Genesis 43:7
New International Version
They replied, “The man questioned us closely about ourselves and our family. ‘Is your father still living?’ he asked us. ‘Do you have another brother?’ We simply answered his questions. How were we to know he would say, ‘Bring your brother down here’?”

New Living Translation
“The man kept asking us questions about our family,” they replied. “He asked, ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ So we answered his questions. How could we know he would say, ‘Bring your brother down here’?”

English Standard Version
They replied, “The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?”

Berean Standard Bible
They replied, “The man questioned us in detail about ourselves and our family: ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ And we answered him accordingly. How could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother here’?”

King James Bible
And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?

New King James Version
But they said, “The man asked us pointedly about ourselves and our family, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ And we told him according to these words. Could we possibly have known that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?”

New American Standard Bible
But they said, “The man specifically asked about us and our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ So we answered his questions. Could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?”

NASB 1995
But they said, “The man questioned particularly about us and our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ So we answered his questions. Could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down ‘?”

NASB 1977
But they said, “The man questioned particularly about us and our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ So we answered his questions. Could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?”

Legacy Standard Bible
But they said, “The man questioned particularly about us and our kin, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ So we told him concerning these things. Could we possibly have known that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?”

Amplified Bible
And they said, “The man asked us straightforward questions about ourselves and our relatives. He said, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ And we answered him accordingly. How could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down [here to Egypt]’?”

Christian Standard Bible
They answered, “The man kept asking about us and our family: ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother? ’ And we answered him accordingly. How could we know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother here’? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They answered, “The man kept asking about us and our family: ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother? And we answered him accordingly. How could we know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother here’?”

American Standard Version
And they said, The man asked straitly concerning ourselves, and concerning our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we in any wise know that he would say, Bring your brother down?

Contemporary English Version
They answered, "He asked a lot of questions about us and our family. He wanted to know if you were still alive and if we had any more brothers. All we could do was answer his questions. How could we know he would tell us to bring along our brother?"

English Revised Version
And they said, The man asked straitly concerning ourselves, and concerning our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we in any wise know that he would say, Bring your brother down?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They answered, "The man kept asking about us and our family: 'Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?' We simply answered his questions. How could we possibly know he would say, 'Bring your brother here'?"

Good News Translation
They answered, "The man kept asking about us and our family, 'Is your father still living? Do you have another brother?' We had to answer his questions. How could we know that he would tell us to bring our brother with us?"

International Standard Version
"The man specifically asked about us and our relatives," they responded. "He asked us, 'Is your father still alive?' and 'Do you have another brother?' So we answered his questions. How could we have known that he would tell us to bring our brother back with us?"

Majority Standard Bible
They replied, ?The man questioned us in detail about ourselves and our family: ?Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?? And we answered him accordingly. How could we possibly know that he would say, ?Bring your brother here???

NET Bible
They replied, "The man questioned us thoroughly about ourselves and our family, saying, 'Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?' So we answered him in this way. How could we possibly know that he would say, 'Bring your brother down'?"

New Heart English Bible
They said, "The man kept asking about ourselves, and concerning our relatives, saying, 'Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?' So we just answered his questions. How were we to know that he would say, 'Bring your brother down?'"

Webster's Bible Translation
And they said, The man asked us strictly concerning our state, and our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: Could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?

World English Bible
They said, “The man asked directly concerning ourselves, and concerning our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ We just answered his questions. Is there any way we could know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down?’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they say, “The man asked diligently concerning us, and concerning our family, saying, Is your father yet alive? Have you a brother? And we declare to him according to the tenor of these things; do we certainly know that he will say, Bring down your brother?”

