Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now the men were frightened when they were taken to his house. They thought, “We were brought here because of the silver that was put back into our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our donkeys.” New Living Translation The brothers were terrified when they saw that they were being taken into Joseph’s house. “It’s because of the money someone put in our sacks last time we were here,” they said. “He plans to pretend that we stole it. Then he will seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.” English Standard Version And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house, and they said, “It is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys.” Berean Standard Bible But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” King James Bible And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. New King James Version Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys.” New American Standard Bible Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, so that he may attack us and overpower us, and take us as slaves with our donkeys.” NASB 1995 Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us, and take us for slaves with our donkeys.” NASB 1977 Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us, and take us for slaves with our donkeys.” Legacy Standard Bible And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us and take us for slaves with our donkeys.” Amplified Bible The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and [expecting the worst] they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time [we came] that we are being brought in, so that he may find a reason to accuse us and assail us, and take us as slaves, and seize our donkeys.” Christian Standard Bible But the men were afraid because they were taken to Joseph’s house. They said, “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time. They intend to overpower us, seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But the men were afraid because they were taken to Joseph’s house. They said, “We have been brought here because of the money that was returned in our bags the first time. They intend to overpower us, seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys.” American Standard Version And the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. Contemporary English Version But on the way they got worried and started thinking, "We are being taken there because of the money that was put back in our sacks last time. He will arrest us, make us his slaves, and take our donkeys." English Revised Version And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. GOD'S WORD® Translation The men were frightened, because they had been brought to Joseph's house. They thought, "We've been brought here because of the money that was put back into our sacks the first time. They're going to attack us, overpower us, take our donkeys, and make us slaves." Good News Translation As they were being brought to the house, they were afraid and thought, "We are being brought here because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time. They will suddenly attack us, take our donkeys, and make us his slaves." International Standard Version The men were terrified as they were being taken to Joseph's palace. "It's because of that money that was returned to our sacks the first time we were brought to him," they reasoned. "He's seeking an excuse to attack us, enslave us, and confiscate our donkeys!" Majority Standard Bible But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” NET Bible But the men were afraid when they were brought to Joseph's house. They said, "We are being brought in because of the money that was returned in our sacks last time. He wants to capture us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys!" New Heart English Bible But the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house, and they said, "It is because of the silver that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are brought here; so that he may capture us, and make us slaves, and take our donkeys." Webster's Bible Translation And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time, are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bond-men, and our asses. World English Bible The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “Because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time, we’re brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, attack us, and seize us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the men are afraid because they have been brought into the house of Joseph, and they say, “For the matter of the money which was put back in our bags at the commencement are we brought in—to roll himself on us, and to throw himself on us, and to take us for servants—our donkeys also.” Young's Literal Translation and the men are afraid because they have been brought into the house of Joseph, and they say, 'For the matter of the money which was put back in our bags at the commencement are we brought in -- to roll himself upon us, and to throw himself on us, and to take us for servants -- our asses also.' Smith's Literal Translation And the men will be afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they will say, For the word of the silver turned back in our sacks at the beginning, we were brought in; to roll himself upon us and to fall upon us and to take us for servants and our asses. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they being much afraid, said there one to another: Because of the money, which we carried back the first time in our sacks, we are brought in: that he may bring upon us a false accusation, and by violence make slaves of us and our asses. Catholic Public Domain Version And there, being terrified, they said one to another: “Because of the money, which we carried back the first time in our sacks, we have been brought in, so that he may unleash a false accusation against us, and by violence subjugate both us and our donkeys into servitude.” New American Bible But they became apprehensive when they were led to his house. “It must be,” they thought, “on account of the money put back in our bags the first time, that we are taken inside—in order to attack us and take our donkeys and seize us as slaves.” New Revised Standard Version Now the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house, and they said, “It is because of the money, replaced in our sacks the first time, that we have been brought in, so that he may have an opportunity to fall upon us, to make slaves of us and take our donkeys.