Old Testament · Law

Genesis 43:22

Benjamin

We have brought additional silver with us to buy food. We do not know who put our silver in our sacks.” Genesis 43:22 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Genesis 43:22, in plain English

The brothers explain that they've brought the money back, plus additional silver to buy more grain, because they genuinely don't know how the first payment got back into their sacks.

Why it's here

They're being completely transparent with Joseph's steward, admitting their confusion and their fear. Notice they're not trying to keep the money or hide what happened—they're coming clean. This is crucial because it shows integrity. They could have kept quiet, kept the money, and pretended it was part of a great deal. Instead, they're troubled by it and bringing it forward.

Who's speaking

The brothers, speaking through one spokesperson to Joseph's steward.

Where it sits in the story

Joseph wanted to see if his brothers had developed honest hearts. Their response here—bringing the money back and confessing confusion rather than taking advantage—suggests they're genuinely different people than when they threw him in that pit years ago.

A Closer Look

The scholar's commentary

The brothers further explain that they've brought additional money to purchase food this time, and they genuinely don't know who placed the silver back in their sacks.

Language and setting

The brothers are being transparently honest with the steward, demonstrating their integrity by acknowledging both their confusion about the returned money and their preparedness with fresh capital. Their statement 'we do not know' (לֹא יָדַעְנוּ, lo yadanu) conveys not evasion but bewilderment—they are genuinely mystified by what appears to be divine intervention, a posture that contrasts sharply with their earlier deceptions regarding Joseph and Benjamin.

Voice

The brothers, continuing their explanation to Joseph's steward

Significance

This confession of ignorance reflects the brothers' spiritual development: they are now willing to admit uncertainty and powerlessness before mysterious forces, a humility that contrasts with their earlier presumption. In the larger narrative arc, their honest bewilderment opens them to recognize God's work in their circumstances.

In context

Genesis 43:20–24

20“Please, sir,” they said, “we really did come down here the first time to buy food.

21But when we came to the place we lodged for the night, we opened our sacks and, behold, each of us found his silver in the mouth of his sack! It was the full amount of our silver, and we have brought it back with us.

22We have brought additional silver with us to buy food. We do not know who put our silver in our sacks.”

23“It is fine,” said the steward. “Do not be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, gave you the treasure that was in your sacks. I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.

24And the steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and provided food for their donkeys.

Read all of Genesis 43 — Joseph's brothers return to Egypt with the youngest. The table is set for a reckoning — and a revelation.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

In the App

What's in the app that isn't here.

Seven translations

NIV, NLT, NKJV, KJV and the Berean — plus the Catholic NLT-CE and Douay-Rheims, with the full deuterocanon in the reading order.

Every verse, as you read

Tap any of the 31,102 for what it means, and any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, without leaving the chapter.

Selah

Start recording at church and put your phone away. You get the transcript, the key moments, and every verse referenced.

Prayer Maker

Say what's sitting on your heart and hear it back as a real prayer, in a warm voice. Keep the ones that land.

Every Word

The whole Bible in a year — five chapters a day, five days a week, weekends off. Built to be finished.

Today's Light

A verse each morning with its meaning, how it lands today, something to sit with, and a prayer to close it.

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad