Genesis 43:19

KJV

And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came near {H5066} to the steward {H376} of Joseph's {H3130} house {H1004}, and they communed {H1696} with him at the door {H6607} of the house {H1004},

Complete Jewish Bible

So they approached the manager of Yosef's household and spoke to him at the entrance of the house:

Berean Standard Bible

So they approached Joseph’s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house.

American Standard Version

And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they spake unto him at the door of the house,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 43:19](/genesis/43-19 "The brothers approach Joseph's steward") captures the profound apprehension of Joseph's brothers as they returned to Egypt, burdened by the unexpected reappearance of their money from their previous journey. Driven by fear of being accused of theft and a desire to preemptively clear their names, they cautiously approached Joseph's house steward at the door, seeking to explain the perplexing situation before fully entering the powerful governor's residence.

### CONTEXT
This verse is a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers, following their first trip to Egypt for grain. After discovering their money mysteriously returned in their sacks upon reaching home ([Genesis 42:35](/genesis/42-35 "Brothers discover money in their sacks")), the brothers, now accompanied by Benjamin as commanded, were consumed by fear of being enslaved or accused of theft. Their decision to "commune with him at the door of the house" reflects their intense anxiety and their urgent need to explain the situation, adhering to their father Jacob's instructions to return the money and offer restitution ([Genesis 43:11](/genesis/43-11 "Jacob's instructions to return the money")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The scene described in [Genesis 43:19](/genesis/43-19 "The brothers' cautious approach") is charged with tension and a palpable sense of vulnerability. The brothers, having arrived at Joseph's grand Egyptian residence, did not immediately enter. Instead, they "came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house." This deliberate act of stopping at the threshold speaks volumes about their state of mind. They were not merely seeking entry; they were seeking an audience, a chance to explain themselves before any misunderstanding could escalate into a dire accusation. Their past experience of being harshly treated by the governor (Joseph, unbeknownst to them) and their current predicament with the returned money made them exceedingly cautious and eager to establish their integrity.

The Hebrew phrase "communed with him" (וַיְדַבְּרוּ אֵלָיו – *vaydabberu elav*) signifies more than a casual greeting. It implies a serious, earnest, and potentially lengthy discussion. The brothers were not simply making a statement; they were pleading their case, explaining the bewildering circumstances of the money found in their sacks. This was a weighty conversation, undertaken with great anxiety and a desperate plea for understanding, highlighting their profound fear and their desire to avoid further trouble. Their position at the door underscores their humility and their recognition of the steward's authority, acting as an intermediary to the powerful Egyptian governor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Fear and Uncertainty:** The brothers' actions are profoundly shaped by fear and their inability to comprehend the mysterious return of their money. Their apprehension highlights the common human experience of feeling powerless when circumstances are beyond one's control.
* **Desire for Integrity and Restitution:** Despite their past deceit towards Joseph, here they are desperate to demonstrate honesty. Their proactive approach to explain the money's presence, rather than hiding it, indicates a significant shift in their character and a desire to avoid wrongdoing, reflecting a growing moral awareness.
* **Divine Orchestration and Providence:** Though the brothers perceive only a series of bewildering and frightening events, this entire ordeal is part of God's overarching plan. Joseph is strategically testing and transforming his brothers, setting the stage for a profound family reunion and the preservation of God's chosen people ([Genesis 45:7](/genesis/45-7 "God's purpose through Joseph")). God's unseen hand guides events, even through human anxiety and misunderstanding.
* **Humility and Repentance:** The brothers' posture of humility and their earnest desire to correct a perceived wrong foreshadows their eventual full repentance and reconciliation with Joseph, illustrating the transformative power of God's work in their lives.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 43:19](/genesis/43-19 "Lessons from the brothers' fear") offers valuable insights into navigating difficult situations. When faced with misunderstandings, accusations, or perplexing circumstances, approaching the situation with honesty, humility, and a clear explanation can be crucial, even when it feels daunting. The brothers' fear in the face of the unknown resonates deeply with human experience; we often feel anxious when events are beyond our control. However, the broader narrative of Joseph reminds us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or threatening. What appears to be misfortune or a series of unfortunate events can often be God working behind the scenes to bring about His purposes, ultimately leading to reconciliation, blessing, and growth in ways we may not immediately comprehend.

### FAQ
**Why were Joseph's brothers so afraid of the returned money?**

Answer: The brothers were terrified because they had already paid for the grain once. Finding the money back in their sacks made them fear they would be accused of theft, a serious crime in ancient Egypt that could lead to enslavement or even death. They believed it was a setup or a pretext to take them as slaves, especially given the powerful governor's previous harsh treatment.

**What is the significance of "communing with him at the door of the house"?**

Answer: This detail highlights the brothers' extreme caution, humility, and desperation. By speaking with the steward at the door, they were showing respect for the household's authority and attempting to preemptively address the issue of the money before fully entering, hoping to clear their names and avoid any further suspicion or accusation of wrongdoing. It was a plea for understanding from a position of vulnerability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 43:19](/genesis/43-19 "Joseph's brothers foreshadowing Christ's reconciliation") subtly prefigures the reconciliation and divine providence found in Christ. Just as Joseph's brothers, full of fear and a sense of unworthiness, approached the steward of a powerful house to plead their case, so too does humanity, burdened by sin and a sense of guilt, approach the divine presence. Joseph, though rejected by his brothers, became their unwitting savior and provider, orchestrating events for their good and the preservation of God's people. This mirrors Christ, who, though rejected and crucified, became the ultimate Savior, providing reconciliation and life for all who come to Him in humility and repentance. The brothers' journey from fear and guilt to eventual reconciliation with Joseph foreshadows the path of salvation where humanity, acknowledging its sin, finds forgiveness and restoration through Christ's atoning work.

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.