Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. New Living Translation Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn’t recognize him. English Standard Version And Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Berean Standard Bible Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. King James Bible And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. New King James Version So Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. New American Standard Bible But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him. NASB 1995 But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him. NASB 1977 But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him. Legacy Standard Bible But Joseph recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him. Amplified Bible Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Christian Standard Bible Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. Holman Christian Standard Bible Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. American Standard Version And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. English Revised Version And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. GOD'S WORD® Translation Even though Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn't recognize him. Good News Translation Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. International Standard Version But Joseph had already recognized his brothers, even though they had not recognized him. NET Bible Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. New Heart English Bible So Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Webster's Bible Translation And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAlthough Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. World English Bible Joseph recognized his brothers, but they didn’t recognize him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Joseph discerns his brothers, but they have not discerned him, Young's Literal Translation And Joseph discerneth his brethren, but they have not discerned him, Smith's Literal Translation And Joseph will know his brethren, and they knew him not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd though he knew his brethren, he was not known by them. Catholic Public Domain Version And although he knew his brothers, he was not known by them. New American Bible When Joseph recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him, New Revised Standard Version Although Joseph had recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yoseph recognized his brothers and they did not recognize him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew him not. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt…7And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.” 8Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. 9Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, “You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.”… Cross References Genesis 37:5-9 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 45:1-4 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. ... Genesis 50:20 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. Acts 7:9-13 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. / Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food. ... 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 43:26-28 When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him. / He asked if they were well, and then he asked, “How is your elderly father you told me about? Is he still alive?” / “Your servant our father is well,” they answered. “He is still alive.” And they bowed down to honor him. Genesis 44:18-34 Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. / My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ / And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’ ... 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 50:15-21 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. ... Matthew 25:35-40 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ... John 1:10-11 He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. / He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. John 7:5 For even His own brothers did not believe in Him. Luke 24:16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. Luke 24:31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight. Acts 3:17 And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. Treasury of Scripture And Joseph knew his brothers, but they knew not him. but they knew. Luke 24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. John 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Jump to Previous Although Discerned Discerneth Idea Joseph Recognize RecognizedJump to Next Although Discerned Discerneth Idea Joseph Recognize RecognizedGenesis 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. Although Joseph recognized his brothers Joseph, now the governor of Egypt, encounters his brothers who come to buy grain during a severe famine. This moment is significant as it marks the first time Joseph sees his brothers since they sold him into slavery. Joseph's ability to recognize them highlights his keen memory and the emotional impact of their betrayal. This recognition is also a testament to God's providence, as Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership was part of a divine plan. Joseph's recognition of his brothers can be seen as a type of Christ, who recognizes and knows His own, even when they do not recognize Him. they did not recognize him Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephOnce sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph has risen to become the governor of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. His journey from a Hebrew slave to a powerful leader is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. 2. Joseph's Brothers They come to Egypt seeking grain during a severe famine. Unbeknownst to them, the brother they sold into slavery is now the one they must appeal to for help. 3. Egypt The land where Joseph has risen to power. It serves as a place of refuge during the famine, highlighting God's provision through Joseph's leadership. 4. Famine A severe famine affects the entire region, driving Joseph's brothers to Egypt. This event sets the stage for the fulfillment of Joseph's earlier dreams and God's plan for the Israelites. 5. Recognition The key event in this verse is Joseph recognizing his brothers, while they fail to recognize him. This moment is pivotal in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Joseph's family. