And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.

GENESIS 43:18KJV
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Genesis 43:18 (KJV)

What does Genesis 43:18 mean?

Genesis 43:18 describes how Joseph’s brothers became afraid when they were brought into Joseph’s house in Egypt. They suspected they were in trouble because the money they had previously found in their sacks was thought to be a trap, and they feared being accused, attacked, and made slaves along with their donkeys.

In this scene, Joseph’s brothers are speaking among themselves as they are led to Joseph’s house, not knowing his true identity. Their fear comes from guilt over the money that was mysteriously returned to them on their first trip, making them think the Egyptian official (Joseph) is seeking an excuse to punish them. The verse highlights their anxiety and sense of vulnerability as foreigners in Egypt, unsure of what will happen next.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 43:18

  • "Afraid" (יָרֵא, yare’): This word often means a deep fear or dread, not just worry. The brothers’ fear is intense, showing how unsettled and suspicious they feel about the situation.
  • "Occasion" (הִתְגַּלְגֵּל, hitgalgel): This word can mean a pretext or an excuse. The brothers believe Joseph is looking for any reason to accuse them, not just responding to what actually happened.
  • "Bondmen" (עֶבֶד, eved): This term means slaves or servants. The brothers’ fear is not just about being punished, but about losing their freedom entirely, which would have been a terrifying prospect in a foreign land.

Why Genesis 43:18 matters

  • This verse clears up that the brothers’ fear is not just about being caught for theft, but about being trapped and enslaved, showing how much their conscience is troubled by past actions.
  • The verse emphasizes the tension and mistrust between Joseph’s brothers and the Egyptian authorities, setting the stage for Joseph’s later revelation.
  • Genesis 43:18 helps the reader understand the emotional state of the brothers, making their later relief and reconciliation with Joseph more meaningful in the story.

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.

“occasion” Hebrew H1556 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 29:3 And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place.
  • 1 Samuel 14:33 Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day.
  • Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

“time” Hebrew H8462 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 13:3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;
  • 2 Samuel 17:9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
  • Ecclesiastes 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

“asses” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:30 And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.