They acknowledge their guilt and realize that their past wrongs have consequences.
Then they said to one another, “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us.” (v.21) In this verse, Joseph’s brothers remember the moment they sold Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:28) and now recognize the gravity of their wrongdoing. Historically, Joseph was born around 1915 BC to Jacob (also known as Israel), making him one of the twelve sons who would become the tribes of Israel. At this point in Genesis, the brothers have traveled to Egypt to buy grain during a severe famine that affected both Egypt and surrounding nations, including Canaan. They stand before Joseph, unaware of his identity, and they begin to connect their present hardships with the mistakes of their past.
By stating, “we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us,” (v.21) the brothers openly admit their part in Joseph’s suffering. They recall the anguish in Joseph’s face when he begged them for mercy. This recollection heightens their sense of guilt and triggers the thought that they are reaping what they sowed (Galatians 6:7). In their minds, the current turmoil—being accused of espionage by the Egyptian governor and possibly losing the brother who stayed behind—is divine retribution for their callous treatment of Joseph many years prior.
The profound remorse seen in this verse anticipates divine restoration, hinting at how God often redeems our darkest moments (Romans 8:28). Though Joseph’s brothers are haunted by their guilt, it will eventually lead them toward repentance—a key theme that resonates throughout Scripture. In Genesis, God uses Joseph’s position in Egypt to provide salvation for all his brothers, ultimately guiding them to a renewed family relationship. This verse underscores the truth that God’s plan can incorporate our failures to bring about a greater purpose, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption provided through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
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Genesis 42:21 meaning
Then they said to one another, “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us.” (v.21) In this verse, Joseph’s brothers remember the moment they sold Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:28) and now recognize the gravity of their wrongdoing. Historically, Joseph was born around 1915 BC to Jacob (also known as Israel), making him one of the twelve sons who would become the tribes of Israel. At this point in Genesis, the brothers have traveled to Egypt to buy grain during a severe famine that affected both Egypt and surrounding nations, including Canaan. They stand before Joseph, unaware of his identity, and they begin to connect their present hardships with the mistakes of their past.
By stating, “we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us,” (v.21) the brothers openly admit their part in Joseph’s suffering. They recall the anguish in Joseph’s face when he begged them for mercy. This recollection heightens their sense of guilt and triggers the thought that they are reaping what they sowed (Galatians 6:7). In their minds, the current turmoil—being accused of espionage by the Egyptian governor and possibly losing the brother who stayed behind—is divine retribution for their callous treatment of Joseph many years prior.
The profound remorse seen in this verse anticipates divine restoration, hinting at how God often redeems our darkest moments (Romans 8:28). Though Joseph’s brothers are haunted by their guilt, it will eventually lead them toward repentance—a key theme that resonates throughout Scripture. In Genesis, God uses Joseph’s position in Egypt to provide salvation for all his brothers, ultimately guiding them to a renewed family relationship. This verse underscores the truth that God’s plan can incorporate our failures to bring about a greater purpose, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption provided through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).