Genesis 42:21

21 They said to one another, "God is certainly punishing us because of our brother. We saw how troubled he was when he begged us to let him live. But we wouldn't listen. That's why all of this trouble has come to us."

Genesis 42:21 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:21

And they said one to another
Before they went out of the prison, at least while in the presence of Joseph: we [are] verily guilty concerning our brother;
meaning Joseph, whom they had sold for a slave, and who they supposed was dead through grief and hard servitude; and now being in trouble themselves, it brings to mind the sin they had been guilty of, which, though committed twenty two years ago, was still fresh in their memories, and lay heavy on their consciences; for length of time neither makes sin less, nor the conscience lighter, when it is revived and charged home upon it, and which was aggravated particularly by the following circumstance: in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we
would not hear;
when in the utmost agony, with trembling limbs, and quivering lips, and floods of tears, as they stripped him of his coat, he most earnestly and importunately requested of them they would not put him into the pit, and leave him there; and in the same manner entreated them they would not put him into the hands of strangers, but restore him alive to his father; but they turned a deaf ear to all his cries and entreaties, and hardened themselves against him: therefore is this distress come upon us;
the same measure that was measured by them to him, was now measured to them again, and they were dealt with according to "lex talionis": they cast Joseph into a pit, and now they were committed to a prison; they would not attend to his cries and tears, and the anguish of his soul did not move their pity, and now he is inexorable to them, and will not at least appear to have any compassion on them, or show pity to them; and perhaps their being dealt with in this similar way brought to their remembrance what they had done.

Genesis 42:21 In-Context

19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison. The rest of you may go and take grain back to your hungry families.
20 "But you must bring your youngest brother to me. That will prove that your words are true. Then you won't die." So they did what he said.
21 They said to one another, "God is certainly punishing us because of our brother. We saw how troubled he was when he begged us to let him live. But we wouldn't listen. That's why all of this trouble has come to us."
22 Reuben replied, "Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn't listen! Now we're being held accountable for killing him."
23 They didn't realize that Joseph could understand what they were saying. He was using someone else to explain their words to him in the Egyptian language.
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