Genesis 43:19

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 43:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they came near to the steward of Joseph`s house, and they spake unto him at the door of the house,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they came near to the steward of Joseph`s house, and they spake unto him at the door of the house,
Genesis 43:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 43

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19And they came near to the steward of Joseph`s house, and they spake unto him at the door of the house,

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, etc.] The same person before called the ruler of his house, under whose direction they were; just before they came to the house, as it seems by what follows, they made up to him as having something to say to him: and they communed with him at the door of the house; before they went into it, being uneasy and eager to know what should be the meaning of their being brought thither, which was unusual.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Joseph and His Eleven Brethren 11. דבשׁ debash, “honey,” from the bee, or sirup from the juice of the grape. בטנים bôṭen, “pistachio nuts.” שׁקד shâqêd, “almond tree;” related: “awake.” The tree is also called לוּז lûz. Some refer the former to the fruit, the latter to the tree. The eleven brothers are now to bow down before Joseph. Genesis 43:1-10 The famine was severe. The pressure began to be felt more and more. The twelve households had at length consumed all the corn they had purchased, and the famine still pressed heavily upon them. Jacob directs them to return. “And Judah said.” Reuben had offended, and could not come forward. Simon and Levi had also grieved their father by the…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“43:19-22 The brothers, completely vulnerable and feeling the weight of God’s judgment on their consciences, approached the manager in desperation.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification