Genesis 44:19 - My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father, or a brother?’
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What does "Genesis 44:19" mean?
This verse, Genesis 44:19, is part of a larger narrative in which Joseph, now a high-ranking official in Egypt, is testing his brothers who do not recognize him. He's deliberately creating a situation to see if they have changed from the men who sold him into slavery years earlier.
Here's what the verse signifies within the context of the story:
"My lord asked his servants..." This refers to Joseph (the "lord") questioning his brothers (the "servants," in this context as they were seeking to buy grain from him).
"...saying, 'Have you a father, or a brother?'" This is a key question designed to elicit information about Jacob (their father) and Benjamin (their youngest brother).
Why this question is important:
To gauge their loyalty to their father: Joseph is curious to know if they still care for their aging father, Jacob. He wants to know if they abandoned him or if they value his well-being.
To assess their treatment of Benjamin: Benjamin is Joseph's full brother, born of the same mother (Rachel). Joseph wants to see if they treat Benjamin with the same jealous animosity they showed him when he was younger, which ultimately led to him being sold into slavery. The fact that he even asks about a brother is surprising, considering they previously said they only had their father.
To set up the next stage of his plan: The answers to these questions will inform Joseph's next actions. He's gathering information to determine whether his brothers are truly repentant or still driven by jealousy and selfishness. This information will help him decide whether to reveal his identity to them.
In summary, this seemingly simple question is a crucial element in Joseph's elaborate plan to test his brothers' character and determine their suitability for reconciliation.
Genesis 44:19 - My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father, or a brother?’
What does "Genesis 44:19" mean?
This verse, Genesis 44:19, is part of a larger narrative in which Joseph, now a high-ranking official in Egypt, is testing his brothers who do not recognize him. He's deliberately creating a situation to see if they have changed from the men who sold him into slavery years earlier.
Here's what the verse signifies within the context of the story:
"My lord asked his servants..." This refers to Joseph (the "lord") questioning his brothers (the "servants," in this context as they were seeking to buy grain from him).
"...saying, 'Have you a father, or a brother?'" This is a key question designed to elicit information about Jacob (their father) and Benjamin (their youngest brother).
Why this question is important:
To gauge their loyalty to their father: Joseph is curious to know if they still care for their aging father, Jacob. He wants to know if they abandoned him or if they value his well-being.
To assess their treatment of Benjamin: Benjamin is Joseph's full brother, born of the same mother (Rachel). Joseph wants to see if they treat Benjamin with the same jealous animosity they showed him when he was younger, which ultimately led to him being sold into slavery. The fact that he even asks about a brother is surprising, considering they previously said they only had their father.
To set up the next stage of his plan: The answers to these questions will inform Joseph's next actions. He's gathering information to determine whether his brothers are truly repentant or still driven by jealousy and selfishness. This information will help him decide whether to reveal his identity to them.
In summary, this seemingly simple question is a crucial element in Joseph's elaborate plan to test his brothers' character and determine their suitability for reconciliation.