Genesis 42:23
Genesis 42:23 in Multiple Translations
They did not realize that Joseph understood them, since there was an interpreter between them.
And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them.
They were not conscious that the sense of their words was clear to Joseph, for he had been talking to them through one who had knowledge of their language.
They didn't realize that Joseph understood what they were saying because they were talking to him through an interpreter.
(And they were not aware that Ioseph vnderstoode them: for he spake vnto them by an interpreter.)
And they have not known that Joseph understandeth, for the interpreter [is] between them;
They didn’t know that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them.
And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spoke to them by an interpreter.
And they knew not that Joseph understood, because he spoke to them by an interpreter.
While they were talking with Joseph, they were speaking through ◄an interpreter/someone who knew their language and the Egyptian language►, but when they said these things among themselves, they were speaking in their own language, and they did not know that Joseph could understand their language, and that he could understand what they were saying.
Joseph listened to his brothers, and he understood what they said, because he knew their language. But Joseph’s brothers didn’t know that he understood them. You see, Joseph always talked to his brothers in the Egypt language, then somebody else talked to them in their own language and told them what Joseph said. So they thought he only talked the Egypt language.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 42:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Genesis 42:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֵם֙
לֹ֣א
יָֽדְע֔וּ
כִּ֥י
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
יוֹסֵ֑ף
כִּ֥י
הַ/מֵּלִ֖יץ
בֵּינֹתָֽ/ם
וְ/הֵם֙
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָֽדְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
יוֹסֵ֑ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הַ/מֵּלִ֖יץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Art | V-Hiphil
בֵּינֹתָֽ/ם
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 42:23
וְ/הֵם֙
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
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.
יָֽדְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
יוֹסֵ֑ף
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.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הַ/מֵּלִ֖יץ
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
Art | V-Hiphil
This word means to mock or scorn someone, often by making fun of them or talking down to them. It can also refer to interpreting languages or acting as an ambassador. In some cases, it describes a person who is arrogant or boastful.
Definition: 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boast 1a2) to scorn 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mock, deride 1b2) to interpret (language) 1b2a) interpreter (participle) 1b2b) ambassador (fig.) 1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker Also means: la.tsats (לָצַץ "to scorn" H3945)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. See also: Genesis 42:23; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 1:1.
בֵּינֹתָֽ/ם
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
Study Notes — Genesis 42:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 42:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 42:23
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 42:23
- Sermons on Genesis 42:23
Context — Joseph’s Brothers Sent to Egypt
21Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.”
22And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!”
23They did not realize that Joseph understood them, since there was an interpreter between them.
24And he turned away from them and wept. When he turned back and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and had him bound before their eyes. 25Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return each man’s silver to his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. This order was carried out,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 5:20 | Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. |
| 2 | John 16:13–14 | However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you. |
Genesis 42:23 Summary
This verse tells us that Joseph's brothers did not know he could understand them, because they were speaking through an interpreter. This allowed Joseph to listen to their conversation and learn more about their thoughts and feelings, similar to how God knows our thoughts and feelings, as stated in Psalm 139:1-6. Joseph's actions in this verse show us that he was trying to understand his brothers and their motivations, and that he was seeking to do what was right and just, as taught in Proverbs 21:3 and Micah 6:8. By using an interpreter, Joseph was able to keep his identity hidden, which helped him to achieve his goals and ultimately bring about restoration and forgiveness, as seen in Genesis 45:1-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph use an interpreter when speaking to his brothers?
Joseph used an interpreter to conceal his identity from his brothers, allowing him to test their character and sincerity, as seen in Genesis 42:23 and supported by the context of Genesis 42:21-22.
Did Joseph understand his brothers' language?
Yes, Joseph understood his brothers' language, but they were unaware of this because of the interpreter, as stated in Genesis 42:23, highlighting Joseph's ability to understand and communicate in multiple languages, similar to the gift of languages described in Acts 2:4-11.
What was the purpose of Joseph's actions in this verse?
The purpose of Joseph's actions was to test his brothers and observe their response to their past actions, as seen in Genesis 42:21-25, which ultimately led to their repentance and restoration, illustrating the importance of confronting sin and seeking forgiveness, as taught in Matthew 5:23-24 and Luke 17:3-4.
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 his brothers' journey towards repentance and restoration, which is a central theme in the book of Genesis, particularly in Genesis 37:1-36 and Genesis 45:1-15, highlighting God's sovereignty and redemption in Joseph's life, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 138:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God tests our character and sincerity in our own lives, and how can we respond in a way that honors Him?
- How can we, like Joseph, use our circumstances and positions to bless and serve others, even if they have wronged us in the past?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of language and communication in our relationships with others, and how can we use our words to build each other up, as instructed in Ephesians 4:29-32?
- In what ways can we, like Joseph's brothers, be unaware of the presence and understanding of God in our lives, and how can we cultivate a greater awareness of His presence and guidance, as encouraged in Psalm 139:1-6 and Jeremiah 29:11-13?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:23
And they knew not that Joseph understood [them],.... For what is above related they spoke in his presence and hearing; but speaking to one another in the Hebrew language, and he being an Egyptian, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:23
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:23
Genesis 42:23 And they knew not that Joseph understood [them]; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.Ver. 23. Understood them.] Heb., Heard them. See 1 Corinthians 14:2, marg. So Isaiah 36:11. So a hearing heart is put for "an understanding heart," which many of our common hearers want; and therefore hear to no purpose.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 42:23
Verse 23. For he spake unto them by an interpreter.] Either there was a very great difference between the two languages as then spoken, or Joseph, to prevent all suspicion, might affect to be ignorant of both. We have many evidences in this book that the Egyptians, Hebrews, Canaanites, and Syrians, could understand each other in a general way, though there are also proofs that there was a considerable difference between their dialects.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 42:23
23. an interpreter] The services of interpreters would be necessary for the maintenance of intercourse between Egyptian rulers and the inhabitants of Canaan. The Tel el-Amarna tablets shew that between the kings of Canaanite cities and the court of Egypt, communications were carried on in the Assyrian language, as a kind of lingua franca. For other examples in the O.T., illustrating difficulties of communication between nationalities speaking different languages, see 2 Kings 18:26; Ezra 4:7.
Sermons on Genesis 42:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 42 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers during the time of famine in Egypt. Jacob, their father, sends 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy corn, but h |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 42:24-45:28 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis. He highlights the moment when Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers a |
|
Seeking God by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God with one's whole heart. He uses the example of a woman searching for a lost piece of money to illustrate the d |
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The Love of Christ Constrains by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being on a plane that faced difficulties during takeoff. Despite the challenges, the plane managed to take off and ascen |
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7 Corrective Lenses for Spiritual Eyesight by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having spiritual vision. He uses the analogy of getting corrective lenses for our physical eyes to illustrate how we need co |
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The Street Meetings of God (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the narrow path that leads to life and the importance of accepting Jesus as the savior. He highlights that salvation comes through the blood |
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The Whole Armour of God - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the different responses people have to the moving of the Holy Spirit. Some are receptive and responsive, while others are indifferent and u |