And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.

GENESIS 42:35KJV
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Genesis 42:35 (KJV)

What does Genesis 42:35 mean?

Genesis 42:35 describes how, when Joseph’s brothers emptied their sacks after returning from Egypt, they discovered that each man’s bundle of money was still inside his sack, which frightened both them and their father. This unexpected discovery made them afraid, as it suggested something was wrong or that they might be accused of wrongdoing.

In the story, Joseph’s brothers had traveled to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. Joseph, now a powerful official in Egypt, secretly returned their money to test them. The verse captures the moment when the brothers and their father Jacob realize the money is still with them, raising fears of being suspected of theft and deepening the tension in the family’s situation.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 42:35

  • "Bundle" (צְרוֹר, tseror): This word refers to a tied-up bundle, often of money or valuables. The use of this word highlights that the money was carefully packaged, not just loose coins, making the discovery more deliberate and alarming.
  • "Afraid" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to fear or be terrified. The verse emphasizes not just surprise but real fear, showing how serious the brothers and their father took the situation—they worried about possible consequences from Egypt.

Why Genesis 42:35 matters

  • Genesis 42:35 shows the growing anxiety and guilt among Joseph’s brothers, as the return of the money could be seen as evidence of dishonesty, adding to their distress.
  • The verse sets up the tension for the next part of the story, where the brothers must decide whether to return to Egypt and face possible accusations.
  • This moment also highlights the careful planning of Joseph, who is testing his brothers’ character and honesty through these events.

Where else these words appear

“bundle” Hebrew H6872 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:1 Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.
  • Job 14:17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity.
  • Song of Solomon 1:13 A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.

“emptied” Hebrew H7324 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Song of Solomon 1:3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.
  • Ezekiel 12:14 And I will scatter toward every wind all that are about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.

“sacks” Hebrew H8242 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 37:34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
  • Esther 4:1 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;
  • Isaiah 58:5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?