Genesis 43:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The brothers reveal that when they discovered their payment mysteriously returned in their grain sacks, they brought it back to pay.
The Context of Genesis 43:21
The brothers explain that they discovered their money returned in the grain sacks and have brought it back.
What Does Genesis 43:21 Mean?
The brothers now explain the source of their anxiety and sense of violation. When they opened their sacks at the inn (the overnight rest stop on the journey home), they discovered that the money they paid was fully intact at the opening of each sack. This discovery was shocking and alarming—it felt like a trap or a trick.
Their statement 'we have brought it again in our hand' shows they are returning it, treating the situation as an error to be corrected rather than a benefit to be kept. In their view, returning the money demonstrates honesty and removes any taint of theft or fraudulent gain. They expect this explanation to clear them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 43:21
What does Genesis 43:21 mean?
The brothers reveal that when they discovered their payment mysteriously returned in their grain sacks, they brought it back to pay.
What is the context of Genesis 43:21?
The brothers explain that they discovered their money returned in the grain sacks and have brought it back.