Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 43בראשית 43

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Famine pressure from Genesis 42 now forces Jacob's house past refusal into a second descent, and the movement deepens from mere necessity to providentially ordered reunion. Judah emerges as the responsible spokesman, Benjamin becomes the indispensable center of the journey, and Jacob's resistance yields to a grief-laden act of release under the name of El Shaddai. Once in Egypt, fear over the returned money gives way to unexpected peace, Simeon's return, and entrance into Joseph's house. Yet the emotional center lies deeper still: Joseph sees Benjamin, blesses him, withdraws to weep, and then presides over a table scene structured by separation, knowledge, and testing. This movement therefore binds paternal surrender, fraternal mediation, hidden compassion, ethnic distance, and measured favor into one movement. By the end, Benjamin has been singled out but not yet accused, and the brothers have eaten and drunk with Joseph without understanding how near they have come to disclosure.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. The second descent to Egypt begins here, but the narrative should be read not simply as travel logistics; it is the carefully staged movement from household deadlock to table fellowship under Joseph's concealed identity. Verse 1's כָּבֵד הָרָעָב keeps the famine severe and pressing, so the earlier grain has only delayed, not resolved, the crisis. Verses 3-5 make Judah's speech decisive. The doubled witness language הָעֵד הֵעִד gives solemn force to the Egyptian ruler's warning, and the formula 'you shall not see my face without your brother with you' should retain both its courtly and relational pressure. Verses 8-10 are especially important for the developing character of Judah. His surety formula אָֽנֹכִי אֶֽעֶרְבֶנּוּ and the closing admission that they would by now have returned twice if not for delay mark a new seriousness distinct from Reuben's earlier reckless proposal. Verse 11's list from the 'choice produce of the land' should retain its gift-character and its concrete local goods rather than being flattened into vague generosity. Verse 12's returned money is interpreted as possibly a mistake, preserving the brothers' uncertainty about whether they are under accusation or under providential disturbance. Verse 14 is one of the narrative's great theological lines: Jacob invokes El Shaddai and places the outcome under divine mercy, while his closing כַּאֲשֶׁר שָׁכֹלְתִּי שָׁכָלְתִּי carries resigned pathos rather than stoic detachment. In verse 16 Joseph's command to bring the men into the house, slaughter, and prepare because they will eat with him at noon marks a major transition from public grain administration to private household space. The brothers, however, interpret the summons through the returned money in verse 18; their fear is juridical and social at once, extending even to enslavement and the seizure of their donkeys. Verse 23 is striking because Joseph's steward answers with peace-language and explicitly names 'your God and the God of your father' as the giver of hidden treasure; the theological voice in Joseph's house is therefore far more knowing than the brothers expect. Verses 26-28 repeat the bowing pattern and return attention to the father, while verse 29 brings the first direct sight of Benjamin and the blessing formula יָחְנְךָ אֱלֹהִים בְּנִי, which should preserve its tenderness. Verse 30's נִכְמְרוּ רַחֲמָיו expresses intense inward stirring, and Joseph's withdrawal to weep privately is essential to the narrative's concealed compassion. Verse 32's separate eating arrangements should retain their social and ethnic force: Joseph apart, the brothers apart, and the Egyptians apart, because eating with Hebrews is an abomination to Egyptians. Verses 33-34 then create the narrative's final astonishment. The brothers are seated by birth order before Joseph, and Benjamin's portion is multiplied fivefold. The effect is not mere hospitality, but the extension of marked favor within a still-unresolved test. The closing drinking scene should therefore be read as provisional joy beneath hidden design, not as final reconciliation. Versification follows the MT.

1

וְהָרָעָ֖ב כָּבֵ֥ד בָּאָֽרֶץ

And the famine was heavy in the land.

