Genesis 43:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →With their grain supply exhausted, Jacob sends his sons back to Egypt to buy more food.
The Context of Genesis 43:2
The family's food supply has run out, forcing a return to Egypt.
What Does Genesis 43:2 Mean?
The sons had returned from their first trip to Egypt with grain to sustain the family (Genesis 42), but that supply is now depleted. This creates the moment of crisis that drives the next phase of the narrative—Jacob must either send them back or watch his family starve.
Jacob's command to 'go again, buy us a little food' is simple but carries weight: he is unaware of the conditions Judah must now report, particularly the requirement to bring Benjamin. His language suggests hope for a routine transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 43:2
What does Genesis 43:2 mean?
With their grain supply exhausted, Jacob sends his sons back to Egypt to buy more food.
What is the context of Genesis 43:2?
The family's food supply has run out, forcing a return to Egypt.