Genesis 43:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when we came {H935} to the inn {H4411}, that we opened {H6605} our sacks {H572}, and, behold, every man's {H376} money {H3701} was in the mouth {H6310} of his sack {H572}, our money {H3701} in full weight {H4948}: and we have brought it again {H7725} in our hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but when we got to camp, we opened our packs, and there inside our packs was each man's money, the full amount. We have brought it back with us;

Berean Standard Bible

But 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.

American Standard Version

and it came to pass, when we came to the lodging-place, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 43:21 recounts Joseph's brothers' perplexed explanation to their father, Jacob, of how they discovered their money mysteriously returned in their sacks upon their first journey back from Egypt. This inexplicable event, which filled them with fear and confusion, was part of Joseph's intricate plan to test his brothers and compel them to return to Egypt with Benjamin, ultimately serving God's providential purposes for their family's preservation and reconciliation during the severe famine.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 43:21 is spoken by Joseph's brothers to their father, Jacob, as they recount the perplexing events of their first journey to Egypt to buy grain during a severe famine. In [Genesis chapter 42](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/42 "The story of Joseph's brothers first journey to Egypt"), Joseph, whom they did not recognize as their long-lost brother, had accused them of being spies ([Genesis 42:9](/genesis/42-9 "Joseph accuses his brothers of being spies")). To prove their honesty, Joseph demanded they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to him. As they departed, Joseph secretly ordered that each man's money be returned to his sack along with the grain ([Genesis 42:25](/genesis/42-25 "Joseph's command to return their money")). The discovery of the money terrified them ([Genesis 42:28](/genesis/42-28 "The brothers' fear upon finding their money")). This verse, Genesis 43:21, is their desperate attempt to explain the unexplainable to a reluctant Jacob, hoping to convince him to allow Benjamin to accompany them back to Egypt.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The brothers vividly recall the moment of their startling discovery, stating: "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."

The phrase "when we came to the inn" refers to a temporary lodging place or encampment on their journey back from Egypt to Canaan. The Hebrew word translated as "inn" is *malon* (מָלוֹן), which typically refers to a temporary lodging place or a camping spot, often where travelers would unburden their animals and rest. It wasn't necessarily a formal building like a modern inn, but more of a designated stopping point along a route. It was at such a place that they opened their sacks, likely to retrieve food for themselves or their animals, only to find the unexpected.

The discovery that "every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight" emphasizes the precision of the returned amount. The phrase "money in full weight" (בְּמִשְׁקָלוֹ֙ - *bəmišqālōw*) underscores that the exact amount they had paid was mysteriously returned, not short-changed or counterfeit. This accuracy only deepened their confusion and fear, as such an inexplicable return of payment, coupled with Joseph's stern demands, presented a significant dilemma for them. They could not fathom why their money would be returned, interpreting it as a trap or a bad omen.

Finally, "and we have brought it again in our hand" highlights their honesty and integrity. Despite the opportunity to keep the mysteriously returned money, they brought it back to Jacob. This act demonstrated their commitment to rectifying what they perceived as an error or a setup, and served as tangible evidence of their strange predicament, reinforcing their plea to Jacob to allow Benjamin to accompany them back to Egypt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence:** Although Joseph orchestrated the return of the money, this event is part of God's larger, intricate plan to bring Jacob's family to Egypt, preserve them during the severe famine, and ultimately bring about [reconciliation among the brothers](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's perspective on God's good intentions"). The mysterious circumstances serve God's overarching purposes.
* **Human Perplexity and Fear:** The brothers are genuinely bewildered and terrified by the money's return. They interpret it as a bad omen or a setup, not understanding the underlying benevolent intentions of Joseph or the sovereign hand of God at work behind the scenes.
* **Integrity and Honesty:** Despite their fear and the perplexing nature of the situation, the brothers demonstrate integrity by bringing the money back to Jacob. They do not attempt to hide it or profit from the strange occurrence, underscoring their desire to be seen as honest men, especially in light of Joseph's earlier accusations.
* **The Unfolding of Joseph's Plan:** This incident is a crucial element in Joseph's elaborate strategy to test his brothers' character and see if they had changed since they sold him into slavery. The returned money forces them into a difficult position, requiring them to return to Egypt with Benjamin, thus advancing Joseph's ultimate goal of family restoration.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse reminds us that sometimes, circumstances in life can appear confusing, frightening, or inexplicable, much like the money found in the brothers' sacks. We may not immediately understand why certain things happen, but we can trust in God's overarching [providence and sovereign plan](/romans/8-28 "Read about God working all things for good in Romans 8:28"), knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. The brothers' decision to return the money, despite their fear, also serves as a testament to the importance of integrity and honesty, even when faced with perplexing or challenging situations. Ultimately, this narrative teaches us that God can use even the most bewildering events to bring about His good purposes, leading to reconciliation, restoration, and the fulfillment of His promises.

### FAQ
**Why were the brothers so afraid of the money found in their sacks?**

Answer: The brothers were terrified because the unexpected return of their money, especially in full weight, seemed inexplicable and potentially ominous. They feared it was a trap set by the Egyptian authorities, perhaps an accusation of theft or a pretext to enslave them, particularly given Joseph's earlier harsh accusations of them being spies. They could not comprehend the benevolent, though disguised, intentions behind Joseph's actions, viewing it instead as a grave misfortune or divine judgment.

**What was an 'inn' (malon) in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *malon* (מָלוֹן), translated as "inn," did not typically refer to a formal building like a modern hotel. Instead, it denoted a temporary lodging place, a designated camping spot, or a caravanserai along a travel route. These were often open areas where travelers would unburden their animals, rest, and spend the night, rather than enclosed structures with services.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, though initially unrecognized and seemingly harsh, orchestrating events to bring his brothers to repentance, provide for them, and reconcile his family, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Like Joseph, Christ, though often unrecognized or misunderstood in His divine plan, sovereignly orchestrates circumstances—even those causing perplexity or fear—to draw His people to Himself, provide ultimate salvation, and bring about reconciliation and restoration, fulfilling God's greater purposes for humanity.

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.