Genesis 42:3
Genesis 42:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ten of Jacob's sons obey and travel to Egypt to purchase grain.
The Context of Genesis 42:3
Joseph's brothers begin their journey to Egypt.
What Does Genesis 42:3 Mean?
Obedience follows Jacob's command. Ten sons—not including Benjamin or Joseph—set out on the long journey to Egypt. They leave behind what they know, entering a foreign land with only hope of finding sustenance and returning alive.
The simplicity of this verse masks its significance. These ten men have no idea they are about to meet their long-lost brother, believed dead for over a decade. They go only to buy grain, but they will leave transformed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 42:3
What does Genesis 42:3 mean?
Ten of Jacob's sons obey and travel to Egypt to purchase grain.
What is the context of Genesis 42:3?
Joseph's brothers begin their journey to Egypt.