New International Version They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter. New Living Translation Of course, they didn’t know that Joseph understood them, for he had been speaking to them through an interpreter. English Standard Version They did not know that Joseph understood them, for there was an interpreter between them. Berean Standard Bible They did not realize that Joseph understood them, since there was an interpreter between them. Berean Literal Bible And they did not know that Joseph was listening, for the interpreter was between them. King James Bible And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter. New King James Version But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter. New American Standard Bible They did not know, however, that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter between them. NASB 1995 They did not know, however, that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter between them. NASB 1977 They did not know, however, that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter between them. Legacy Standard Bible Now they did not know that Joseph was listening, for there was an interpreter between them. Amplified Bible They did not know that Joseph understood [their conversation], because he spoke to them through an interpreter. Berean Annotated Bible They did not realize that Joseph (YHWH has added) understood them, since there was an interpreter between them. Christian Standard Bible They did not realize that Joseph understood them, since there was an interpreter between them. Holman Christian Standard Bible They did not realize that Joseph understood them, since there was an interpreter between them. American Standard Version And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them. Contemporary English Version They did not know that Joseph could understand them, since he was speaking through an interpreter. English Revised Version And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them. GOD'S WORD® Translation They didn't know that Joseph could understand them, because he was speaking through an interpreter. Good News Translation Joseph understood what they said, but they did not know it, because they had been speaking to him through an interpreter. International Standard Version Meanwhile, they had no idea that Joseph could understand them, since he was talking to them through an interpreter. NET Bible (Now they did not know that Joseph could understand them, for he was speaking through an interpreter.) New Heart English Bible Now they did not know that Joseph could understand them, since he was speaking through an interpreter. Webster's Bible Translation And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spoke to them by an interpreter. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey did not realize that Joseph understood them, since there was an interpreter between them. World English Bible They didn’t know that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they have not known that Joseph understands, for the interpreter [is] between them; Berean Literal Bible And they did not know that Joseph was listening, for the interpreter was between them. Young's Literal Translation And they have not known that Joseph understandeth, for the interpreter is between them; Smith's Literal Translation And they will not know that Joseph heard them, for an interpreter between them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they knew not that Joseph understood, because he spoke to them by an interpreter. Catholic Public Domain Version But they did not know that Joseph understood, because he was speaking to them through an interpreter. New American Bible They did not know, of course, that Joseph understood what they said, since he spoke with them through an interpreter. New Revised Standard Version They did not know that Joseph understood them, since he spoke with them through an interpreter. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they did not know that Joseph understood them; for he spoke to them by an interpreter. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they were not aware that Yoseph heard, because an interpreter was standing among them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for the interpreter was between them. Brenton Septuagint Translation But they knew not that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt…22And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!” 23They did not realize that Joseph understood them, since there was an interpreter between them. 24And he turned away from them and wept. When he turned back and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and had him bound before their eyes.… Cross References They did not realize that Joseph understood them, Genesis 45:1-3 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. / But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it. / Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence. Acts 7:13 On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. Luke 24:16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. since there was an interpreter between them. Job 33:23 Yet if there is a messenger on his side, one mediator in a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret. / But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God. Nehemiah 8:8 So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. Genesis 50:19-21 But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? / As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. / Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them. Acts 7:9-10 Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Genesis 37:5-11 Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. / He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: / We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” … Genesis 41:39-44 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. / You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” … Genesis 50:15-18 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. … Genesis 37:18-28 Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” … Genesis 45:14-15 Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept as they embraced. / Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept over them. And afterward his brothers talked with him. Genesis 50:24-25 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” / And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Treasury of Scripture And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spoke to them by an interpreter. he spake unto them by a interpreter. Genesis 42:24 And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes. Genesis 43:19 And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house, John 16:13,14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come… 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Jump to Previous Clear Conscious However Interpreter Joseph Language Realize Sense Talking Understand Understandeth Understood Using WordsJump to Next Clear Conscious However Interpreter Joseph Language Realize Sense Talking Understand Understandeth Understood Using WordsGenesis 42 1. Jacob sends his ten sons to buy grain in Egypt.16. They are imprisoned by Joseph as spies. 