Young's Literal Translation
and they say, 'The man asked diligently concerning us, and concerning our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye a brother? and we declare to him according to the tenor of these things; do we certainly know that he will say, Bring down your brother?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will say, Asking, the man asked about us and about our family, saying, Is your father yet living? is there a brother to you? and we announced to him according to the mouth of these words: Knowing, did we know that he will say, Bring down your brother?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But they answered: The man asked us in order concerning our kindred: if our father lived: if we had a brother: and we answered him regularly, according to what he demanded: Bring hither your brother with you?

Catholic Public Domain Version
But they responded: “The man questioned us in order, concerning our family: whether our father lived, if we had a brother. And we answered him respectively, according to what he demanded. How could we know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother with you?’ ”

New American Bible
They answered: “The man kept asking about us and our family: ‘Is your father still living? Do you have another brother?’ We answered him accordingly. How could we know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down here’?”

New Revised Standard Version
They replied, “The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they said, The man asked us straitly about ourselves and our kindred, saying, Is your father still alive? Have you another brother? And we told him simply because of these words; could we have known in advance that he would say to us that we should bring our brother down?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they said, “The man pointedly asked about us and about our family, and he said, “Is your father still living and do you have a brother?”, and we told him, because of these words. Were we to know that he would say, ‘Bring down your brother?.’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they said: 'The man asked straitly concerning ourselves, and concerning our kindred, saying: Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words; could we in any wise know that he would say: Bring your brother down?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they said, The man closely questioned us about our family also, saying, Does your father yet live, and have ye a brother? and we answered him according to this question: did we know that he would say to us, Bring your brother?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Return to Egypt with Benjamin
6“Why did you bring this trouble upon me?” Israel asked. “Why did you tell the man you had another brother?” 7They replied, “The man questioned us in detail about ourselves and our family: ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ And we answered him accordingly. How could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother here’?” 8And Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me, and we will go at once, so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our children.…

Cross References
Genesis 42:13
But they answered, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more.”

Genesis 44:19-23
My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ / And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’ / Then you told your servants, ‘Bring him down to me so that I can see him for myself.’ ...

Genesis 37:5-11
Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. / He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: / We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” ...

Genesis 45:3-8
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence. / Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. ...

Genesis 42:7-8
And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.” / Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.

Genesis 42:20
Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented.

Genesis 42:32
We are twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in the land of Canaan.’

Genesis 46:29-30
Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. / Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”

Genesis 50:20
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

Acts 7:9-13
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. / Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. ...

Acts 7:14-15
Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all. / So Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died.

Hebrews 11:21
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

John 7:5
For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.

John 11:47-53
Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ...


Treasury of Scripture

And they said, The man asked us straightly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have you another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?

asked us straitly.

Genesis 43:3
And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

tenor.

Genesis 43:3
And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

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Genesis 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.














They replied
This phrase indicates a response, suggesting a dialogue or conversation. In the context of Genesis, this is part of a narrative where Joseph's brothers are recounting their interaction with Joseph, whom they do not recognize. The Hebrew root for "replied" is עָנָה (anah), which means to answer or respond. This implies a sense of accountability and the necessity to provide an explanation for their actions, reflecting the brothers' attempt to justify their previous decisions.

The man
Referring to Joseph, who is in a position of power in Egypt. The Hebrew word for "man" here is אִישׁ (ish), which can denote a person of significance or authority. Historically, Joseph's rise to power in Egypt is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of dreams, as Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and is elevated to a position of influence. This highlights the theme of divine orchestration and the unfolding of God's plan through human history.

questioned us closely
This phrase suggests an intense and thorough interrogation. The Hebrew root for "questioned" is שָׁאַל (sha'al), meaning to inquire or demand. Joseph's questioning is strategic, as he seeks to gather information about his family without revealing his identity. This reflects the wisdom and discernment Joseph exercises, which is a recurring theme in his life, as seen in his ability to interpret dreams and manage Egypt's resources.

about ourselves and our family
The focus on personal and familial details underscores the importance of family in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew word for "family" is מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpachah), which signifies a clan or household. In the context of Genesis, family lineage is crucial, as it traces the covenant promises from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob. This emphasis on family ties also foreshadows the eventual reconciliation and restoration of Joseph's family.

