We have brought additional silver with us to buy food.In the context of
Genesis 43, Joseph's brothers return to Egypt during a severe famine to buy more grain. The additional silver signifies their intention to make amends for the previous incident where they found their money returned in their sacks. This act of bringing extra silver reflects their honesty and integrity, as they seek to rectify any perceived wrongdoing. The cultural practice of trade and barter in ancient Egypt often involved silver as a medium of exchange, highlighting the economic practices of the time. This also foreshadows the eventual reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, as they demonstrate a change of heart and responsibility.
We do not know who put our silver in our sacks.
This statement reveals the brothers' confusion and fear regarding the mysterious return of their money. It underscores the theme of divine providence and testing, as Joseph orchestrates these events to test his brothers' character. The brothers' ignorance of the situation reflects their vulnerability and the tension in their relationship with Joseph, whom they do not yet recognize. This moment is pivotal in the narrative, as it sets the stage for Joseph's eventual revelation of his identity. Theologically, it can be seen as a type of Christ, where Joseph, like Jesus, tests and ultimately forgives those who wronged him, offering grace and reconciliation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Joseph- The governor of Egypt, who is actually the brothers' sibling, though they do not recognize him. He is testing his brothers' integrity and repentance.
2.
Joseph's Brothers- The sons of Jacob, who have returned to Egypt to buy more grain during the famine. They are unaware that Joseph, whom they sold into slavery, is the one they are dealing with.
3.
Egypt- The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain due to the severe famine in Canaan.
4.
Jacob (Israel)- The father of Joseph and his brothers, who has sent his sons back to Egypt to buy more food.
5.
The Money in the Sacks- A mysterious event where the money the brothers used to buy grain was returned to them, causing them fear and confusion.
Teaching Points
Integrity in UncertaintyThe brothers' decision to return the money reflects a commitment to integrity, even when they do not understand the situation. As believers, we are called to act righteously, trusting God with the unknown.
God's Sovereignty in Our LivesThe mysterious return of the money can be seen as part of God's sovereign plan to bring about reconciliation and healing. We should trust that God is at work, even in confusing circumstances.
Repentance and ReconciliationThe brothers' journey to Egypt is not just about physical survival but also about spiritual growth and reconciliation. We are reminded of the importance of seeking forgiveness and making amends with those we have wronged.
Faith in God's ProvisionDespite their fear, the brothers return to Egypt, trusting that God will provide for their needs. This teaches us to have faith in God's provision, even when the path is unclear.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 43:22?
2.How does Genesis 43:22 demonstrate integrity in financial dealings today?
3.What does Genesis 43:22 teach about honesty in unexpected situations?
4.How can we apply the brothers' actions in Genesis 43:22 to our lives?
5.What scriptural connections exist between Genesis 43:22 and Proverbs on honesty?
6.How does Genesis 43:22 encourage trust in God's provision and guidance?
7.Why did Joseph's brothers bring double the money in Genesis 43:22?
8.How does Genesis 43:22 reflect on honesty and integrity?
9.What historical context explains the brothers' actions in Genesis 43:22?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 43?
11.How do the events in Genesis 44 fit coherently with earlier chapters in Genesis, given the discrepancies in character motivations and the sudden moral tension introduced by Joseph's actions?
12.What is the significance of Joseph's divination cup?
13.(Genesis 43:12) How plausible is it that large amounts of silver were secretly returned without raising alarms among Egyptian authorities or the local population?
14.(Genesis 43:23) Why does the Egyptian steward speak of 'your God' as if he believes in the same deity, given the known polytheistic context of ancient Egypt?What Does Genesis 43:22 Mean
We Have Brought Additional Silver With UsJoseph’s brothers return to Egypt with an open, honest heart. Their first words acknowledge the silver they are carrying, underlining their integrity.
• InGenesis 42:35 they found the original money in their sacks; bringing “additional” silver now (Genesis 43:12) shows repentance and a willingness to make things right, echoingProverbs 28:13—“He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.”
• By mentioning the silver up front, they distance themselves from any hint of theft, much as Abraham refused the spoils of Sodom (Genesis 14:22-23) to keep God’s provision above reproach.
• Their example reminds believers today that restitution and transparency follow true conviction (Luke 19:8, Zacchaeus).
To Buy FoodThe brothers state their purpose plainly: survival for their families during famine.
•Genesis 41:56-57 records that “all the earth came to Joseph to buy grain,” so purchasing food was common practice; bringing money respects the economic order God set through Joseph’s administration.
• Jesus later affirms meeting physical needs alongside spiritual ones (Matthew 6:11;John 6:35). God cares for daily bread and soul alike.
• Their mission also fulfills the fatherly plea of Jacob inGenesis 43:2, underscoring obedience to parental authority (Ephesians 6:2-3).
We Do Not Know Who Put Our Silver In Our SacksConfusion mingles with fear. The brothers confess ignorance, leaving the matter in Joseph’s (and ultimately God’s) hands.
• Their bewilderment mirrorsJob 23:8-10—“I go forward, but He is not there… yet He knows the way I take.” They cannot trace God’s hidden dealings yet trust His justice.
• Joseph had ordered the silver returned (Genesis 42:25), showing unearned grace. LikewiseRomans 2:4 says God’s kindness leads to repentance.
• Admitting “we do not know” keeps them humble;Proverbs 3:5-6 calls believers to lean not on their own understanding but acknowledge the Lord.
summaryGenesis 43:22 highlights honesty, responsible provision, and humble acknowledgment of God’s mysterious grace. The brothers bring extra silver, pay for sustenance, and confess their ignorance about the returned money. Their actions model restitution, obedience, and trust—inviting us to walk transparently before God, meet legitimate needs with integrity, and rest in His unseen but purposeful generosity.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
We have broughtהוֹרַ֥דְנוּ(hō·w·raḏ·nū)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3381:To come or go down, descendadditionalאַחֵ֛ר(’a·ḥêr)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 312:Hinder, next, othermoneyוְכֶ֧סֶף(wə·ḵe·sep̄)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneywithבְיָדֵ֖נוּ(ḇə·yā·ḏê·nū)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3027:A handus to buyלִשְׁבָּר־(liš·bār-)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7666:To deal in grainfood.אֹ֑כֶל(’ō·ḵel)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 400:FoodWe do notלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noknowיָדַ֔עְנוּ(yā·ḏa‘·nū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3045:To knowwhoמִי־(mî-)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixputשָׂ֥ם(śām)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setour moneyכַּסְפֵּ֖נוּ(kas·pê·nū)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneyin our sacks.”בְּאַמְתְּחֹתֵֽינוּ׃(bə·’am·tə·ḥō·ṯê·nū)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 572:Something expansive, a bag
Links
Genesis 43:22 NIVGenesis 43:22 NLTGenesis 43:22 ESVGenesis 43:22 NASBGenesis 43:22 KJV
Genesis 43:22 BibleApps.comGenesis 43:22 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 43:22 Chinese BibleGenesis 43:22 French BibleGenesis 43:22 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 43:22 We have brought down other money (Gen. Ge Gn) 
