Genesis 43:28

28 They said, "Your servant our father is well; he is still alive." ¹They bowed down in homage.

Genesis 43:28 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 43:28

And they answered, thy servant our father [is] in good
health, he [is] yet alive
Which is an answer to both his questions; and by calling their father Joseph's servant, he did obeisance to him in them, as well as by sending a present to him, which they delivered as coming from him his servant; and it is not improbable that Jacob sent his salutation to him as his servant, and so that part of the dream of Joseph's was also fulfilled, which represented the sun doing obeisance to him, ( Genesis 37:9 Genesis 37:10 ) : and they bowed their heads, and made obeisance;
a second time, as they did, no doubt, at every time they gave answer to Joseph's questions; and this is again observed, to show the full completion of the above dream.

Genesis 43:28 In-Context

26 When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present which was in their hand and bowed to the ground before him.

27 Then he asked them about their welfare, and said, "Is your old father well, of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?"

28 They said, "Your servant our father is well; he is still alive." They bowed down in homage.

29 As he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, he said, "Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?" And he said, "May God be gracious to you, my son."

30 Joseph hurried out for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he sought a place to weep; and he entered his chamber and wept there.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 37:7, 10

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "and prostrated themselves"