Famine pressure resumesAnd
Opens with unresolved severity: the land is still under heavy famine, so the earlier refusal cannot hold indefinitely.
Word-by-word analysis· 3 words
וְהָרָעָ֖בand the famineconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · רָעָב (H7458)Subject (nominal clause)רָעָב (H7458) 'famine, hunger'; root רעב; presses the household to act.
כָּבֵ֥דwas heavyadj m sg abs · כָּבֵד (H3515)Predicate adjectiveכָּבֵד (H3515) 'heavy, severe'; root כבד; describes oppressive, continuing weight.
בָּאָֽרֶץin the landprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; Canaan under unrelieved famine pressure.
2

וַיְהִ֗י כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר כִּלּוּ֙ לֶאֱכֹ֣ל אֶת הַשֶּׁ֔בֶר אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֵבִ֖יאוּ מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם֙ אֲבִיהֶ֔ם שֻׁ֖בוּ שִׁבְרוּ לָ֥נוּ מְעַט אֹֽכֶל

And it came to pass, when they had finished eating the grain that they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, 'Return, buy for us a little food.'

The household crisis returnsAnd it came to pass
Once the grain is gone, the father reopens the question of descent by asking for more food.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it came to passwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: episodic temporal frameהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; standard formula introducing a new episode.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤רwhenprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Temporal subordinating conjunctionכַּאֲשֶׁר 'when, as soon as'; introduces temporal subordinate clause.
כִּלּוּ֙they had finishedPiel perf 3cp · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb (subordinate clause)→ Perfective: completed exhaustion of grainכָּלָה (H3615) 'to finish, exhaust'; Piel intensive; the grain is fully used up.
לֶאֱכֹ֣לeatingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָכַל (H398)Infinitive complement (object of finished)→ Infinitive: verbal complementאָכַל (H398) 'to eat, consume'; specifies what was completed.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking definite direct object.
הַשֶּׁ֔בֶרthe grainart + N m sg abs · שֶׁבֶר (H7668)Direct object (of eating)שֶׁבֶר (H7668) 'grain bought in emergency'; from שָׁבַר 'to buy grain'; the provisions from their first descent.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying grain)אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle introducing attributive clause.
הֵבִ֖יאוּthey had broughtHiphil perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: completed transportבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hiphil 'to bring'; they transported grain from Egypt.
מִמִּצְרָ֑יִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + proper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Locative source prepositional phraseמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; dual form; source of the grain supply.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard narrative speech introduction.
אֲלֵיהֶם֙to themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object prepositional phraseאֶל (H413), preposition of direction; marks speech recipients.
אֲבִיהֶ֔םtheir fatherN m sg constr + 3mp suffix · אָב (H1)Subject (of said)אָב (H1) 'father'; Jacob, whose voice reopens the descent question.
שֻׁ֖בוּreturn!Qal impv 2mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate imperative (first command)→ Volitional: direct commandשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, go back'; commands another descent to Egypt.
שִׁבְרוּbuy grain!Qal impv 2mp · שָׁבַר (H7666)Second imperative (sequential command)→ Volitional: direct commandשָׁבַר (H7666) 'to buy grain'; denominative from שֶׁבֶר; urgent purchase imperative.
לָ֥נוּfor usprep לְ + 1cp suffix · לְBenefactive prepositional phrasePrep לְ with pronominal suffix; dative of benefit, the household needing food.
מְעַטa littleN m sg constr · מְעַט (H4592)Adverbial quantity (modifying food)מְעַט (H4592) 'little, few, small amount'; diminutive request appropriate to desperate need.
אֹֽכֶלfoodN m sg abs · אֹכֶל (H400)Direct objectאֹכֶל (H400) 'food, provisions'; from אָכַל; the household's immediate survival need.
3

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר אֵלָ֛יו יְהוּדָ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר הָעֵ֣ד הֵעִד֩ בָּ֨נוּ הָאִ֤ישׁ לֵאמֹר֙ לֹֽא תִרְא֣וּ פָנַ֔י בִּלְתִּ֖י אֲחִיכֶ֥ם אִתְּכֶֽם

And Judah said to him, saying, 'The man solemnly warned us, saying, You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.'

