Genesis 42:35

KJV

And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money [was] in his sack: and when [both] they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass as they emptied {H7324} their sacks {H8242}, that, behold, every man's {H376} bundle {H6872} of money {H3701} was in his sack {H8242}: and when both they and their father {H1} saw {H7200} the bundles {H6872} of money {H3701}, they were afraid {H3372}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next, as they emptied their packs, there was each man's bag of money in his pack; and when they and their father saw their bags of money, they became afraid.

Berean Standard Bible

As they began emptying their sacks, there in each man’s sack was his bag of silver! And when they and their father saw the bags of silver, they were dismayed.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack: and when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 42:35 captures the profound moment of fear and bewilderment that seized Jacob's sons and their father upon the startling discovery of the money they had paid for grain mysteriously returned in their sacks. This inexplicable event, uncovered as they emptied their provisions after their initial journey to Egypt, intensified their existing anxieties and deepened their sense of foreboding, serving as a pivotal catalyst in Joseph's intricate, divinely orchestrated plan to reunite his family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a dramatic climax following the brothers' first journey to Egypt during a severe famine. Having been accused of being spies by Joseph (whom they did not recognize), they were forced to leave Simeon as a hostage and promised to return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty. The tension builds as they recount their harrowing experience to their father, Jacob, who is already grieving the presumed loss of Joseph. While [Reuben had discovered his money earlier](/genesis/42-27 "Reuben's Discovery of Money in Genesis 42:27-28") on the journey, causing initial alarm, the full, collective revelation of *all* the money in *all* the sacks upon their return home, in Jacob's presence, amplifies the shock and dread, setting the stage for Jacob's desperate resistance to sending Benjamin and the subsequent events leading to the family's full reconciliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Near Eastern society during a widespread famine, a common and devastating occurrence in a largely agrarian world dependent on seasonal rains. Travel for grain, as undertaken by Jacob's sons, was a necessity for survival. The concept of "bundles of money" (H6872, H3701) reflects the practice of carrying precious metals (silver, in this case) as currency, often in tied-up cloths or small bags, rather than standardized coinage. The intense fear of being accused of theft, especially from a powerful foreign official like the Egyptian viceroy (Joseph), was well-founded, as such accusations could lead to severe penalties, including enslavement or death. Furthermore, the patriarchal family structure meant Jacob's word was paramount, and his deep attachment to Benjamin, as the only remaining son of Rachel, was culturally understandable, given the importance of lineage and inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 42:35 powerfully underscores several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Divine Providence** is central; though the characters are gripped by fear and confusion, God's unseen hand is meticulously guiding events, turning human actions and anxieties into steps toward His ultimate purpose of preserving the covenant family and fulfilling [Joseph's prophetic dreams](/genesis/37-5-11 "Joseph's Dreams of His Family Bowing"). The verse also highlights the theme of **Testing and Transformation**, as Joseph's actions, including the returned money, serve to test his brothers' character, expose their lingering guilt over their [past sin against Joseph](/genesis/42-21 "The Brothers' Confession of Guilt in Genesis 42:21"), and ultimately lead them to repentance and a profound shift in their moral compass. Their shared fear and the subsequent need to protect Benjamin demonstrate a significant move from their earlier callousness towards true brotherly concern, a crucial step in their spiritual journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** (H1) This term denotes Jacob, the patriarch of the family. Its inclusion here is crucial, as his reaction to the discovery of the money is as significant as that of his sons. His fear underscores the gravity of the situation for the entire family unit, highlighting his parental responsibility and his deep emotional investment, particularly in the fate of Benjamin.
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** (H7200) This primitive root means "to see," literally or figuratively. Here, it signifies not just a visual perception but a profound realization and comprehension of the startling reality before them. The act of "seeing" the bundles of money leads directly to their emotional response, indicating that the sight itself was the catalyst for their fear, confirming the inexplicable and potentially dangerous situation.
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** (H3372) This word signifies a deep, primitive fear or dread, often with a connotation of awe or reverence when directed towards God. In this context, it conveys a profound terror, far beyond mere surprise. It suggests a sense of being overwhelmed by an unknown threat or a powerful, inexplicable force, perhaps even a sense of divine judgment or retribution for past wrongs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks":** This clause sets the scene, emphasizing the ordinary, domestic act of unpacking provisions after a long journey. The discovery is not made on the road, but in the relative safety of their home, making the subsequent revelation even more jarring and unexpected. The act of emptying the sacks implies a thorough and systematic process, ensuring that the discovery was not accidental or easily dismissed.
* **"that, behold, every man's bundle of money [was] in his sack":** The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) signals a sudden, shocking, and undeniable revelation. The phrase "every man's bundle of money" is critical, indicating that this was not an isolated incident but a universal discovery among all the brothers. The "bundle of money" (Hebrew: *tsᵉrôwr keçeph*) refers to a specific, identifiable amount of silver, tied up, making its presence undeniable and its return inexplicable, raising immediate questions of theft or entrapment.
* **"and when [both] they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid":** This final clause highlights the shared and profound emotional impact. The fear (Hebrew: *yârêʼ*) was not limited to the brothers but extended to Jacob, underscoring the collective nature of their dread. This fear stemmed from multiple sources: the inexplicable nature of the returned money (a trap? an accusation of theft?); the potential for severe repercussions from the powerful Egyptian viceroy; and, perhaps most profoundly, a reawakening of their long-held guilt over their past sin against Joseph, leading them to perceive this strange occurrence as a form of divine retribution or a sign of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective **literary devices** to heighten the drama and emotional impact. The use of **irony** is prominent, as the very "money" intended for payment, which should have secured their safety and provisions, becomes the source of their greatest fear. The sudden appearance of the bundles, marked by the interjection "behold," functions as a **peripeteia**, a sudden reversal of fortune or circumstances, transforming a moment of relief (emptying sacks of grain) into one of terror. The collective reaction, "they were afraid," serves as a powerful instance of **pathos**, evoking a strong sense of shared dread and vulnerability. Furthermore, the narrative uses **foreshadowing**, as this unsettling discovery propels the plot forward, necessitating a second journey to Egypt and setting the stage for the eventual revelation of Joseph's identity and the family's reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 42:35 vividly illustrates the intricate workings of divine providence, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly chaotic or frightening events to achieve His benevolent purposes. The brothers' fear, though rooted in their past guilt and present predicament, was a necessary catalyst for their spiritual transformation and a crucial step in Joseph's plan to bring his family to Egypt for their preservation during the famine. This incident powerfully reminds us that even when circumstances appear dire or inexplicable, God remains sovereign, guiding all things towards His ultimate redemptive plan, often using discomfort and fear to expose hidden sin and draw His people closer to Himself.

