Genesis 43:2 (KJV)

What does Genesis 43:2 mean?

Genesis 43:2 describes how, after Jacob’s family finished the grain they had brought from Egypt, Jacob told his sons to return to Egypt and buy a small amount of food. This verse shows the family’s ongoing struggle with famine and their dependence on food from Egypt.

Jacob, the father, is speaking to his sons in the midst of a severe famine in Canaan. The family had previously traveled to Egypt for food and now, with their supplies gone, Jacob instructs them to go back and purchase more. The verse sets up the next stage of the narrative, where the brothers must return to Egypt, a journey that will have significant consequences for the family.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 43:2

• The word translated “corn” is שֶׁבֶר (shever), which more broadly means “grain” or “food supply,” not just corn as understood today. This clarifies that the family’s staple food was running out, not a specific crop.
• The word “little” is מְעַט (me’at), meaning “a small amount” or “a little.” Jacob’s request for only a little food may reflect his caution or uncertainty about sending his sons back to Egypt.
• The verb “buy” is שָׁבַר (shavar), which means “to buy grain” or “to purchase provisions.” This word is specific to acquiring food in a time of scarcity, highlighting the urgency and necessity of the trip.

Why Genesis 43:2 matters

• This verse highlights the desperation of Jacob’s family and their reliance on Egypt for survival, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.
• The detail that Jacob asks for only “a little food” suggests his hesitation and concern, possibly because of the risk involved in sending his sons back after their previous encounter in Egypt.
• Genesis 43:2 connects directly to the larger story of Joseph and his brothers, as their return to Egypt will lead to the eventual reunion and reconciliation within the family.