Log inSign up

Genesis 43 · a question people ask

Joseph had the money put back. Why does the steward say God gave it?

In the text

Genesis records both. Joseph "gave a command… to restore each man’s money into his sack" (42:25). The steward tells the brothers, "Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money" (43:23). The text doesn't explain the steward's words or comment on them.

The verses

“Then Joseph gave a command to fill their bags with grain, and to restore each man’s money into his sack, and to give them food for the way. So it was done to them.”
Genesis 42:25 · World English Bible
“He said, “Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money.” He brought Simeon out to them.”
Genesis 43:23 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 43

Genesis 43: His heart yearned

Judah offered himself as collateral for Benjamin, and Jacob let him go with the prayer, "May God Almighty give you mercy before the man." The steward returned Simeon and told the frightened brothers God had given them treasure. When Joseph saw Benjamin, his heart yearned over him, with the same word as Jacob's prayer for mercy, and he went away to weep.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekGenesis 43 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Genesis 43

All questions about Genesis →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions