he might have towards them. They want to be seen as honest people who are simply trying to survive the famine.
2. To lay the groundwork for an explanation: The brothers likely anticipated that the steward would ask them about the strange turn of events on their first trip. By preemptively stating their original purpose, they're setting the stage for their explanation of what happened, perhaps hoping to convince the steward of their innocence in the theft accusation.
3. To appeal to the steward's compassion: Highlighting that they came to Egypt to buy food might be an attempt to evoke sympathy. They are implying that they are in a vulnerable position, needing help and understanding.
In summary, the verse captures the brothers' anxious attempt to assure Joseph's steward of their good intentions and to set the context for the complicated situation surrounding their second visit to Egypt.
Genesis 43:20 - and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food.
What does "Genesis 43:20" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. It refers to a specific point when Joseph's brothers have returned to Egypt for a second time to buy food. Let's break it down:
"and said": This indicates that the brothers are speaking to someone. In this context, they are speaking to Joseph's steward, the man in charge of Joseph's house.
"Oh, my lord": This is a respectful form of address, showing that they are acknowledging the steward's authority.
"we indeed came down the first time to buy food": This is the key part. The brothers are reminding the steward of their previous visit to Egypt. They are emphasizing that their primary purpose for the first visit was simply to purchase food to sustain their family during a famine.
Why are they saying this?
They are reminding the steward of their previous visit for a few possible reasons:
1. To establish their innocence: The brothers are likely feeling uneasy about their second visit. During their first visit, a strange series of events occurred, culminating in them being accused of stealing a silver cup (which Joseph had planted in Benjamin's bag). By reminding the steward of their initial, simple purpose for being in Egypt, they may be hoping to dispel any suspicion or mistrust he might have towards them. They want to be seen as honest people who are simply trying to survive the famine.
2. To lay the groundwork for an explanation: The brothers likely anticipated that the steward would ask them about the strange turn of events on their first trip. By preemptively stating their original purpose, they're setting the stage for their explanation of what happened, perhaps hoping to convince the steward of their innocence in the theft accusation.
3. To appeal to the steward's compassion: Highlighting that they came to Egypt to buy food might be an attempt to evoke sympathy. They are implying that they are in a vulnerable position, needing help and understanding.
In summary, the verse captures the brothers' anxious attempt to assure Joseph's steward of their good intentions and to set the context for the complicated situation surrounding their second visit to Egypt.