King James Version

What Does Genesis 43:27 Mean?

Genesis 43:27 in the King James Version says “And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? welfar...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? welfare: Heb. peace Is your: Heb. Is there peace to your father?”

Genesis 43:27 · KJV

Peace

Context

25

And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.

26

And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth.

27

And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? welfare: Heb. peace Is your: Heb. Is there peace to your father?

28

And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.

29

And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.

Read Genesis 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is ... 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. How should this truth about Feast shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל1 of 11

“And he asked”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לָהֶם֙2 of 11
H0
הֲשָׁל֛וֹם3 of 11

“them of their welfare”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

אֲמַרְתֶּ֑ם4 of 11

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲשָׁל֛וֹם5 of 11

“them of their welfare”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

אֲבִיכֶ֥ם6 of 11

“Is your father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הַזָּקֵ֖ן7 of 11

“the old man”

H2205

old

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 11
H834

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

אֲמַרְתֶּ֑ם9 of 11

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַֽעוֹדֶ֖נּוּ10 of 11
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

חָֽי׃11 of 11

“Is he yet alive”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

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 43:27 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 43:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 42:131 Samuel 17:22Genesis 41:161 Samuel 25:51 Chronicles 18:10Genesis 37:14

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Genesis 43 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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