This verse shows Joseph’s deliberate kindness in caring for his family’s needs as he subtly tested their integrity.
Joseph, who lived around 1914 BC to 1805 BC, was placed second-in-command over Egypt after enduring slavery and false accusations. In Genesis 42:25, the text says, “Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain and to restore every man’s money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey; and thus it was done for them.” (v.25) At this point, Joseph’s brothers had come from Canaan to buy grain during a severe famine, unaware that the Egyptian official before them was the very brother they had betrayed. His command to return their payment revealed not only a test of their character, but also a measure of mercy and care for their well-being as they traveled home.
By giving them provisions for the journey; and thus it was done for them (v.25), Joseph extended grace beyond a mere business transaction. The Egyptian setting, located along the fertile Nile, had become a refuge from widespread famine. Joseph’s authority in Egypt was recognized even by Pharaoh, and here he used it to show thoughtful generosity to his family while still keeping his identity concealed. This act foreshadowed greater compassion he would ultimately show, a theme consistent with his role in saving his family from disaster.
Set to dark mode
Genesis 42:25 meaning
Joseph, who lived around 1914 BC to 1805 BC, was placed second-in-command over Egypt after enduring slavery and false accusations. In Genesis 42:25, the text says, “Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain and to restore every man’s money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey; and thus it was done for them.” (v.25) At this point, Joseph’s brothers had come from Canaan to buy grain during a severe famine, unaware that the Egyptian official before them was the very brother they had betrayed. His command to return their payment revealed not only a test of their character, but also a measure of mercy and care for their well-being as they traveled home.
By giving them provisions for the journey; and thus it was done for them (v.25), Joseph extended grace beyond a mere business transaction. The Egyptian setting, located along the fertile Nile, had become a refuge from widespread famine. Joseph’s authority in Egypt was recognized even by Pharaoh, and here he used it to show thoughtful generosity to his family while still keeping his identity concealed. This act foreshadowed greater compassion he would ultimately show, a theme consistent with his role in saving his family from disaster.