Judah restates the ruler's warningAnd Judah said
Judah brings the Egyptian demand back into focus and frames it as a solemnly witnessed prohibition.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֹּ֧אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Judah now takes the speaking role from the brothers.
אֵלָ֛יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; directs speech to Israel the father.
יְהוּדָ֖הJudahproper noun · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Subject of saidיְהוּדָה (H3063) 'Judah'; fourth son of Jacob and Leah; now emerging as household spokesman.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Inf constr (manner/introducing speech)→ Infinitive: introduces quoted speechלֵאמֹר, standard Hebrew formula introducing direct speech.
הָעֵ֣דsolemnly warnedHiphil inf abs · עוּד (H5749)Inf abs (intensifying main verb)→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic intensificationעוּד (H5749) 'to warn, testify'; Hiphil inf abs before finite verb creates solemn emphasis.
הֵעִד֩he warnedHiphil perf 3ms · עוּד (H5749)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: reported completed warningעוּד (H5749) 'to testify, solemnly warn'; Hiphil; the doubled verb הָעֵד הֵעִד gives solemn force to the Egyptian official's prohibition.
בָּ֨נוּagainst usprep בְּ + 1cp suffix · בְּDative/recipient prepositional phrasePrep בְּ with pronominal suffix; marks the brothers as those warned.
הָאִ֤ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of warnedאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the Egyptian official, i.e. Joseph, disguised as ruler over Egypt's grain.
לֵאמֹר֙sayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Inf constr (introduces quoted prohibition)→ Infinitive: introduces inner quotationלֵאמֹר, second quotation-introduction formula within Judah's speech.
לֹֽאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation particleלֹא (H3808), absolute negative; negates the following verb.
תִרְא֣וּyou shall seeQal impf 2mp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (prohibitive clause)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive — forbidden actionרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; with לֹא impf = strong prohibition; audience of official is barred from his presence.
פָנַ֔יmy faceN m pl constr + 1cs suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct objectפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; idiom of granting/denying access to a superior; echoes Egyptian court practice.
בִּלְתִּ֖יunlessnegative conj · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Exceptive conjunctionבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'except, unless, not'; creates the sole condition under which the prohibition is lifted.
אֲחִיכֶ֥םyour brotherN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · אָח (H251)Subject of accompanying clauseאָח (H251) 'brother'; refers to Benjamin, whom the brothers had not brought on the first descent.
אִתְּכֶֽםwith youprep אֵת + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Accompaniment prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; marks the required accompaniment; Benjamin's presence is the sole key to access.
4

אִם יֶשְׁךָ֛ מְשַׁלֵּ֥חַ אֶת אָחִ֖ינוּ אִתָּ֑נוּ נֵרְדָ֕ה וְנִשְׁבְּרָ֥ה לְךָ֖ אֹֽכֶל

'If you are sending our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you.'

Conditional willingness to descendIf
The brothers' return depends entirely on Benjamin's inclusion; without him, there is no viable mission.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
אִםifconditional conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (protasis)אִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the real conditional on which the descent depends.
יֶשְׁךָ֛you are willingexistence particle + 2ms suffix · יֵשׁ (H3426)Predicate of conditional clauseיֵשׁ (H3426) 'there is, there exists'; with suffix = 'you are [one who]'; indicates willingness/intention.
מְשַׁלֵּ֥חַsendingPiel ptc m sg abs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Participial complement to יֶשׁ→ Participle: ongoing intended actionשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, let go'; Piel; Judah frames Benjamin's release as Jacob's decision.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the definite object Benjamin.
אָחִ֖ינוּour brotherN m sg constr + 1cp suffix · אָח (H251)Direct object (of sending)אָח (H251) 'brother'; Benjamin, the youngest, whose presence is the non-negotiable condition.
אִתָּ֑נוּwith usprep אֵת + 1cp suffix · אֵת (H854)Accompaniment prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; marks Benjamin's required accompaniment on the journey.
נֵרְדָ֕הwe will go downQal cohortative 1cp · יָרַד (H3381)Apodosis main verb (cohortative)→ Volitional: first-person purpose/resolveיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; cohortative of resolve; they express willingness if Jacob consents.
וְנִשְׁבְּרָ֥הand buy grainconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · שָׁבַר (H7666)Coordinated cohortative (purpose)→ Volitional: sequential resolveשָׁבַר (H7666) 'to buy grain'; cohortative continues the volitional sequence of the apodosis.
לְךָ֖for youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְBenefactive prepositional phrasePrep לְ with 2ms suffix; the grain purchase is for Jacob's benefit.
אֹֽכֶלfoodN m sg abs · אֹכֶל (H400)Direct object (of buy)אֹכֶל (H400) 'food, provisions'; the goal of the proposed descent.
5

וְאִם אֵינְךָ֥ מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ לֹ֣א נֵרֵ֑ד כִּֽי הָאִ֞ישׁ אָמַ֤ר אֵלֵ֨ינוּ֙ לֹֽא תִרְא֣וּ פָנַ֔י בִּלְתִּ֖י אֲחִיכֶ֥ם אִתְּכֶֽם

'But if you are not sending him, we will not go down; for the man said to us, You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.'

