Genesis 43:28

KJV

And they answered, Thy servant our father [is] in good health, he [is] yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they answered {H559}, Thy servant {H5650} our father {H1} is in good health {H7965}, he is yet alive {H2416}. And they bowed down their heads {H6915}, and made obeisance {H7812}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They answered, "Your servant our father is well; yes, he is still alive," as they bowed in respect.

Berean Standard Bible

“Your servant our father is well,” they answered. “He is still alive.” And they bowed down to honor him.

American Standard Version

And they said, Thy servant our father is well, he is yet alive. And they bowed the head, and made obeisance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This scene is rich with dramatic irony, as the brothers, still unaware of Joseph's true identity, unwittingly fulfill long-held prophecies through their deep deference to the powerful Egyptian governor, setting the stage for the climactic family reunion and reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter half of the book of Genesis, specifically within the extended narrative of Joseph, which spans from [Genesis 37](/genesis/37) to [Genesis 50](/genesis/50). Preceding this verse, Joseph's brothers have made a second journey to Egypt due to the severe famine, compelled by Joseph's earlier demand to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them ([Genesis 42:20](/genesis/42-20 "Genesis 42:20 - Joseph's demand for Benjamin")). Jacob's initial reluctance to part with Benjamin, his last remaining son from Rachel, underscores the high stakes of this journey ([Genesis 42:38](/genesis/42-38 "Genesis 42:38 - Jacob's anguish over Benjamin")). Upon their arrival, Joseph, still unrecognized, invites them to dine with him ([Genesis 43:16](/genesis/43-16 "Genesis 43:16 - Joseph invites his brothers to dine")), and before the meal, he inquires about their father's well-being. This specific inquiry and the brothers' response in [Genesis 43:28](/genesis/43-28 "Genesis 43:28 - Brothers report on Jacob's health") serve as a crucial step in Joseph's carefully orchestrated plan to test his brothers and prepare them for the revelation of his identity and subsequent reconciliation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt during a period of widespread famine, likely in the second millennium BCE. Egyptian culture placed a high value on hierarchy and deference to authority. Governors and high officials, like Joseph, commanded immense respect and power. The act of "making obeisance" (prostrating oneself or bowing deeply) was a common cultural practice throughout the ancient Near East, signifying profound respect, submission, or homage, whether to royalty, a deity, or a superior. This cultural norm explains the brothers' immediate and complete physical submission to Joseph, whom they perceived as a powerful Egyptian official. Furthermore, the concept of family and the well-being of the patriarch (Jacob) were paramount in ancient Israelite culture, making Joseph's inquiry about his father's health a natural and deeply significant question, both personally and culturally.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 43:28](/genesis/43-28 "Genesis 43:28 - The brothers' report and obeisance") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Joseph narrative and the book of Genesis. **Divine Providence and Sovereignty** are central, as God orchestrates events, even through human sin and suffering, to bring about His purposes, ultimately preserving the covenant family and fulfilling promises made to Abraham ([Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's promises to Abraham")). The **Fulfillment of Prophecy** is dramatically highlighted, as the brothers' repeated acts of bowing before Joseph directly fulfill the dreams Joseph had in his youth ([Genesis 37:7-9](/genesis/37-7-9 "Genesis 37:7-9 - Joseph's prophetic dreams")). This scene also underscores themes of **Reconciliation and Forgiveness**, as Joseph's testing of his brothers' character, particularly their concern for Jacob and Benjamin, prepares the ground for the eventual healing of their fractured family relationships. Finally, the theme of **Humility and Transformation** is evident in the brothers' changed demeanor compared to their youthful arrogance and cruelty towards Joseph ([Genesis 37:18-28](/genesis/37-18-28 "Genesis 37:18-28 - The brothers conspire against Joseph")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"good health" (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965 (שָׁלֹום), this word encompasses far more than mere physical well-being. While it certainly refers to Jacob's physical health, _shâlôwm_ denotes a comprehensive state of completeness, soundness, welfare, prosperity, and peace. It suggests that Jacob is not merely alive but is in a state of holistic well-being, free from distress, which would have been a great relief to Joseph.
* **"alive" (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416 (חַי), this word literally means "alive" or "living." In this context, it emphasizes the vital fact of Jacob's continued existence. For Joseph, who had not seen his father in over two decades and knew of Jacob's deep grief over his presumed death, the confirmation that Jacob was "yet alive" carried immense emotional weight and was a crucial piece of information for his ongoing plan.
* **"made obeisance" (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** From H7812 (שָׁחָה), this primitive root means "to depress," "prostrate," or "bow down," especially in homage to royalty or God. It describes a physical act of deep reverence, submission, or worship. In [Genesis 43:28](/genesis/43-28 "Genesis 43:28 - Brothers' obeisance"), it signifies the brothers' complete and utter submission to Joseph, the powerful Egyptian governor, an act pregnant with prophetic fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they answered, Thy servant our father [is] in good health, he [is] yet alive."**: The brothers' response is respectful and direct, addressing Joseph with the formal "Thy servant" in reference to their father, Jacob. This phrase highlights their humble posture before the powerful Egyptian governor. The dual affirmation of Jacob's "good health" (_shâlôwm_) and his being "yet alive" (_chay_) provides Joseph with the crucial information he sought, confirming the well-being of his beloved patriarch and validating the brothers' compliance with his previous demands.
* **"And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance."**: Immediately following their verbal report, the brothers perform a profound physical act of deference. "Bowed down their heads" (from H6915, _qâdad_) describes a specific physical posture of lowering the head in respect or submission. This is immediately followed by "made obeisance" (from H7812, _shâchâh_), indicating a full prostration or deep bow, signifying complete submission and homage. This double action underscores the depth of their reverence and humility before Joseph, unwittingly fulfilling the prophetic dreams Joseph had received decades earlier.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience is aware of Joseph's true identity, while his brothers remain ignorant. Their profound respect and submission to him, culminating in their bowing down, is deeply ironic given their past actions of selling him into slavery. This irony heightens the tension and anticipation of Joseph's eventual revelation. **Foreshadowing** is also powerfully at play, as the brothers' act of obeisance directly fulfills Joseph's prophetic dreams from [Genesis 37:7-9](/genesis/37-7-9 "Genesis 37:7-9 - Joseph's prophetic dreams"), demonstrating God's sovereign hand in bringing His purposes to pass. The repetition of the act of bowing throughout the Joseph narrative (e.g., [Genesis 42:6](/genesis/42-6 "Genesis 42:6 - Brothers bow to Joseph the first time")) serves as **Symbolism**, representing the reversal of fortunes and the establishment of Joseph's divinely appointed authority over his family.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's meticulous and sovereign orchestration of events, even through human sin and suffering. The brothers' humble report and act of obeisance, born out of necessity and fear, are simultaneously a profound fulfillment of divine prophecy and a testament to God's patient work in preparing hearts for reconciliation. It underscores that God's plans are not thwarted by human rebellion but often incorporate them, transforming evil intentions into instruments for good, ultimately preserving His covenant people and bringing His promises to fruition.

