Genesis 43:18

18 and there they were afeared, and they said together, We be brought in for the money which we bare again before in our sacks, that he put challenge against us, and make subject by violence to servage both us and our asses. (and they were afraid there, and they said together, We be brought in here for the money which we found put back in our sacks, and he shall soon challenge us about it, and by force make both us and our donkeys subject to servitude, or to slavery.)

Genesis 43:18 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 43:18

And the men were afraid, because they were brought into
Joseph's house
It not being usual, as Jarchi observes, for those that came to buy corn to lodge there, but at an inn in the city: and they said, because of the money that was returned in our sacks at
the first time are we brought in;
to examine and inquire of them how they came to go away without paying for their corn, take up their money again after they had laid it down, and take it away with them, and so were guilty of tricking and defrauding, if not of theft: that he may seek occasion against us:
or "roll on us" ^F26; cast all the shame on them, and leave the reproach and scandal of it on them: and fall upon us;
with hard words, and severe menaces, if not with blows: and take us for bondmen, and our asses;
imprison them, which was the punishment for fraud and theft, and take their asses as a forfeiture.

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FOOTNOTES:

F26 (wnyle llnthl) "ut devolvat (hoc) in nos", Tigurine version.

Genesis 43:18 In-Context

16 And when he had seen them and Benjamin together, he commanded the dispenser of his house, and said (And when he had seen Benjamin together with them, he commanded to the steward of his house, and said), Lead these men into the house, and slay (some) beasts, and make a feast; for they shall eat with me today.

17 He did as it was commanded/as it was bidden him (He did as he was commanded), and he led the men into the house;

18 and there they were afeared, and they said together, We be brought in for the money which we bare again before in our sacks, that he put challenge against us, and make subject by violence to servage both us and our asses. (and they were afraid there, and they said together, We be brought in here for the money which we found put back in our sacks, and he shall soon challenge us about it, and by force make both us and our donkeys subject to servitude, or to slavery.)

19 Wherefore they nighed in the gates, and spake to the dispenser, (And so they went to the door, and spoke to the steward,)

20 Lord, we pray, that thou hear us; we came down now before that we should buy meats; (and said, My lord, we pray thee, that thou hear us; we came down before so that we could buy some food;)