Genesis 42:10
Genesis 42:10 in Multiple Translations
“Not so, my lord,” they replied. “Your servants have come to buy food.
And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.
And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.
And they said to him, Not so, my lord: your servants have come with money to get food.
“That's not true, my lord!” they responded. “We, your servants, have just come to buy food.
But they sayde vnto him, Nay, my lorde, but to bye vitayle thy seruants are come.
And they say unto him, 'No, my lord, but thy servants have come to buy food;
They said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food.
And they said to him, No, my lord, but to buy food have thy servants come.
But they said: It is not so, my lord, but thy servants are come to buy food.
One of them replied, “No, sir! We have come to buy grain.
But they said to him, “No, sir, that’s not true. We respect you. We came here to buy food.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 42:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 42:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
אֵלָ֖י/ו
לֹ֣א
אֲדֹנִ֑/י
וַ/עֲבָדֶ֥י/ךָ
בָּ֖אוּ
לִ/שְׁבָּר
אֹֽכֶל
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֲדֹנִ֑/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
וַ/עֲבָדֶ֥י/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-mp | Suff
בָּ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לִ/שְׁבָּר
shâbar
H7666
to buy grain
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֹֽכֶל
ʼôkel
H400
food
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 42:10
וַ/יֹּאמְר֥וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֲדֹנִ֑/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
וַ/עֲבָדֶ֥י/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
בָּ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לִ/שְׁבָּר
shâbar
H7666
"to buy grain"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To buy or sell grain, as in trading food for survival, is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to buy or purchase grain 1a) (Qal) to buy grain 1b) (Hiphil) to sell grain Aramaic equivalent: ze.van (זְבַן "to buy" H2084)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: buy, sell. See also: Genesis 41:56; Genesis 43:20; Proverbs 11:26.
אֹֽכֶל
ʼôkel
H400
"food"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to food or a meal, including cereal, meat, and other supplies. It is used in stories about everyday life, like eating and sharing meals.
Definition: 1) food 1a) cereal 1b) meat 2) food supply 3) meal, dinner
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: eating, food, meal(-time), meat, prey, victuals. See also: Genesis 14:11; Deuteronomy 2:28; Psalms 78:18.
Study Notes — Genesis 42:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph’s Brothers Sent to Egypt
8Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.
9Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, “You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.”
10“Not so, my lord,” they replied. “Your servants have come to buy food.
11We are all sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies.” 12“No,” he told them. “You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:8 | “Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 26:17 | Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said. |
| 3 | Genesis 27:37 | But Isaac answered Esau: “Look, I have made him your master and given him all his relatives as servants; I have sustained him with grain and new wine. What is left that I can do for you, my son?” |
| 4 | Genesis 44:9 | If any of your servants is found to have it, he must die, and the rest will become slaves of my lord.” |
| 5 | 1 Kings 18:7 | Now as Obadiah went on his way, Elijah suddenly met him. When Obadiah recognized him, he fell facedown and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?” |
| 6 | Genesis 27:29 | May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.” |
Genesis 42:10 Summary
[In Genesis 42:10, Joseph's brothers are trying to convince him that they are not spies, but rather honest men who have come to buy food. They are being truthful and humble in their response, which is an important lesson for us today. As the Bible says in Proverbs 22:1, a good name is more desirable than great riches, and this is evident in Joseph's brothers' desire to clear their names. By being honest and humble, we can build trust and relationships with others, just like Joseph's brothers were trying to do in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph's brothers not recognize him in Genesis 42:10?
Joseph's brothers did not recognize him because he had been away from them for many years and was now dressed as an Egyptian ruler, as seen in Genesis 41:42, which made him unidentifiable to them.
What were Joseph's brothers trying to accomplish by saying they came to buy food?
By saying they came to buy food, Joseph's brothers were trying to convince Joseph that their intentions were pure and that they meant no harm, which is evident in their honest response in Genesis 42:10 and their further explanation in Genesis 42:11.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it marks the beginning of Joseph's interaction with his brothers, who had previously sold him into slavery, as told in Genesis 37:23-28, and sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the following chapters.
What can we learn from Joseph's brothers' response in this verse?
We can learn from Joseph's brothers' response that honesty and humility are important virtues, as seen in their willingness to acknowledge their true intentions and plead their case, which is in line with the teachings of Proverbs 22:1, which emphasizes the importance of a good name and humility.
Reflection Questions
- What would you do if you were in Joseph's brothers' shoes, and how would you respond to the accusations made against you?
- How can you apply the principles of honesty and humility, as demonstrated by Joseph's brothers in this verse, to your own life and relationships?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of Joseph and his brothers, and what can we learn from their interactions?
- How does this verse relate to the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation, which is a central theme in the story of Joseph, as seen in Genesis 50:15-21?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:10
And they said unto him, nay, my lord,.... One in the name of the rest, or each in his turn, denying that they were spies, and addressing him with the greatest reverence and submission, calling him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:10
And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come. Ye are spies , [ mªragªliym (H7270)] - ye are footing it; ye are traversing the country.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:10
Genesis 42:10 And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.Ver. 10. Nay, my lord.] The world is well changed since they said one to another, "Behold, this dreamer cometh." Then they could not find in their hearts to call him brother; now they call him "lord." God, when he pleaseth, can change the note of our worst enemies to us. There is a promise, that "they shall bow down to thee with their faces toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet."
Sermons on Genesis 42:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) Measure for Measure by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Saul from the Bible. He focuses on the scene where David spares Saul's life in the wilderness. The preacher emphasizes |
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Where Do We Stand? by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp explores the contrasting responses of Elijah and Obadiah to God's commission in 1 Kings 18:7-16. While Elijah obeys God without hesitation, Obadiah's fear and reluctan |
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(Genesis) Genesis 27:18-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible. He emphasizes that God had already blessed Jacob, but Jacob still sought his father's blessing. J |
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(Revelation) Part 1 the Scarlet Womans Future Judgement by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation Chapter 17 and the woman mentioned in the text. The woman is described as sitting upon many waters, representing peoples, nations |