Is your father still alive?
Joseph's inquiry about their father, Jacob, reveals his deep concern and longing for his family. The Hebrew word for "father" is אָב (av), a term that carries not only biological but also spiritual and covenantal significance. Jacob, as the patriarch, is a key figure in the unfolding of God's promises. This question reflects Joseph's personal connection and the emotional undercurrents of the narrative.

Do you have another brother?
This question is pivotal, as it pertains to Benjamin, Joseph's full brother. The Hebrew word for "brother" is אָח (ach), which denotes a close kinship. Benjamin's presence is crucial for Joseph's plan to bring his family to Egypt. This inquiry sets the stage for the eventual reunion and reconciliation, highlighting themes of forgiveness and restoration.

So we answered his questions accordingly
The brothers' response indicates compliance and honesty in their interaction with Joseph. The Hebrew root for "answered" is עָנָה (anah), the same as "replied," emphasizing the act of giving an account. Their straightforwardness is part of the unfolding divine plan, as their honesty leads to the eventual revelation of Joseph's identity.

How could we possibly know
This rhetorical question reflects the brothers' bewilderment and lack of foresight. It underscores the human limitation in understanding God's plans. The Hebrew word for "know" is יָדַע (yada), which means to perceive or understand. This highlights the theme of divine mystery and the unfolding of God's purposes beyond human comprehension.

that he would say, 'Bring your brother here'?
This part of the verse reveals the unexpected nature of Joseph's demand. The Hebrew word for "bring" is בּוֹא (bo), which means to come or bring. This command is a crucial turning point in the narrative, as it sets in motion the events leading to the family's reunion. It underscores the theme of divine providence, as God orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His promises and bring about reconciliation.

Verse 7. - And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? Though not appearing in the preceding narrative of the historian (Genesis 42:13, 32), it must yet be held as accurate that the information given to Joseph about Jacob and Benjamin was supplied in answer to direct inquiries, since Judah afterwards gives the same account of it (Genesis 44:19) when pleading before Joseph in behalf of Benjamin. And we told him according to the tenor of these words - literally, according to these words, i.e. either in conformity to his questions (Ainsworth, Rosenmüller, Keil), κατὰ τὴν ἐπερώτησιν ταύτην (LXX.), juxta id quod fuerat sciscitatus (Vulgate), or like those words we have told thee (Kalisch). Could we certainly know (literally, knowing could we know) that he would say, Bring your brother down?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They replied,
וַיֹּאמְר֡וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“The man
הָ֠אִישׁ (hā·’îš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

questioned
שָׁא֣וֹל (šā·’ō·wl)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

us
לָ֣נוּ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

in detail
שָֽׁאַל־ (šā·’al-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

about ourselves and our family:
וּלְמֽוֹלַדְתֵּ֜נוּ (ū·lə·mō·w·laḏ·tê·nū)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 4138: Nativity, lineage, native country, offspring, family

‘Is your father
אֲבִיכֶ֥ם (’ă·ḇî·ḵem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

still
הַע֨וֹד (ha·‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

alive?
חַי֙ (ḥay)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

Do you have
הֲיֵ֣שׁ (hă·yêš)
Adverb
Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is

another brother?’
אָ֔ח (’āḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

And we answered
וַנַ֨גֶּד־ (wa·nag·geḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

him
ל֔וֹ‪‬ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

accordingly.
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

How could we possibly know
הֲיָד֣וֹעַ (hă·yā·ḏō·w·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he would say,
לֵאמֹ֗ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘Bring
הוֹרִ֖ידוּ (hō·w·rî·ḏū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

your brother here’?”
אֲחִיכֶֽם׃ (’ă·ḥî·ḵem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )


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OT Law: Genesis 43:7 They said The man asked directly concerning (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 43:6
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