Refusal without BenjaminBut if
Judah repeats the condition in negative form, leaving no room for hopeful improvisation.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conditional · אִם (H518)Adversative conditional conjunctionוְאִם, negative counterpart to v4's conditional; closes off the alternative.
אֵינְךָ֥you are notneg particle + 2ms suffix · אַיִן (H369)Predicate of negative conditionalאַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; with suffix = 'you are not willing'; negates Jacob's capacity or willingness to send.
מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַsendingPiel ptc m sg abs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Participial complement (negative condition)→ Participle: intended ongoing action negatedשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, release'; Piel ptc; the condition mirrors v4 exactly in negative form.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation particleלֹא (H3808), absolute negative; negates the following imperfect.
נֵרֵ֑דwe will go downQal impf 1cp · יָרַד (H3381)Apodosis verb (negated)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — refused future actionיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; with לֹא = flat refusal to descend without Benjamin.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason for their refusal.
הָאִ֞ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (of the quotation)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the Egyptian official (Joseph incognito) whose prohibition stands.
אָמַ֤רsaidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: cited past speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; perfective; the official's past words remain binding.
אֵלֵ֨ינוּ֙to usprep אֶל + 1cp suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the brothers as recipients of the official's prohibition.
לֹֽאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation particle (within quote)לֹא (H3808), negates the imperfect in the cited prohibition.
תִרְא֣וּyou shall seeQal impf 2mp · רָאָה (H7200)Verb of prohibition (quoted)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive — forbidden actionרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; with לֹא = strong prohibition; audience access denied without Benjamin.
פָנַ֔יmy faceN m pl constr + 1cs suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct object (of see)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; official's face = access to him; court idiom repeated verbatim from v3.
בִּלְתִּ֖יunlessneg conj · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Exceptive conjunctionבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'unless, except'; the sole condition of access, repeated from v3.
אֲחִיכֶ֥םyour brotherN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · אָח (H251)Subject of required accompanimentאָח (H251) 'brother'; Benjamin's presence is the irreducible requirement.
אִתְּכֶֽםwith youprep אֵת + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Accompaniment prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; closing the prohibition formula; identical to v3's ending.
6

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לָמָ֥ה הֲרֵעֹתֶ֖ם לִ֑י לְהַגִּ֣יד לָאִ֔ישׁ הַע֥וֹד לָכֶ֖ם אָֽח

And Israel said, 'Why did you deal so badly with me as to tell the man that you still had another brother?'

Israel laments the disclosureAnd Israel said
The father's complaint reads the brothers' earlier truthfulness as harm done to him under the pressure of loss.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Israel now responds with grievance.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of saidיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel'; the patriarch's name signals his elevated paternal role in this crisis.
לָמָ֥הwhyprep לְ + interrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative (introduces complaint)לָמָה 'why'; introduces a rhetorical complaint rather than a genuine question.
הֲרֵעֹתֶ֖םdid you harm meHiphil perf 2mp · רָעַע (H7489)Predicate verb (rhetorical question)→ Perfective: cited completed harmרָעַע (H7489) 'to do evil, harm'; Hiphil 'to harm, treat badly'; Jacob frames the disclosure as personal harm.
לִ֑יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְDative of harmPrep לְ + 1cs suffix; marks Jacob as the one damaged by their disclosure.
לְהַגִּ֣ידby tellingprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · נָגַד (H5046)Inf constr (purpose/cause of harm)→ Infinitive: specifying the offending actנָגַד (H5046) 'to tell, report, declare'; Hiphil; the information they volunteered triggered the demand.
לָאִ֔ישׁto the manprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Indirect object prepositional phraseאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the Egyptian official to whom the brothers disclosed Benjamin's existence.
הַע֥וֹדstillinterrogative + adverb · עוֹד (H5750)Interrogative adverb (within quote)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, again'; with interrogative ה; reported question: is your father still alive.
לָכֶ֖םto you / have youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְDative/possessive prepositional phrasePrep לְ + 2mp suffix; possessive dative marking the brothers as those who have a brother.
אָֽחa brotherN m sg abs · אָח (H251)Predicate nominative (quoted question)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the disclosed existence of Benjamin, which Jacob says they should have concealed.
7

