Genesis 42

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 42 of 50

1 And Jacob saw that grain was in Egypt. And Jacob said to his sons, Why do you look at each other?

2 And he said, Behold! I have heard grain is in Egypt. Go down there and buy for us from there, that we may live and not die.

3 And Joseph's ten brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt.

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Chapter Summary

1 Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain. 16 Joseph treats them as spies. 18 They are released if they return with Benjamin. 26 Simeon is kept as hostage. They return home and report to Jacob. 36 Jacob will not send Benjamin.

Key Hebrew Words

צָרַ֥ת vexer H6869 · TWOT 1974b
יַעֲקֹ֔ב Jacob H3290 · TWOT 1676f
כְּלֵי article H3627 · TWOT 982g
נַפְשׁ֛ soul H5315 · TWOT 1395a
אַמְתַּחְתּֽ sack H572 · TWOT 1265a

People & Context

Jacob Sends Sons to Egypt for Grain

Jacob sees that there is grain in Egypt and sends his ten older sons to buy food, but keeps Benjamin (Joseph's full brother) at home, fearing harm.

Joseph's Brothers Bow to Him

Joseph is the potentate over Egypt, selling grain. His brothers come and bow down to him, with their faces to the earth.

Joseph Recognizes His Brothers, Accuses Them

Joseph recognizes his brothers but acts as a stranger, speaking harshly and accusing them of being spies who came to see the land's nakedness.

Timeline

Jacob Sends Sons to Egypt for Grain

Jacob sees that there is grain in Egypt and sends his ten older sons to buy food, but keeps Benjamin (Joseph's full brother) at home, fearing harm.

Genesis 42:1-4
Joseph's Brothers Bow to Him

Joseph is the potentate over Egypt, selling grain. His brothers come and bow down to him, with their faces to the earth.

Genesis 42:5-6
Joseph Recognizes His Brothers, Accuses Them

Joseph recognizes his brothers but acts as a stranger, speaking harshly and accusing them of being spies who came to see the land's nakedness.

Genesis 42:7-9

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