They demonstrate responsibility and seek reconciliation.
“and it came about when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full. So we have brought it back in our hand.” (v.21)
In this portion of Scripture, Joseph’s brothers are recounting their experience from the journey back from Egypt, a land known in the Hebrew tradition as Mizraim and descended from Ham. Previously, they had traveled from Canaan to purchase grain during a severe famine, only to discover that the silver they used for payment had mysteriously reappeared in their sacks. Ancient Canaan lay west of the Jordan River, and Egypt was (and still is) located in the northeastern corner of Africa, bridging Africa and the Near East. These geographical details add weight to the brothers’ anxious report: in a time of dire need, they had unknowingly returned home with their money intact.
The phrase, “each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack” (v.21) highlights both the brothers’ alarm and their growing understanding that something extraordinary—or even divinely orchestrated—was happening. Joseph, who at this point was governor of Egypt, had risen to a powerful position after many trials, including betrayal by these same brothers. This reversal in fortunes, coupled with the bewildering discovery of their returned payment, compelled them to explain themselves upon their next visit. Their words in this verse reveal their determination to prove their integrity: “So we have brought it back in our hand.” Wanting to avoid any suspicion of theft—a capital offense under Egyptian law—they hoped their honesty would spare them from further trouble.
Further, this verse underscores the theme of God’s providence, weaving through the broader narrative of Joseph and his brothers. While the brothers initially meant Joseph harm, events in Egypt unfold in such a way that God uses their actions for good, preserving countless lives in a time of famine. The unexpected return of their silver was an additional sign of God’s hand at work, serving both as a test and a means to reconcile Joseph’s family (Genesis 45:4-5).
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Genesis 43:21 meaning
“and it came about when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full. So we have brought it back in our hand.” (v.21)
In this portion of Scripture, Joseph’s brothers are recounting their experience from the journey back from Egypt, a land known in the Hebrew tradition as Mizraim and descended from Ham. Previously, they had traveled from Canaan to purchase grain during a severe famine, only to discover that the silver they used for payment had mysteriously reappeared in their sacks. Ancient Canaan lay west of the Jordan River, and Egypt was (and still is) located in the northeastern corner of Africa, bridging Africa and the Near East. These geographical details add weight to the brothers’ anxious report: in a time of dire need, they had unknowingly returned home with their money intact.
The phrase, “each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack” (v.21) highlights both the brothers’ alarm and their growing understanding that something extraordinary—or even divinely orchestrated—was happening. Joseph, who at this point was governor of Egypt, had risen to a powerful position after many trials, including betrayal by these same brothers. This reversal in fortunes, coupled with the bewildering discovery of their returned payment, compelled them to explain themselves upon their next visit. Their words in this verse reveal their determination to prove their integrity: “So we have brought it back in our hand.” Wanting to avoid any suspicion of theft—a capital offense under Egyptian law—they hoped their honesty would spare them from further trouble.
Further, this verse underscores the theme of God’s providence, weaving through the broader narrative of Joseph and his brothers. While the brothers initially meant Joseph harm, events in Egypt unfold in such a way that God uses their actions for good, preserving countless lives in a time of famine. The unexpected return of their silver was an additional sign of God’s hand at work, serving both as a test and a means to reconcile Joseph’s family (Genesis 45:4-5).