King James Version

What Does Genesis 42:21 Mean?

Genesis 42:21 in the King James Version says “And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.”

Genesis 42:21 · KJV

Context

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.

21

And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

22

And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

23

And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter. he spake: Heb. an interpreter was between them

Read Genesis 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguis... 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 this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֞וּ1 of 23

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֣ישׁ2 of 23

“one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶל3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָחִינוּ֒4 of 23

“concerning our brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֲבָל֮5 of 23

“We are verily”

H61

nay, i.e., truly or yet

אֲשֵׁמִ֣ים׀6 of 23

“guilty”

H818

guilty; hence, presenting a sin-offering

אֲנַחְנוּ֮7 of 23
H587

we

עַל8 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אָחִינוּ֒9 of 23

“concerning our brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֲשֶׁ֨ר10 of 23

“in that”

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

רָאִ֜ינוּ11 of 23

“we saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הַצָּרָ֖ה12 of 23

“the anguish”

H6869

transitively, a female rival

נַפְשׁ֛וֹ13 of 23

“of his soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בְּהִתְחַֽנְנ֥וֹ14 of 23

“when he besought”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

אֵלֵ֖ינוּ15 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְלֹ֣א16 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמָ֑עְנוּ17 of 23

“us and we would not hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

עַל18 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּן֙19 of 23
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בָּ֣אָה20 of 23

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלֵ֔ינוּ21 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַצָּרָ֖ה22 of 23

“the anguish”

H6869

transitively, a female rival

הַזֹּֽאת׃23 of 23
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 42:21 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 42:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 5:15Mark 9:43-45Job 36:8-9Genesis 37:23-28James 2:13Proverbs 24:11-12

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