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 a deeply poignant moment as Joseph, now the powerful vizier of Egypt, inquires about the well-being of his family, particularly his aged father Jacob, upon the second arrival of his brothers. This seemingly simple yet profoundly significant question is laden with Joseph's enduring filial affection, strategic intent to test his brothers' character, and serves as a pivotal step in God's unfolding divine plan to preserve the nascent nation of Israel amidst a severe regional famine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Joseph's reunion with his brothers in Egypt, following their second journey to purchase grain during a severe famine. Having previously demanded that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty ([Genesis 42:20](/genesis/42-20 "Joseph's Demand for Benjamin")), Joseph now hosts them in his own house for a meal. The preceding verses describe the brothers' apprehension and their presentation of gifts, while the subsequent verses detail Joseph's emotional struggle and the elaborate meal, all building towards the revelation of his identity and the eventual reconciliation of the family. Joseph's direct inquiry about his father's welfare is the first intimate personal question he poses, revealing his true heart amidst his powerful facade.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt during a period of widespread famine, forcing people from surrounding lands, including Canaan, to seek sustenance. The cultural norms of the time dictated strict protocols for interaction between high-ranking officials and foreign visitors, yet Joseph's invitation to dine at his house was an extraordinary gesture of hospitality, indicating his favor and setting the stage for a more personal exchange. The patriarchal society placed immense value on the elder, particularly the family patriarch, making Joseph's specific inquiry about his father's health and survival a culturally significant demonstration of respect and concern, even from a powerful official.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 43:27 intricately weaves into several overarching themes within the Joseph narrative and the broader book of Genesis. It highlights the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly disparate events—like famine and Joseph's rise to power—to fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). The verse also underscores the theme of **Familial Reconciliation and Forgiveness**, as Joseph, despite profound past betrayal, actively seeks the well-being of his family, setting the stage for their eventual restoration. Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **Testing and Transformation**, as Joseph's questions serve to probe his brothers' character and reveal their growth and remorse since their earlier callous actions, preparing them for a deeper encounter with truth and grace, much like the testing of Abraham's faith in [Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "The Testing of Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** From H7592, a primitive root meaning "to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand." In this context, it signifies Joseph's deliberate and purposeful act of seeking information, not merely a casual greeting. His inquiry is laden with deeper meaning, going beyond politeness to a genuine desire to ascertain the state of his family, particularly his father.
* **welfare (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, a word encompassing "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." This term is far richer than a simple inquiry about physical health. Joseph is asking about their holistic state of completeness, well-being, prosperity, and peace in all aspects of life—spiritual, emotional, and physical. It reflects a deep, comprehensive concern for their flourishing.
* **old man (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** From H2205, meaning "old; aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator." This specific descriptor emphasizes Jacob's advanced age and vulnerability, highlighting Joseph's particular concern for his father's condition. It evokes the respect and care due to an elder, a significant cultural value.
* **alive (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416, meaning "alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively." Joseph's direct question, "Is he yet alive?", underscores the depth of his anxiety and the twenty-year separation, during which he had no knowledge of his father's survival, having been presumed dead himself. It is a raw, emotional query.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he asked them of [their] welfare":** Joseph initiates the conversation not with administrative matters but with a deeply personal inquiry, using the comprehensive term *shalom*. This immediately shifts the tone from a formal encounter with a foreign dignitary to a more intimate familial interaction, signaling Joseph's underlying connection and concern for his brothers and their household.
* **"and said":** This simple conjunction introduces Joseph's direct speech, emphasizing the intentionality and personal nature of his subsequent questions, moving from a general inquiry to a specific focus on his father.
* **"[Is] your father well, the old man of whom ye spake?":** Joseph's specific focus on "your father" reveals his profound filial concern. The addition "the old man of whom ye spake" serves as a crucial reminder to his brothers of their previous conversation in [Genesis 42:13](/genesis/42-13 "The Brothers Speak of Jacob"), where they had mentioned their father and youngest brother. This phrase also subtly tests their consistency and honesty, while simultaneously expressing Joseph's deep personal longing for his father.
* **"[Is] he yet alive?":** This final, stark question lays bare Joseph's deepest anxiety and hope. After two decades of separation and presumed death, the question of Jacob's continued existence is paramount. It is a deeply emotional query that underscores the long-standing pain and uncertainty Joseph has carried, and it is a critical step in verifying the conditions necessary for his eventual self-revelation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, as Joseph's direct questions drive the narrative forward and reveal his inner state. The use of **Repetition** in "Is your father well... Is he yet alive?" emphasizes Joseph's intense focus and concern for Jacob, highlighting the emotional weight of the inquiry. There is also profound **Irony** present; the powerful Egyptian governor is, unbeknownst to his brothers, the very son they betrayed, and his questions, while seemingly a test of their honesty, are deeply rooted in his own filial love. Furthermore, the scene is rich with **Foreshadowing**, as Joseph's meticulous inquiry and testing of his brothers' character prepare the way for the dramatic revelation of his identity and the subsequent reconciliation, which will ultimately preserve the family of Israel. The term *shalom* itself functions as a form of **Symbolism**, representing not just peace but the holistic well-being and restoration that Joseph desires for his family and that God intends for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's poignant inquiry in Genesis 43:27 serves as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of familial love and God's sovereign hand in preserving His covenant people. Despite the profound betrayal he suffered at his brothers' hands, Joseph's immediate and deep concern for his father's welfare demonstrates a heart that has moved beyond bitterness towards reconciliation, even before his identity is revealed. This moment is not merely a personal reunion but a crucial step in God's overarching plan to preserve the family of Jacob, from whom the nation of Israel would descend, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. Joseph's actions, guided by divine providence, illustrate how God uses human circumstances, even painful ones, to accomplish His redemptive purposes, transforming brokenness into blessing and preparing the way for a greater work of salvation.