* [Genesis 37:7](/genesis/37-7 "Joseph's first dream")
* [Genesis 42:6](/genesis/42-6 "Joseph's brothers bow before him")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 43:28](/genesis/43-28 "Genesis 43:28 - A moment of humility and prophecy") invites us to reflect on the profound ways God works in our lives, often behind the scenes and through circumstances we do not fully understand. The brothers' humility and submission, though initially driven by fear and necessity, ultimately paved the way for healing and restoration within their fractured family. This reminds us that true humility, even when difficult, can be a prerequisite for divine blessing and reconciliation in our own relationships. Furthermore, the fulfillment of Joseph's dreams, decades later, encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when they seem long delayed or impossible. We are called to cultivate a posture of submission to God's will, recognizing that He is sovereignly working all things for our good and His glory, even when our path seems unclear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brothers' humility in this verse challenge my own pride or resistance to difficult circumstances?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust more deeply in God's sovereign timing and His ability to bring about His purposes, even through unexpected or painful events?**
* **What relationships in my life might be awaiting a breakthrough that requires a posture of humility or a willingness to reconcile?**

### FAQ
**Why was Joseph so concerned about Jacob's health and welfare?**

Answer: Joseph's deep concern for his father, Jacob, was multifaceted. Primarily, it stemmed from profound filial love and respect for the patriarch whom he had not seen in over two decades, and whom he knew had grieved deeply over his presumed death. Spiritually, Jacob was the current bearer of the Abrahamic covenant, and his well-being was crucial for the continuation of God's promises and the lineage of the chosen people. Strategically, Joseph's inquiry was also a key part of his elaborate test for his brothers. He needed to ascertain if their character had changed, if they now genuinely cared for their father and their youngest brother, Benjamin, in contrast to their past callousness towards Joseph himself ([Genesis 37:18-28](/genesis/37-18-28 "Genesis 37:18-28 - Joseph's brothers conspire against him")).

**What is the significance of the brothers "making obeisance" to Joseph?**

Answer: The act of "making obeisance" (Hebrew: _shâchâh_), which involves bowing down or prostrating oneself, signifies profound respect, submission, and homage. Its significance in [Genesis 43:28](/genesis/43-28 "Genesis 43:28 - The brothers' obeisance") is deeply layered. On one level, it demonstrates the brothers' complete humility and deference before the powerful Egyptian governor, whom they perceive as having authority over their lives. More profoundly, it is a direct and dramatic fulfillment of the prophetic dreams Joseph had in his youth, where his brothers' sheaves and even the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him ([Genesis 37:7](/genesis/37-7 "Joseph's first dream"), [Genesis 37:9](/genesis/37-9 "Joseph's second dream")). This repeated act of homage underscores God's sovereignty in bringing His purposes to pass, even through human sin, long periods of separation, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, reversing the power dynamics and fulfilling His divine word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, particularly the scene in [Genesis 43:28](/genesis/43-28 "Genesis 43:28 - Brothers' obeisance to Joseph"), serves as a compelling type and shadow of Jesus Christ. Joseph, though innocent, was rejected, betrayed, and sold into slavery by his own brothers, mirroring Christ's rejection and crucifixion by His own people ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ rejected")). Yet, God exalted Joseph to a position of immense power in Egypt, making him the savior and provider for his family and the surrounding nations during a severe famine. Similarly, Jesus Christ, after His rejection and crucifixion, was exalted by God to the highest place, given a name that is above every name ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God exalts Jesus")), becoming the ultimate Savior and Provider for all humanity, offering spiritual sustenance and eternal life to those who believe ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The brothers' repeated acts of bowing before Joseph in humble submission powerfully foreshadow the day when "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every knee will bow to Jesus")), acknowledging His supreme authority and Lordship. This ultimate submission leads not to judgment for those who believe, but to reconciliation, redemption, and the preservation of God's chosen people, just as Joseph's exaltation led to the salvation of his family.

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 37:7

For, behold, we [were] binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.

Genesis 43:26

¶ And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which [was] in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth.

1 Kings 1:16

And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance unto the king. And the king said, What wouldest thou?

2 Chronicles 24:17

Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

2 Samuel 1:2

It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and [so] it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

Genesis 37:9

And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.

Genesis 37:10

And he told [it] to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What [is] this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?