Genesis 43:27

KJV

And he asked them of [their] welfare, and said, [Is] your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? [Is] he yet alive?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he asked {H7592} them of their welfare {H7965}, and said {H559}, Is your father {H1} well {H7965}, the old man {H2205} of whom ye spake {H559}? Is he yet alive {H2416}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked them how they were and inquired, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?"

Berean Standard Bible

He asked if they were well, and then he asked, “How is your elderly father you told me about? Is he still alive?”

American Standard Version

And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 43:27 captures Joseph's poignant inquiry into the well-being of his family, particularly his aged father Jacob, upon reuniting with his brothers in Egypt. This seemingly simple question, laden with deep familial affection and strategic intent, reveals Joseph's enduring love despite past betrayals and sets the stage for the unfolding divine plan to preserve Israel during the severe famine.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 43:27 occurs during the second visit of Joseph's brothers to Egypt, compelled by a severe famine gripping the land. Having been sent by their father Jacob to purchase grain, they have, as demanded by Joseph (unrecognized by them as Egypt's powerful governor), brought their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them ([Genesis 42:20](/genesis/42-20 "Joseph's demand for Benjamin")). Joseph has invited them to his house for a meal, a significant gesture preceding his intimate inquiries in this verse, which highlight his profound and long-held concern for his family, whom he had not seen for over two decades since his brothers' betrayal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
"And he asked them of [their] welfare, and said, [Is] your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? [Is] he yet alive?"

Joseph, now the powerful governor of Egypt, initiates the conversation with his brothers by inquiring about their "welfare" (KJV). The Hebrew word translated "welfare" is *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם), a term far richer than mere physical health. *Shalom* encompasses a holistic sense of completeness, well-being, prosperity, peace, and health in all aspects of life—spiritual, emotional, and physical. Joseph's question, therefore, was not superficial but deeply probing, seeking to understand the overall state of his brothers and, more specifically, his father.

His subsequent direct questions, "Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?", underscore his intense focus on Jacob. This inquiry is laden with both genuine filial love and strategic intent. Joseph had not seen his father since his youth, and his concern for Jacob's advanced age and the emotional toll of his presumed death (Genesis 37:35) was profound. Simultaneously, these questions served as a subtle test for his brothers. He was assessing their current character, their honesty, and their care for their father, contrasting it with their past callousness that led to Jacob's prolonged grief. This moment is a critical step in Joseph's measured process of reconciliation and the eventual revelation of his identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Enduring Familial Love and Forgiveness:** Joseph's immediate focus on his father's well-being, despite the profound betrayal he suffered at his brothers' hands, powerfully demonstrates his deep familial affection and a heart moving towards reconciliation, even before his identity is revealed.
* **Divine Providence and Preservation:** Joseph's actions, including this specific inquiry, are integral to God's overarching plan to preserve the family of Jacob, which would become the nation of Israel. This narrative foreshadows God's faithful preservation of His covenant people through seemingly adverse circumstances ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's redemptive purpose in Joseph's life")).
* **Testing and Transformation:** Joseph's questions serve as a subtle yet significant test of his brothers' character. He is discerning their growth, their remorse, and their renewed commitment to their father's welfare, paving the way for their eventual repentance and reconciliation.
* **The Importance of Honoring Elders:** The specific inquiry about "the old man" emphasizes the profound respect and concern due to elders within the patriarchal family structure, a principle consistently upheld in biblical wisdom.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's example in Genesis 43:27 offers timeless lessons for believers today, primarily calling us to cultivate genuine and compassionate concern for the holistic well-being of others, especially family members and the vulnerable. His patient and discerning approach to reconciliation with his brothers, allowing time for their transformation, teaches us the value of wisdom and grace in navigating strained relationships. Ultimately, Joseph's story, even in this seemingly small interaction, powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, orchestrating events for His ultimate purposes and for the good of those who love Him, encouraging us to trust His plan even amidst personal pain and societal upheaval.

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph specifically ask about his father, Jacob?**

Answer: Joseph's inquiry about Jacob was multifaceted. Primarily, it stemmed from genuine filial love and concern for his aged father, whom he had not seen in over two decades since his brothers sold him into slavery. He knew Jacob had grieved deeply over his presumed death. Secondly, it served as a strategic test for his brothers, allowing Joseph to assess their current character, their honesty, and their care for Jacob, contrasting it with their past disregard for their father's feelings.

**What is the significance of "welfare" (shalom) in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם), translated as "welfare," is much broader than just physical health or peace. It encompasses a holistic state of completeness, well-being, prosperity, and health in every aspect of life—spiritual, emotional, and physical. Joseph's use of *shalom* indicates a deep, comprehensive inquiry into the overall state of his family, particularly his father, reflecting a desire for their total flourishing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, in his suffering, exaltation, and ultimate role as a preserver and reconciler of his family, serves as a profound type of Christ. Just as Joseph, though rejected by his brothers, became the means of their salvation and reconciliation with their father, so too Christ, rejected by His own, became the means of salvation and reconciliation for humanity with God the Father. Joseph's deep concern for his family's welfare, his testing of his brothers, and his eventual provision for them in a time of famine reflect Christ's own compassionate care for His people, His testing of their hearts, and His ultimate provision of spiritual sustenance and eternal life, bringing about a greater reconciliation than any earthly family reunion.

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.