Genesis 43:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob responds with frustration, blaming his sons for revealing Benjamin's existence to Joseph.
The Context of Genesis 43:6
Jacob blames his sons for disclosing Benjamin's existence to the Egyptian official.
What Does Genesis 43:6 Mean?
Jacob's anger is rooted in grief and fear. He sees their disclosure about Benjamin as the source of his current dilemma—had they stayed silent, Joseph would never have demanded Benjamin. Jacob does not understand that this revelation was likely unavoidable or possibly even Joseph's deliberate investigation.
His use of 'Wherefore dealt ye so ill' shows how parental despair can turn into blame. Jacob, as the patriarch who has already lost Joseph and endured Simeon's detention, now faces the prospect of losing Benjamin—the last son of Rachel. His reaction is human and understandable, though his sons acted under interrogation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 43:6
What does Genesis 43:6 mean?
Jacob responds with frustration, blaming his sons for revealing Benjamin's existence to Joseph.
What is the context of Genesis 43:6?
Jacob blames his sons for disclosing Benjamin's existence to the Egyptian official.