* [Psalm 105:16-19](/psalms/105-16-19 "God's Providence in Joseph's Life")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "God's Work in Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound fear experienced by Jacob and his sons in Genesis 42:35, born from an inexplicable situation and their own burdened consciences, offers a powerful lens through which to examine our own responses to life's uncertainties. We often encounter "returned money" moments—situations that defy logic, stir up old anxieties, or seem to threaten our security. This narrative encourages us to look beyond the immediate fear and consider the possibility of God's hidden hand at work. Just as the brothers' terror ultimately led them closer to repentance and the fulfillment of God's plan for their family, our own trials can be opportunities for profound spiritual growth. When faced with the unexplainable, rather than succumbing to despair or accusation, we are invited to cultivate a deeper trust in divine providence, acknowledging that God can use even our deepest fears and most confusing circumstances to expose our need for Him, bring about reconciliation, and advance His good purposes in our lives and the lives of those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "returned money" moments have you experienced in your life, where an unexpected or inexplicable event caused you fear or confusion?**
* **How did you respond to that fear, and what did you learn about God's providence or your own character through the experience?**
* **In what ways might God be using difficult or confusing circumstances in your life today to bring about a deeper trust in Him or to reveal areas needing repentance or growth?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph return the money to his brothers' sacks?**

Answer: Joseph's decision to return the money was a calculated and strategic move within his larger plan to test his brothers and orchestrate their return to Egypt with Benjamin. This act served multiple purposes: it created a compelling pretext for them to return to Egypt, deepened their anxiety and sense of divine judgment (which was part of their process of repentance and self-examination), and provided a means for them to return without appearing to have stolen from him, thus maintaining his benevolent, though disguised, intentions. Ultimately, it was a crucial step in God's sovereign plan to bring the entire family to Egypt for their preservation during the famine, fulfilling [Joseph's earlier dreams](/genesis/37-5-11 "Joseph's Prophetic Dreams").

**What was the nature of the fear experienced by the brothers and Jacob?**

Answer: Their fear was profound and multi-faceted, going beyond mere surprise. The Hebrew word *yârêʼ* (H3372) conveys a deep dread or terror. This fear likely stemmed from several sources: the inexplicable nature of the event itself (was it a trap, a curse, or a sign of divine disfavor?); the severe potential accusation of theft from a powerful Egyptian official, which could lead to dire punishment; and, most significantly, a reawakening of their long-held guilt over their past sin against Joseph. They likely interpreted this strange occurrence as divine retribution or a sign that God was finally addressing their long-suppressed culpability, as evidenced by their earlier confession, "[Indeed, we are guilty concerning our brother](/genesis/42-21 "The Brothers' Confession of Guilt in Genesis 42:21")."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, profoundly highlighted by the fear and confusion in [Genesis 42:35](/genesis/42-35 "Genesis 42:35 - The Discovery of Money"), serves as a powerful prefigurement of Christ and His redemptive work. Joseph, though innocent, was rejected and sold by his own brothers, much as Christ, the sinless Son of God, was rejected and crucified by His own people. Yet, through this rejection, Joseph ascended to a position of power, becoming a deliverer and provider who ultimately saved his family from famine. Similarly, Christ's crucifixion, seemingly a defeat, led to His resurrection and exaltation, establishing Him as the ultimate Savior and Sustainer of all who believe. The brothers' profound fear and their subsequent journey towards repentance and reconciliation, prompted by Joseph's testing, mirrors humanity's condition before Christ—a state of guilt and separation, desperately needing a deliverer. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the ultimate "provision," transforming the "fear" of judgment into the "peace" of forgiveness and reconciliation with God, just as Joseph's intricate plan ultimately led his brothers to repentance, a restored relationship with him, and a deeper understanding of God's sovereign hand, paving the way for the lineage through which the Messiah would come, as we see in the genealogy of [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 43:21

And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, [every] man's money [was] in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.

Genesis 43:15

¶ And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.

Genesis 43:12

And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry [it] again in your hand; peradventure it [was] an oversight:

Genesis 42:27

And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it [was] in his sack's mouth.

Genesis 42:28

And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, [it is] even in my sack: and their heart failed [them], and they were afraid, saying one to another, What [is] this [that] God hath done unto us?