And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.

GENESIS 43:23KJV
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Genesis 43:23 (KJV)

What does Genesis 43:23 mean?

Genesis 43:23 shows the steward of Joseph’s house reassuring Joseph’s brothers that they should not be afraid about the money found in their sacks, telling them that their God has provided for them and returning their brother Simeon to them. The steward calms their fears, attributing the mysterious return of their money to divine provision rather than wrongdoing.

In this scene, Joseph’s brothers have returned to Egypt, worried that they will be accused of theft because the money they paid earlier was found in their sacks. The steward, speaking to them, tells them not to fear and credits their God (the God of their father) for the treasure in their sacks, saying he received their payment. He then brings Simeon out, showing goodwill and easing their anxiety.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 43:23

  • "Peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): This word means more than just the absence of conflict; it carries the sense of well-being, safety, and wholeness. The steward is offering a deep reassurance, not just telling them not to worry.
  • "Treasure" (מַטְמוֹן, matmon): This word refers to hidden treasure or something valuable that is stored away. The steward uses it to describe the money in their sacks, hinting at something unexpectedly good rather than something suspicious.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): The steward refers to both "your God" and "the God of your father," recognizing the God of Israel. This is notable because an Egyptian steward acknowledges their God as the source of the provision, which would have surprised the brothers.

Why Genesis 43:23 matters

  • This verse clears up the brothers’ fear that they might be punished for theft, showing that the situation is not what they feared and that they are being treated kindly.
  • The steward’s mention of their God as the provider of the treasure connects the events to God’s ongoing care for Jacob’s family, even in a foreign land.
  • By returning Simeon, the steward demonstrates Joseph’s continued concern for his brothers, setting the stage for the reconciliation that follows in the story.