Genesis 43:27

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 43:27 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?
Genesis 43:27 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 43

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?

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 he asked them of [their] welfare, etc.] Or “peace” f1773, their prosperity, especially of the health of their bodies, whether they were well and in good health after so long a journey: and said, [is] your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? when they were with him before, and told him they were all the sons of one man, who dwelt in Canaan: [is] he yet alive? which he was very desirous of knowing; for, being advanced in years, he might fear he was removed by death in the time between their going and returning.”
Read attributed excerpt →
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…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification