And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight:

GENESIS 43:12KJV
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Genesis 43:12 (KJV)

What does Genesis 43:12 mean?

Genesis 43:12 instructs Joseph’s brothers to take double the amount of money with them, as well as the money that was previously found in their sacks, when they return to Egypt. This is done in case the earlier return of their money was a mistake, so they can make things right with the Egyptian official.

In this verse, Jacob is speaking to his sons as they prepare to go back to Egypt to buy more grain during a famine. He wants to make sure they are honest and careful, so he tells them to bring back not only payment for new grain but also the money that was mysteriously returned to them before. Jacob hopes this will resolve any misunderstanding and keep his sons out of trouble with the authorities in Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 43:12

  • The word for "double" is כֶּפֶל (kéfel), which means "double" or "twice as much." This highlights Jacob’s caution and desire to be more than fair in dealing with the Egyptian official.
  • The word for "money" is כֶּסֶף (késef), meaning "silver" or "money." The repetition of this word emphasizes the importance of returning what was found in their sacks and bringing enough for the new purchase.
  • The word for "oversight" is שְׁגָגָה (shegagah), which means "a mistake" or "an error." Jacob is allowing for the possibility that the money was returned by accident, not as a trap or accusation.

Why Genesis 43:12 matters

  • This verse shows Jacob’s carefulness and honesty, wanting to clear up any possible misunderstanding with the Egyptians and avoid accusations of theft.
  • It connects to the larger story of Joseph and his brothers, where trust and reconciliation are major themes, and highlights the tension and uncertainty the brothers feel as they return to Egypt.
  • The detail about bringing double money and returning the original payment helps the reader see the seriousness of the situation and the lengths to which Jacob and his family are willing to go to act with integrity.

Where else these words appear

“sacks” Hebrew H572 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 42:27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth.
  • Genesis 43:21 And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.
  • Genesis 44:2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.

“double” Hebrew H4932 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • Ezra 1:10 Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.