18. They are set at liberty, on condition to bring Benjamin. 21. They have remorse for Joseph. 24. Simeon is kept for a pledge. 25. They return with grain, and their money. 29. Their relation to Jacob. 36. Jacob refuses to send Benjamin. They did not realize that Joseph understood them, Joseph’s brothers believed their private conversation was hidden from him because he spoke through an interpreter. Joseph had retained his Hebrew language and could hear their remorse over what they had done to him years earlier. Their ignorance of his identity heightens the unfolding revelation and shows that God’s purposes were advancing even while they remained unaware. Gen 45:1-3 Then Joseph could no longer control himself… since there was an interpreter between them. The interpreter preserved Joseph’s position as Egypt’s ruler and concealed his identity from his brothers. It also reflected the formal setting of their audience before an Egyptian official, while allowing Joseph to observe their words and attitudes without interruption. Job 33:23 Yet if there is a messenger on his side,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. In this passage, he is interacting with his brothers who have come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. 2. Joseph's Brothers The sons of Jacob who come to Egypt seeking food. They do not recognize Joseph and are unaware that he understands their language. 3. Interpreter A person who translates between languages. In this context, the interpreter is used by Joseph to conceal his understanding of his brothers' language. 4. Egypt The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain. 5. Famine A severe shortage of food that has affected the region, prompting Joseph's brothers to travel to Egypt. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProvidenceJoseph's ability to understand his brothers without their knowledge demonstrates God's hand in orchestrating events for His purposes. Even in difficult circumstances, God is in control and working for the good of His people. The Importance of Reconciliation This passage sets the stage for the eventual reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. It reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and healing broken relationships. The Power of Understanding and Communication Joseph's understanding of his brothers' language without their knowledge highlights the importance of communication and the potential for misunderstanding. It encourages us to seek clarity and understanding in our interactions with others. God's Use of Unlikely Circumstances Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership in Egypt shows how God can use unlikely and challenging circumstances to fulfill His plans. This encourages us to trust God in our own difficult situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 42:23?2. How does Genesis 42:23 reveal God's sovereignty in Joseph's life journey? 3. Why was Joseph's use of an interpreter significant in Genesis 42:23? 4. How does Genesis 42:23 connect to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12? 5. What can we learn about communication barriers from Genesis 42:23? 6. How can Genesis 42:23 inspire us to trust God's timing in our lives? 7. Why did Joseph use an interpreter in Genesis 42:23 if he understood his brothers' language? 8. How does Genesis 42:23 reflect Joseph's emotional state towards his brothers? 9. What does Genesis 42:23 reveal about communication barriers in ancient Egypt? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 42? Verse 23. - And they knew not (while they talked in what they imagined to be a foreign dialect to the Egyptian viceroy) that Joseph understood them; - literally, heard (so as to understand what was said) - for he spake unto them by an interpreter - literally, for the interpreter. (חַמְּלִיצ, the hiph. part., with the art., of לוּצ, to speak barbarously, in the hiph. to act as an interpreter), i.e. the official Court interpreter, ἑρμηνευτής (LXX.), was between them. Genesis 42:23 highlights the irony of the scene: the brothers think they are speaking freely before a foreign ruler, yet the “unknown” governor is their brother, fully aware of every word. Their ignorance, Joseph’s hidden knowledge, and the purposeful use of an interpreter all serve God’s larger design—bringing the brothers to repentance, reuniting the family, and preserving the covenant line (Genesis 45:5-8, Genesis 50:20). The verse reminds readers that God hears what we think is hidden, orchestrates events beyond our sight, and graciously uses even our blind moments to move His saving plan forward. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Theyוְהֵם֙ (wə·hêm) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They did not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no realize יָֽדְע֔וּ (yā·ḏə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3045: To know that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction Joseph יוֹסֵ֑ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites understood them, שֹׁמֵ֖עַ (šō·mê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently since כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction there was an interpreter הַמֵּלִ֖יץ (ham·mê·lîṣ) Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker between them. בֵּינֹתָֽם׃ (bê·nō·ṯām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 996: An interval, space between Additonal Resources Genesis 42:23 Blue Letter BibleGenesis 42:23 Bible Gateway Genesis 42:23 Bible.com Genesis 42:23 NIV |
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