Genesis 43:7 - They said, “The man asked directly concerning ourselves, and concerning our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ We just answered his questions. Is there any way we could know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down?’”
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What does "Genesis 43:7" mean?
This verse is from the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. Joseph, who his brothers had sold into slavery years earlier, is now a powerful official in Egypt. His brothers, unknowingly to him, come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. Joseph recognizes them but keeps his identity secret.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"They said, 'The man asked directly concerning ourselves, and concerning our relatives...": The brothers are speaking to their father, Jacob (Israel). They're recounting their first encounter with Joseph (whom they only know as a high-ranking Egyptian official). They're emphasizing how specific and personal his questions were.
"...saying, 'Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?'": These are the specific questions that Joseph asked them. He's trying to gather information about his family, particularly his father Jacob and his younger brother Benjamin (who wasn't with them on their first trip). These questions are key to understanding Joseph's underlying desire to reconnect with his family and ensure their well-being.
"We just answered his questions.": The brothers are trying to justify their actions and minimize their responsibility for the current predicament. They claim they were just being truthful and cooperative.
"Is there any way we could know that he would say, 'Bring your brother down?'": This is the crux of the verse. They're expressing their frustration and bewilderment that their honest answers led to the demand to bring Benjamin to Egypt. They're implying that they couldn't have foreseen this outcome and therefore shouldn't be blamed for the difficult situation.
In essence, the verse highlights:
The brothers' naivety and inability to perceive Joseph's true intentions.
Their attempt to absolve themselves of responsibility for the request to bring Benjamin.
The tension and anxiety within the family as they contemplate the dangerous prospect of sending Benjamin to Egypt.
The verse serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, underscoring the complex dynamics between Joseph and his brothers and setting the stage for the eventual revelation of Joseph's identity and the reconciliation of the family.
Genesis 43:7 - They said, “The man asked directly concerning ourselves, and concerning our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ We just answered his questions. Is there any way we could know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down?’”
What does "Genesis 43:7" mean?
This verse is from the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. Joseph, who his brothers had sold into slavery years earlier, is now a powerful official in Egypt. His brothers, unknowingly to him, come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. Joseph recognizes them but keeps his identity secret.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"They said, 'The man asked directly concerning ourselves, and concerning our relatives...": The brothers are speaking to their father, Jacob (Israel). They're recounting their first encounter with Joseph (whom they only know as a high-ranking Egyptian official). They're emphasizing how specific and personal his questions were.
"...saying, 'Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?'": These are the specific questions that Joseph asked them. He's trying to gather information about his family, particularly his father Jacob and his younger brother Benjamin (who wasn't with them on their first trip). These questions are key to understanding Joseph's underlying desire to reconnect with his family and ensure their well-being.
"We just answered his questions.": The brothers are trying to justify their actions and minimize their responsibility for the current predicament. They claim they were just being truthful and cooperative.
"Is there any way we could know that he would say, 'Bring your brother down?'": This is the crux of the verse. They're expressing their frustration and bewilderment that their honest answers led to the demand to bring Benjamin to Egypt. They're implying that they couldn't have foreseen this outcome and therefore shouldn't be blamed for the difficult situation.
In essence, the verse highlights:
The brothers' naivety and inability to perceive Joseph's true intentions.
Their attempt to absolve themselves of responsibility for the request to bring Benjamin.
The tension and anxiety within the family as they contemplate the dangerous prospect of sending Benjamin to Egypt.
The verse serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, underscoring the complex dynamics between Joseph and his brothers and setting the stage for the eventual revelation of Joseph's identity and the reconciliation of the family.