King James Version

What Does Genesis 42:18 Mean?

Genesis 42:18 in the King James Version says “And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:”

Genesis 42:18 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

16

Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies. kept: Heb. bound

17

And he put them all together into ward three days. put: Heb. gathered

18

And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:

19

If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:

20

But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.

Read Genesis 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֤ם2 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹסֵף֙3 of 12

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

בַּיּ֣וֹם4 of 12

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י5 of 12

“unto them the third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

זֹ֥את6 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עֲשׂ֖וּ7 of 12

“This do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וִֽחְי֑וּ8 of 12

“and live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

אֶת9 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים10 of 12

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲנִ֥י11 of 12
H589

i

יָרֵֽא׃12 of 12
H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 42:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 42:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:43Nehemiah 5:15Luke 18:2Genesis 20:11Luke 18:4Nehemiah 5:9

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