Genesis 42:25

Authorized King James Version

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Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them.

Original Language Analysis

וַיְצַ֣ו commanded H6680
וַיְצַ֣ו commanded
Strong's: H6680
Word #: 1 of 18
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
יוֹסֵ֗ף Then Joseph H3130
יוֹסֵ֗ף Then Joseph
Strong's: H3130
Word #: 2 of 18
joseph, the name of seven israelites
וַיְמַלְא֣וּ to fill H4390
וַיְמַלְא֣וּ to fill
Strong's: H4390
Word #: 3 of 18
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּלֵיהֶם֮ their sacks H3627
כְּלֵיהֶם֮ their sacks
Strong's: H3627
Word #: 5 of 18
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
בָּר֒ with corn H1250
בָּר֒ with corn
Strong's: H1250
Word #: 6 of 18
grain of any kind (even while standing in the field); by extension the open country
וּלְהָשִׁ֤יב and to restore H7725
וּלְהָשִׁ֤יב and to restore
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 7 of 18
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
כַּסְפֵּיהֶם֙ money H3701
כַּסְפֵּיהֶם֙ money
Strong's: H3701
Word #: 8 of 18
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
אִ֣ישׁ every man's H376
אִ֣ישׁ every man's
Strong's: H376
Word #: 9 of 18
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 10 of 18
near, with or among; often in general, to
שַׂקּ֔וֹ into his sack H8242
שַׂקּ֔וֹ into his sack
Strong's: H8242
Word #: 11 of 18
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
וְלָתֵ֥ת and to give H5414
וְלָתֵ֥ת and to give
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 12 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לָהֶ֛ם H0
לָהֶ֛ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 13 of 18
צֵדָ֖ה them provision H6720
צֵדָ֖ה them provision
Strong's: H6720
Word #: 14 of 18
food
לַדָּ֑רֶךְ for the way H1870
לַדָּ֑רֶךְ for the way
Strong's: H1870
Word #: 15 of 18
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ did he H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ did he
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 16 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לָהֶ֖ם H0
לָהֶ֖ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 17 of 18
כֵּֽן׃ and thus H3651
כֵּֽן׃ and thus
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 18 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

Analysis & Commentary

Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack,... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal:

  1. God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions
  2. suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment
  3. forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation
  4. God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people
  5. how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes.

Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

Historical Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Questions for Reflection

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