Genesis 42:18
Genesis 42:18 in Multiple Translations
and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live:
And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:
And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:
And on the third day Joseph said to them, Do this, if you would keep your lives: for I am a god-fearing man:
On the third day he told them, “Since I'm someone who respects God, do as I tell you and you'll live.
Then Ioseph said vnto them the third day, This do, and liue: for I feare God.
And Joseph saith unto them on the third day, 'This do and live; God I fear!
Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this, and live, for I fear God.
And Joseph said to them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:
And the third day he brought them out of prison, and said: Do as I have said, and you shall live: for I fear God.
On the third day, Joseph went to the prison and said to them, “I am a man who fears that God will punish me if I do not do what I promise. So do what I tell you, and I will spare your lives.
At the end of those 3 days, Joseph talked to his brothers again. He said to them, “You know, I respect God and I want to do the right thing. So if you do what I say, I will not kill you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 42:18
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 42:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
אֲלֵ/הֶ֤ם
יוֹסֵף֙
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֔י
זֹ֥את
עֲשׂ֖וּ
וִֽ/חְי֑וּ
אֶת
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
אֲנִ֥י
יָרֵֽא
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֤ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יוֹסֵף֙
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֔י
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Art | Adj
זֹ֥את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
עֲשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וִֽ/חְי֑וּ
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יָרֵֽא
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 42:18
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֤ם
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.
יוֹסֵף֙
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֔י
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
זֹ֥את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
עֲשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וִֽ/חְי֑וּ
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יָרֵֽא
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 42:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 42:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 42:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 42:18
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 42:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 42:18
- Sermons on Genesis 42:18
Context — Joseph’s Brothers Sent to Egypt
16Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be confined so that the truth of your words may be tested. If they are untrue, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!”
17So Joseph imprisoned them for three days,
18and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live:
19If you are honest, leave one of your brothers in custody while the rest of you go and take back grain to relieve the hunger of your households. 20Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 25:43 | You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 5:15 | The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people, but I did not do this because of my fear of God. |
| 3 | Luke 18:2 | “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. |
| 4 | Genesis 20:11 | Abraham replied, “I thought to myself, ‘Surely there is no fear of God in this place. They will kill me on account of my wife.’ |
| 5 | Luke 18:4 | For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, |
| 6 | Nehemiah 5:9 | So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies? |
Genesis 42:18 Summary
In Genesis 42:18, Joseph tells his brothers that he fears God, which means he respects and trusts in Him. Joseph wants to make sure his brothers are telling the truth, so he tests them to see if they are trustworthy. This shows that Joseph is trying to do what is right and follow God's ways, just like it says in Micah 6:8 to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. By fearing God, Joseph is able to make wise decisions and stay true to his faith, even in difficult situations, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Joseph feared God in Genesis 42:18?
Joseph's statement that he fears God indicates his reverence and respect for the one true God, as seen in his actions and decisions throughout the narrative, similar to the fear of God described in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10.
Is Joseph's fear of God a tactic to manipulate his brothers or a genuine expression of faith?
Given Joseph's character development throughout the book of Genesis, it is likely that his fear of God is a genuine expression of faith, as he has consistently demonstrated trust in God's sovereignty, such as in Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:20.
How does Joseph's fear of God relate to the test he is putting his brothers through?
Joseph's fear of God motivates him to test his brothers, ensuring they are truthful and trustworthy, much like God tests the hearts of His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2 and 2 Chronicles 32:31.
What can we learn from Joseph's example of fearing God in this verse?
We can learn the importance of genuinely fearing God, which involves trusting in His sovereignty, being obedient to His commands, and seeking to honor Him in all aspects of life, as encouraged in Psalm 34:11 and Matthew 22:37-38.
Reflection Questions
- What role does the fear of God play in my decision-making process, and how can I cultivate a deeper reverence for Him?
- In what ways can I, like Joseph, use my circumstances to test the character of those around me and promote truthfulness and trustworthiness?
- How do I balance the desire to protect myself with the need to trust in God's sovereignty, as Joseph did in this situation?
