Genesis 42:23

Joseph's brothers were talking in their Hebrew language. They did not know that Joseph could understand what they were saying. He spoke to them in the Egyptian language and another man told the brothers what Joseph said in their own language.

Barkly (portions)

In The King James Version

And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.

In Context

22Jacob's oldest son Reuben said, “I told you not to hurt the boy, but you didn't listen to me. All of us are getting payback for what we did.”

24When Joseph heard what his brothers said about payback, he went into another room and cried. And when he had settled down, he went back to his brothers and talked to them again. Then Joseph told his soldiers to tie up Simeon and take him away from his brothers and put him in jail.

Read all of Genesis 42

Matthew Henry on Genesis 42:22-29

Reflections of Joseph's Brethren. ( b. c. 1706.) 21 And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. 22 And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. 23 And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter. 24 And… Read the whole commentary →

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Study Genesis 42:23