Genesis 42

Genesis 42:1

Why . . . ? &c. Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6. That is what we all too often do when in trouble or difficulty.

Genesis 42:2

and not die. Figure of speech Pleonasm. for emphasis.

Genesis 42:3

in Egypt. Some Codices read “from the Egyptians”.

Genesis 42:6

was. Hebrew “he [was]”.

bowed down. Compare Genesis 37:7, Genesis 37:8.

Genesis 42:7

roughly. Each step in Joseph’s treatment must be noted, all tending to one end: viz.: to bring them back to the pit at Dothan, convict them of their sin, and compel their confession of it. That climax is not reached till verse Genesis 42:21. Judah’s words voice it, Genesis 44:18-34.

Genesis 42:9

remembered. Compare Genesis 37:5, Genesis 37:9.

nakedness. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6.

Genesis 42:11

We are, &c. Hebrew “all of us the sons of one man [are] we”.

Genesis 42:13

the sons. Heb “we [are]”. See note on Genesis 42:11.

Genesis 42:15

proved. Joseph, from his high position, could make very strict inquiry.

Genesis 42:17

put them . . . into ward. Second step: to alarm.

Genesis 42:18

live. Figure of speech Heterosis (of Mood). Hebrew “this do and ye shall live”.

Genesis 42:21

guilty. The treatment begins to take effect.

his soul. Hebrew. nephesh (App-13). His anguish emphasized.

Genesis 42:22

Reuben. See Genesis 37:21.

Spake. Compare Genesis 37:21. Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.

Genesis 42:23

understood. Hebrew was listening.

he spake, &c. = for the interpreter was between them.

Genesis 42:24

Simeon. Probably because his cruel nature (Genesis 34:25, Compare Genesis 49:5) made him the deviser of the evil.

Genesis 42:28

lo.Figure of speech. Asterismos.App-6.

failed them.Hebrew. “went out”. Figure of speech Hyperbole (App-6).

Genesis 42:30

roughly. Compare Genesis 42:7.

took us for. Or, set us down as.

Genesis 42:31

are no spies. Hebrew have never proved spies.

Genesis 42:32

one is not. Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch and Syriac, read “but the one is not”. And this is all they have to say of Gen 37:28!

Genesis 42:33

food. Aram, and Septuagint read “corn”.

Genesis 42:34

so will I, &c. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read “and your brother will I deliver up to you”.

Genesis 42:36

of my children. No Ellipsis. These italics unnecessary.

Genesis 42:38

then, &c. Figure of speech Euphemismos (App-6), for “then shall ye kill me”.

bring down. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), i.e. ye will be the cause of it.

my gray hairs. Figure of speech Metonymy (of the Adjunct). i.e. “me in my old age”.

the grave. Hebrew. Sheol. See note on Genesis 37:35 and App-35.