(Genesis 43:23) Why does the Egyptian steward speak of “your God” as if he believes in the same deity, given the known polytheistic context of ancient Egypt?

1. Understanding the Polytheistic Context of Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt featured a vast array of deities—gods that were associated with nearly every aspect of daily life. From the worship of Ra (the sun god) to Osiris (god of the afterlife), Egyptians maintained an elaborate polytheistic system. When reading Genesis 43:23 in light of this context, it might seem unusual for an Egyptian to reference the God of the Hebrews.

However, Egyptian society did not necessarily preclude acknowledgment of foreign gods, especially when those gods were connected with individuals of high position or unique ability. As officials came into contact with foreigners and trade networks expanded, Egyptians would have recognized the power, reputation, or blessings that particular deities conferred on their people—even if they did not personally convert to monotheistic worship. This cultural reality sets the stage for the Egyptian steward’s words.

2. Joseph’s Influence in the Egyptian Court

Joseph rose to prominence through divinely guided interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41). He was placed second-in-command over all Egypt (Genesis 41:39–43). His success was unmistakably linked to the God he served. Even Pharaoh acknowledged that Joseph’s wisdom was from a higher source: “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you are” (Genesis 41:39).

Serving under Joseph, the steward would have witnessed first-hand the blessings that followed Joseph—these were directly attributed to Joseph’s God. So, while Egypt remained a culture of many gods, Joseph’s God received unique recognition because of the miraculous favor Joseph displayed. Such recognition could prompt any attentive observer to speak respectfully of Joseph’s God, even while remaining part of a polytheistic society.

3. The Immediate Context of Genesis 43:23

In the passage, Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin, deeply concerned that their payment for grain had somehow ended up back in their sacks. The steward responds: “‘Peace to you,’ he replied. ‘Do not be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your silver.’ Then he brought Simeon out to them” (Genesis 43:23).

Several key points emerge:

• The steward greets them with peace (Hebrew “shalom”).

• He attributes the unexpected return of silver to “your God.”

• He differentiates “the God of your father,” acknowledging a familial, covenant-related identity linked to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

• He allays their fears, indicating knowledge of Joseph’s plan or trust in Joseph’s God.

Although the steward himself is Egyptian, he recognizes the distinctive role of the God worshiped by Joseph’s family. He does not contradict his own Egyptian background; rather, he respectfully gives credit where it is due from the perspective of Joseph’s brothers and Joseph’s faith.

4. Acknowledgment vs. Personal Belief

When the steward says, “Your God, the God of your father,” he is not necessarily professing personal monotheistic conversion. Instead, he is affirming the source of the blessings as understood within Joseph’s household.

Similar dynamics can be observed elsewhere in the ancient Near East. Archaeological and textual evidence (including treaty documents from surrounding nations) shows that foreigners often invoked or acknowledged the gods of the people with whom they interacted. This form of polite or diplomatic speech is evident in multiple ancient cultures. His words could thus signal:

• An official courtesy acknowledging the Hebrew family’s deity.

• A genuine respect derived from seeing Joseph’s God at work.

• An attempt to calm the brothers by assuring them that no trickery was afoot, but rather that their God had acted on their behalf.

5. The Steward’s Possible Exposure to Joseph’s Faith

As someone in Joseph’s service, the steward would have daily contact with a remarkable Hebrew who credited everything to his God—a God who granted him insights and solutions that saved Egypt from famine. That alone could spark curiosity. Over time, this steward might observe continued providential favor toward Joseph.

This scenario is not unheard of historically: those serving under key biblical figures (like Daniel in Babylon or Nehemiah in Persia) learned of the God of Israel by seeing divine favor manifested in extraordinary circumstances. In a similar way, the steward in Joseph’s household could have learned about Joseph’s God and developed a respectful manner of speech when referring to Him.

6. The Theological and Historical Significance

This brief exchange in Genesis 43:23 offers a window into how God’s power and involvement could be recognized within other cultural contexts—even one as polytheistic as ancient Egypt. It aligns with the broader scriptural theme that the Creator’s hand can be evident to all who pay attention, regardless of cultural or religious background.

Additionally, it underscores the biblical teaching that God’s covenant and providence extend beyond Israel’s borders when His purpose is to bless others through His chosen representatives. Joseph became a vehicle of blessing not only for his own family but for the Egyptians too (Genesis 41:54–57). As a result, those around him acknowledged, to varying degrees, the God behind Joseph’s success.

7. Conclusion

The Egyptian steward’s reference to “your God” need not be read as outright personal belief in the exclusive deity of the Hebrews. Rather, his expression reflects an awareness of Joseph’s God and the blessings associated with that God—an awareness fostered by Joseph’s prominence and evident divine favor.

In a multicultural setting where many deities were recognized, it was entirely plausible for an Egyptian to respectfully speak of someone else’s God, particularly when that God’s intervention produced undeniable results. The steward’s words, therefore, fit seamlessly into the ancient context and magnify the overarching message of Joseph’s life: that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was at work even in foreign lands, orchestrating events for both the preservation of Joseph’s family and the unfolding of a redemptive plan.