As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses.

GENESIS 44:3KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 44:3 (KJV)

What does Genesis 44:3 mean?

Genesis 44:3 describes how, at daybreak, Joseph’s brothers were sent on their way from Egypt, along with their donkeys. The verse simply notes the timing and the fact that the group was allowed to leave, setting the stage for what happens next in the story.

In this scene, Joseph—who is second-in-command in Egypt but not yet recognized by his brothers—orders his steward to send his brothers off in the morning. The brothers, unaware of Joseph’s true identity and the test about to unfold, depart with their supplies and their pack animals. This verse marks the moment just before Joseph’s final test, where he will have his steward pursue them and accuse them of theft.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 44:3

  • The word for "morning" (בֹּקֶר, boqer) points to the early part of the day, often associated with new beginnings or important events in biblical narratives.
  • The word for "light" (אוֹר, 'or) emphasizes that it was fully daylight, not just dawn, highlighting that the brothers left openly and not in secret.
  • The word for "men" (אֲנָשִׁים, anashim) refers specifically to the brothers as a group of adult males, distinguishing them from their animals and emphasizing their role in the story.
  • The word for "sent away" (שָׁלַח, shalach) often means to send out or dismiss, showing that their departure was official and permitted, not an escape.
  • The word for "asses" (חֲמוֹרִים, chamorim) refers to their donkeys, which were essential for carrying supplies and goods, underlining the practical details of their journey.

Why Genesis 44:3 matters

  • This verse sets up the dramatic tension for the next part of the story, where Joseph’s steward will chase after the brothers and accuse them of stealing his cup.
  • The mention of the morning and the light suggests that everything was done openly and without suspicion, making the coming accusation more surprising.
  • By noting that the brothers left with their donkeys, the verse connects back to their earlier journeys and highlights their status as travelers and traders, not criminals.

Where else these words appear

“light” Hebrew H215 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 1:15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
  • Job 33:30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
  • Psalms 118:27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

“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.