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of fearing God, and how will this impact my relationships and choices?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:18
And Joseph said unto them the third day,.... His heart yearning towards them, though he put on such an appearance; finding they could not come to an agreement among themselves who should go on the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:18
And he put them all together into ward three days. Put them all together into ward three days. Their confinement had been designed to bring them to salutary reflection.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:18
I will spare your lives, and not punish you with death as spies, and you shall carry provisions, that your family also may live; for I fear God, and therefore will not be cruel to you, nor to your brother whom you shall leave with me. This might have raised some suspicion concerning Joseph, but that they knew there were divers among the heathens who did own the true God, though they worshipped idols with him.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:18
Genesis 42:18 And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; [for] I fear God:Ver. 18. And Joseph said unto them the third day.] So God, "after two days, will receive his; in the third day he will raise them up, and they shall live in his sight." "The rod of the wicked shall not rest on the lot of the righteous, lest they put forth their hands to folly"; lest their "spirits fail" before him. For others he cares not so much, as for the choice spirits of his faithful people. When we beat ordinary spices, we care not for every dust, but let some fly out, and fall on the ground; but if Bezoar stone, or some such precious stuff, every little is looked to. So here. For I fear God.] Deum illum, saith Junias, that true God, the proper object of fear; and therefore you need not doubt of fair dealing. Learn here, that confession of our faith is to be made as oft as thereby God may be glorified and our brethren edified.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 42:18
(18) I fear God (Elohim).—By the use of the name Elohim they would understand that he worshipped the same God as they did. For though he may himself have used the Egyptian word for the supreme Deity, yet doubtless he would take care that the interpreter used the word Elohim.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 42:18
Verse 18. I fear God] את האלהים אני ירא eth haelohim ani yare, literally translated the passage runs thus, I also fear the gods; but the emphatic ה ha is probably added by Joseph, both here and in his conversation with Pharaoh, the more particularly to point out the eminence and perfection of the Supreme Being as contradistinguished from the gods of Egypt. He seems to say to his brethren, I am a worshipper of the true God, and ye have nothing to fear.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 42:18
18–26. The second Interview 18. for I fear God] See notes on Genesis 20:3; Genesis 20:11, Genesis 22:12, Genesis 39:9. Cf. Leviticus 25:43; Nehemiah 5:15. Joseph reassures his brethren by representing to them that the potentate of Egypt is one who recognizes the universal Divine law of right and wrong. He fears God, who protects the stranger and the defenceless. Perhaps there is a reference to his brothers’ disregard of this fear of God in their former treatment of himself. He, in his treatment of them, has before his eyes the fear of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 42:18
18. I fear God — By this remark Joseph designedly shows them that he is a religious man, and will not do them wrong. “This language,” says Lange, “is the first definite sign of peace, the first fair self-betrayal of his heart.
Sermons on Genesis 42:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Diverse Kinds of Conscience. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of a God-fearing conscience in various aspects of life, drawing from the examples of Nehemiah and Joseph, who acted righteously out of th |
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Our Daily Homily - Nehemiah by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer, illustrating how God can use humble individuals for great purposes. Nehemiah's heartfelt prayers and tears |
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So Did Not I, Because of the Fear of God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound impact of Nehemiah's decision to forgo his rights out of reverence for God, illustrating that true influence often requires personal sacrifice fo |
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The Sin of Drifting by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the danger of drifting through life without purpose or direction, contrasting the passive nature of a piece of wood with the responsibility of man to choose |
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The Christian's Preservative by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the importance of the fear of God as a preservative against apostasy, highlighting how believers throughout history have found it to be a preventative to |
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Seeking God for Power - Coming to an End of Ourselves by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea of being filled by God. He uses the analogy of a boat being filled with fish and a net being filled with fish to illustrate this co |
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Genesis 20:1-18 by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the journey of Abraham and his encounter with Abimelech, highlighting Abraham's faith and struggles, as well as the grace and protection of God amidst hu |