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and TimingGod's plans often unfold in ways we do not expect. Joseph's journey from slave to governor was part of God's sovereign plan to save many lives. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Joseph's eventual forgiveness of his brothers is a powerful example of reconciliation. We are called to forgive others, trusting in God's greater plan. Spiritual Blindness Just as Joseph's brothers did not recognize him, we can be spiritually blind to God's work in our lives. We must seek spiritual discernment and awareness. Providence in Adversity Joseph's account reminds us that God can use our trials for His purposes. We should trust in His providence, even when circumstances seem dire. Identity and Transformation Joseph's transformation from a Hebrew slave to an Egyptian leader illustrates how God can redefine our identity and use us for His glory. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 42:8?2. How does Joseph's recognition of his brothers in Genesis 42:8 demonstrate God's providence? 3. Why did Joseph choose not to reveal his identity immediately in Genesis 42:8? 4. How does Genesis 42:8 connect to Joseph's earlier dreams in Genesis 37? 5. What can we learn about forgiveness from Joseph's actions in Genesis 42:8? 6. How can we apply Joseph's discernment in Genesis 42:8 to our daily lives? 7. Why did Joseph's brothers fail to recognize him in Genesis 42:8? 8. How does Genesis 42:8 illustrate God's providence in Joseph's life? 9. What does Genesis 42:8 reveal about the theme of forgiveness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 42? 11. Is there a reason for everything? 12. How could Joseph's brothers fail to recognize him after only about two decades (Genesis 42:7-8)? 13. Psalm 9:10 promises protection for those who seek God; why do many believers still suffer abandonment or persecution despite faithfulness? 14. Psalm 115:2 -- How does this verse align with historical events where God's presence or intervention seemed absent or unclear? What Does Genesis 42:8 Mean Although Joseph recognized his brothers• “Although Joseph recognized his brothers” (Genesis 42:8a) locates the moment inside a larger providential story. God had already lifted Joseph from slavery and prison to the highest court of Egypt (Genesis 41:39-41). • Recognition flowed naturally; these were the same ten men who had stripped him of his robe and sold him for twenty shekels of silver (Genesis 37:23-28). Years had passed, but family traits, voices, and memories resurfaced immediately. • Joseph’s awareness shows that God’s earlier dreams were alive and accurate (Genesis 37:5-11; 42:9). What the brothers tried to kill, God preserved (Genesis 50:20). • His recognition positioned him to test their hearts (Genesis 42:15-16) and ultimately to extend forgiveness (Genesis 45:3-5), mirroring how the Lord discerns us fully before offering mercy (Psalm 139:1-4; Hebrews 4:13). • Behind the scene stands God’s covenant fidelity: He had promised to keep Abraham’s line alive (Genesis 15:13-14; Acts 7:9-10). Joseph’s recognition is the first step in that rescue plan. they did not recognize him • “They did not recognize him” (Genesis 42:8b) reminds us how thoroughly Joseph’s circumstances had changed. Shaved, robed in linen, speaking through an interpreter, and seated in authority (Genesis 41:14, 42), he looked Egyptian, not Hebrew. • Guilt and fear also clouded their perception. Consciences still raw from their sin (Genesis 42:21-22) could not imagine that the powerful governor before them was the brother they betrayed—sin skews sight (Isaiah 59:2; 1 John 2:11). • Scripture often records moments when people fail to recognize a deliverer standing right in front of them—Israel with Moses (Acts 7:25), the Emmaus disciples with the risen Christ (Luke 24:16), Mary at the tomb (John 20:14). Blindness is not merely physical; it is spiritual (2 Corinthians 3:14-15). • Their inability set the stage for repentance. Joseph’s hidden identity allowed time for testing, confession, and transformation, especially in Judah (Genesis 44:18-34). The Lord sometimes withholds immediate clarity so that hearts may be laid bare (John 16:12; Revelation 3:17-18). summary Joseph knew exactly who stood before him, while his brothers had no idea who he was. This contrast magnifies God’s sovereignty: He preserves His servant, exposes hidden sin, and orchestrates reconciliation for His covenant family. (8) Joseph knew.--As this is twice repeated, some suppose that Joseph (in Genesis 42:7) had only a suspicion, from their dress and appearance, that these Canaanites were his brethren; but that when they spake the Hebrew tongue (comp. Genesis 42:23), every doubt was removed. They would not recognize him, as he used the Egyptian language, was clad in a white linen dress, and being but seventeen when sold, had during the twenty years of separation changed in appearance much more than they had.Verse 8. - And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. The lapse of time since the tragedy of Dothan, twenty years before, the high position occupied by Joseph, the Egyptian manners he had by this time assumed, and the strange tongue m which he conversed with them, all conspired to prevent Jacob's sons from recognizing their younger brother; while the facts that Joseph's brethren were all grown men when he had last looked upon them, that he was quite familiar with their appearances, and that he perfectly understood their speech, would account for his almost instantaneous detection of them.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Although Josephיוֹסֵ֖ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites recognized וַיַּכֵּ֥ר (way·yak·kêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5234: To regard, recognize his brothers, אֶחָ֑יו (’e·ḥāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) they וְהֵ֖ם (wə·hêm) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They did not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no recognize him. הִכִּרֻֽהוּ׃ (hik·ki·ru·hū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 5234: To regard, recognize Links Genesis 42:8 NIVGenesis 42:8 NLT Genesis 42:8 ESV Genesis 42:8 NASB Genesis 42:8 KJV Genesis 42:8 BibleApps.com Genesis 42:8 Biblia Paralela Genesis 42:8 Chinese Bible Genesis 42:8 French Bible Genesis 42:8 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 42:8 Joseph recognized his brothers but they didn't (Gen. 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