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they were afraid, when they brought them into Joseph's house; and they said, It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time that we are brought in; so that he may seek occasion against us, and conspire against us, that they may make us slaves, and take away our asses. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they were afraid when they brought them to the house of Yoseph, and they said, “Because of the money that he returned in our sacks at the first, they are bringing us to magnify themselves against us, and to deal treacherously against us, and to enslave us and our donkeys as slaves.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said: 'Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the men, when they perceived that they were brought into the house of Joseph, said, We are brought in because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first; even in order to inform against us, and lay it to our charge; to take us for servants, and our asses. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joseph's Hospitality to His Brothers…17The man did as Joseph had commanded and took the brothers to Joseph’s house. 18But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” 19So they approached Joseph’s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house.… Cross References Genesis 42:21-22 Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” / And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!” Genesis 44:16 “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one who was found with the cup.” Genesis 50:15-17 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. Exodus 20:20 “Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” Numbers 32:23 But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out. 1 Samuel 16:4 So Samuel did what the LORD had said and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace?” 1 Kings 17:18 “O man of God,” said the woman to Elijah, “what have you done to me? Have you come to remind me of my iniquity and cause the death of my son?” Job 15:21-22 Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. / He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. Psalm 31:13 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Isaiah 57:11 Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me? Matthew 14:26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. Matthew 25:24-25 Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ Mark 6:49-50 but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— / for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Luke 19:21 For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ Treasury of Scripture And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall on us, and take us for slaves, and our asses. the men. Genesis 42:21,28,35 And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us… Judges 13:22 And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God. Job 15:21 A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him. seek occasion against us. Deuteronomy 22:14,17 And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid: … Judges 14:4 But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. Job 30:14 They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me. Jump to Previous Afraid Asses Attack Bondmen Bond-Men Donkeys Fall First House Joseph's Money Occasion Sacks Seek Seize Slaves Time We'reJump to Next Afraid Asses Attack Bondmen Bond-Men Donkeys Fall First House Joseph's Money Occasion Sacks Seek Seize Slaves Time We'reGenesis 43 1. Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin.15. Joseph entertains his brothers. 19. They discover their fears to the steward. 26. Joseph makes them a feast. But the men were frightened The Hebrew word for "frightened" is "yare," which conveys a deep sense of fear or dread. In the context of Genesis, this fear is not just a simple anxiety but a profound terror that grips the brothers. Historically, this fear is rooted in their guilt over selling Joseph into slavery, and now they face the unknown in a foreign land. Their fear is compounded by the power and authority Joseph holds, though they are unaware of his true identity. This moment reflects the human condition of facing consequences and the fear of retribution. that they had been taken to Joseph’s house We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time He wants to overpower us seize us as slaves and take our donkeys Hebrew But the menהָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person were frightened וַיִּֽירְא֣וּ (way·yî·rə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten that כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they had been taken הֽוּבְאוּ֮ (hū·ḇə·’ū) Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to Joseph’s יוֹסֵף֒ (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites house. בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house “We אֲנַ֖חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural Strong's 587: We have been brought מֽוּבָאִ֑ים (mū·ḇā·’îm) Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go here because of עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the money הַכֶּ֙סֶף֙ (hak·ke·sep̄) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3701: Silver, money that was returned הַשָּׁ֤ב (haš·šāḇ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again in our bags בְּאַמְתְּחֹתֵ֙ינוּ֙ (bə·’am·tə·ḥō·ṯê·nū) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 572: Something expansive, a bag the first time,” בַּתְּחִלָּ֔ה (bat·tə·ḥil·lāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8462: A commencement, rel, original they said. וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “They intend לְהִתְגֹּלֵ֤ל (lə·hiṯ·gō·lêl) Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct Strong's 1556: To roll, roll away to overpower וּלְהִתְנַפֵּ֣ל (ū·lə·hiṯ·nap·pêl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct Strong's 5307: To fall, lie us עָלֵ֔ינוּ (‘ā·lê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against and take וְלָקַ֧חַת (wə·lā·qa·ḥaṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3947: To take us אֹתָ֛נוּ (’ō·ṯā·nū) Direct object marker | first person common plural Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case as slaves, לַעֲבָדִ֖ים (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5650: Slave, servant along with וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case our donkeys.” חֲמֹרֵֽינוּ׃ (ḥă·mō·rê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 2543: A male ass Links Genesis 43:18 NIVGenesis 43:18 NLT Genesis 43:18 ESV Genesis 43:18 NASB Genesis 43:18 KJV Genesis 43:18 BibleApps.com Genesis 43:18 Biblia Paralela Genesis 43:18 Chinese Bible Genesis 43:18 French Bible Genesis 43:18 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 43:18 The men were afraid because they were (Gen. 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