Genesis 42:21 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The brothers confess their guilt regarding Joseph, recognizing their punishment as divine consequence.
The Context of Genesis 42:21
Alone, the brothers confess their guilt toward their missing brother.
What Does Genesis 42:21 Mean?
Alone, away from Joseph's immediate presence, the brothers' consciences speak. They acknowledge what they have buried for thirteen years: the guilt of selling Joseph. They remember his anguish, his pleas, their refusal to listen. And now they recognize their current calamity as payback—divine retribution for their crime.
Their theology is straightforward: the God who sees the anguished prayer of the innocent exacts payment from the guilty. They are in prison, famine-stricken, and facing an impossible choice because of what they did to Joseph. This confession, though made only to each other, is the beginning of genuine repentance.
Genesis 42:21 in the Original Language
anguish (צָרָה), 'anguish' — distress of soul, suffering
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 42:21
What does Genesis 42:21 mean?
The brothers confess their guilt regarding Joseph, recognizing their punishment as divine consequence.
What is the context of Genesis 42:21?
Alone, the brothers confess their guilt toward their missing brother.