King James Version

What Does Genesis 43:7 Mean?

Genesis 43:7 in the King James Version says “And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye ano... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down? asked: Heb. asking asked us tenor: Heb. mouth could: Heb. knowing could we know

Genesis 43:7 · KJV


Context

5

But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

6

And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?

7

And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down? asked: Heb. asking asked us tenor: Heb. mouth could: Heb. knowing could we know

8

And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones.

9

I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father ye... 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. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
יֹאמַ֔ר1 of 26

And they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָֽׁאַל2 of 26

asked

H7592

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

שָֽׁאַל3 of 26

asked

H7592

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

הָ֠אִישׁ4 of 26

The man

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)

לָ֣נוּ5 of 26
H0
וּלְמֽוֹלַדְתֵּ֜נוּ6 of 26

of our state and of our kindred

H4138

nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family

יֹאמַ֔ר7 of 26

And they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַע֨וֹד8 of 26
H5750

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

אֲבִיכֶ֥ם9 of 26

Is your father

H1

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

חַי֙10 of 26

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

הֲיֵ֣שׁ11 of 26

have ye

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

לָכֶ֣ם12 of 26
H0
אֲחִיכֶֽם׃13 of 26

another brother

H251

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

וַנַ֨גֶּד14 of 26

and we told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֔וֹ15 of 26
H0
עַל16 of 26

him according

H5921

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

פִּ֖י17 of 26

to the tenor

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים18 of 26

of these words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֑לֶּה19 of 26
H428

these or those

נֵדַ֔ע20 of 26

could we certainly

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

נֵדַ֔ע21 of 26

could we certainly

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֣י22 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יֹאמַ֔ר23 of 26

And they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הוֹרִ֖ידוּ24 of 26

Bring

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֶת25 of 26
H853

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

אֲחִיכֶֽם׃26 of 26

another brother

H251

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


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 43:7 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 43:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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