King James Version

What Does Genesis 43:28 Mean?

Genesis 43:28 in the King James Version says “And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 43:28 · KJV

Context

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.

30

And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down th... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֗וּ1 of 8

“And they answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁל֛וֹם2 of 8

“is in good health”

H7965

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

לְעַבְדְּךָ֥3 of 8

“Thy servant”

H5650

a servant

לְאָבִ֖ינוּ4 of 8

“our father”

H1

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

עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ5 of 8
H5750

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

חָ֑י6 of 8

“he is 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

וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּ7 of 8

“And they bowed down their heads”

H6915

to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference

וַיִּשְׁתַּֽחֲוֻֽ׃8 of 8

“and made obeisance”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

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 43:28 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 43:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 37:7Genesis 43:262 Samuel 14:41 Kings 1:16Genesis 37:9-102 Samuel 1:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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