* [Genesis 45:5](/genesis/45-5 "Joseph's Explanation of God's Providence")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose in Joseph's Life")
* [Psalm 105:16-17](/psalm/105-16-17 "God's Provision Through Famine")

### 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 and demonstrating a love that transcends past hurts, teaches us the value of wisdom, grace, and forgiveness in navigating strained relationships. We are reminded that true concern extends beyond superficial inquiries to a deep desire for the *shalom*—the complete flourishing—of those around us. 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, knowing that He can redeem any situation for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's inquiry about his father's "welfare" (shalom) challenge our own understanding of what it means to truly care for others?**
* **In what ways can we, like Joseph, demonstrate genuine concern for the "old" or vulnerable in our lives, especially those we may have been estranged from?**
* **How does Joseph's patient approach to reconciliation, evident in his testing of his brothers, inform our own efforts to mend broken relationships?**
* **Where in your life can you identify God's sovereign hand at work, orchestrating circumstances for a greater purpose, even amidst difficulty?**

### 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 profound 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, as recounted in [Genesis 37:35](/genesis/37-35 "Jacob's Grief for Joseph"). 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 and their callousness towards Joseph himself. This question was a crucial step in his plan to discern their repentance and prepare for his eventual self-revelation, as hinted at in [Genesis 42:15-20](/genesis/42-15-20 "Joseph's Initial Test of His Brothers").

**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. As seen in other biblical contexts like [Numbers 6:26](/numbers/6-26 "The Priestly Blessing") or [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Perfect 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, not just their physical survival during the famine.

### 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 and sold into slavery ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph Sold into Slavery")), became the means of their salvation from famine and reconciliation with their father, so too Christ, rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Christ Came to His Own")), became the means of salvation and reconciliation for humanity with God the Father. Joseph's deep concern for his family's *shalom*—their holistic welfare—his testing of his brothers' hearts, and his eventual provision for them in a time of severe famine, powerfully reflect Christ's own compassionate care for His people, His discerning testing of their faith, and His ultimate provision of spiritual sustenance and eternal life. Through His sacrifice, Christ brings about a greater reconciliation than any earthly family reunion, restoring broken humanity to a right relationship with God and offering the ultimate *shalom* that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God")).

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 42:13

And they said, Thy servants [are] twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest [is] this day with our father, and one [is] not.

1 Samuel 25:5

And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:

Exodus 18:7

¶ And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of [their] welfare; and they came into the tent.

Genesis 37:14

And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

1 Samuel 17:22

And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.

Judges 18:15

And they turned thitherward, and came to the house of the young man the Levite, [even] unto the house of Micah, and saluted him.

Genesis 41:16

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, [It is] not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.