Bible Commentaries
Genesis 42

Verse 1

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

Verse 2

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

Verse 3

in Egypt. Some Codices read "from the Egyptians".

Verse 6

was. Hebrew "he [was]".

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

Verse 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 .

Verse 9

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

nakedness. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6 .

Verse 11

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

Verse 13

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

Verse 15

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

Verse 17

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

Verse 18

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

Verse 21

guilty. The treatment begins to take effect.

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

Verse 22

Reuben. See Genesis 37:21 .

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

Verse 23

understood. Hebrew was listening.

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

Verse 24

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

Verse 28

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

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

Verse 30

roughly. Compare Genesis 42:7 .

took us for. Or, set us down as.

Verse 31

are no spies. Hebrew have never proved spies.

Verse 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 Genesis 37:28 !

Verse 33

food. Aram, and Septuagint read "corn".

Verse 34

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

Verse 36

of my children. No Ellipsis. These italics unnecessary.

Verse 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 .