וַיֹּאמְר֡וּ שָׁא֣וֹל שָֽׁאַל הָ֠אִישׁ לָ֣נוּ וּלְמֽוֹלַדְתֵּ֜נוּ לֵאמֹ֗ר הַע֨וֹד אֲבִיכֶ֥ם חַי֙ הֲיֵ֣שׁ לָכֶ֣ם אָ֔ח וַנַ֨גֶּד ל֔וֹ עַל פִּ֖י הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה הֲיָד֣וֹעַ נֵדַ֔ע כִּ֣י יֹאמַ֔ר הוֹרִ֖ידוּ אֶת אֲחִיכֶֽם

And they said, 'The man kept asking about us and about our kindred, saying, Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother? And we told him according to the tenor of these words. Could we certainly know that he would say, Bring down your brother?'

The brothers defend their earlier answersAnd they said
They explain that the Egyptian ruler's questions were so exact that Benjamin's existence could hardly have been concealed.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וַיֹּאמְר֡וּand they saidwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; brothers collectively defend their earlier honesty.
שָׁא֣וֹלhe kept askingQal inf abs · שָׁאַל (H7592)Inf abs (intensifying main verb)→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic insistenceשָׁאַל (H7592) 'to ask, inquire'; inf abs before finite verb stresses repeated, determined questioning.
שָֽׁאַלaskedQal perf 3ms · שָׁאַל (H7592)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: reported thorough questioningשָׁאַל (H7592) 'to ask, inquire'; the official's persistent interrogation drove out the information.
הָ֠אִישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (of asked)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; Joseph as Egyptian official; his questions were specific and unavoidable.
לָ֣נוּusprep לְ + 1cp suffix · לְObject of inquiry prepositional phrasePrep לְ with pronominal suffix; marks brothers as those interrogated about family.
וּלְמֽוֹלַדְתֵּ֜נוּand our kindredconj וְ + prep לְ + N f sg constr + 1cp suffix · מוֹלֶדֶת (H4138)Coordinated object prepositional phraseמוֹלֶדֶת (H4138) 'kindred, birth-family'; from יָלַד 'to bear'; the official's questions extended to family origins.
לֵאמֹ֗רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Inf constr (introduces quoted questions)→ Infinitive: introduces direct speechלֵאמֹר, standard formula introducing the official's exact questions.
הַע֨וֹדis stillinterrogative + adverb · עוֹד (H5750)Interrogative adverb (first question)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet'; with interrogative ה; asks about the father's continuing life.
אֲבִיכֶ֥םyour fatherN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · אָב (H1)Subject (of interrogative clause)אָב (H1) 'father'; Joseph's veiled inquiry after Jacob.
חַי֙aliveadj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Predicate adjectiveחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; Joseph's first question cut to his deepest concern: is Jacob still alive.
הֲיֵ֣שׁis thereinterrogative + existence particle · יֵשׁ (H3426)Interrogative predicate (second question)יֵשׁ (H3426) 'there is'; with interrogative ה; second probing question about family composition.
לָכֶ֣םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְPossessive prepositional phrasePrep לְ + 2mp suffix; possessive dative: do you have.
אָ֔חa brotherN m sg abs · אָח (H251)Predicate nominative (second question)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the pointed question that drew out information about Benjamin.
וַנַ֨גֶּדand we toldwayyiqtol Hiphil 1cp · נָגַד (H5046)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance (1cp rare)נָגַד (H5046) 'to tell, declare'; Hiphil; they answered honestly according to the questions asked.
ל֔וֹhimprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object prepositional phrasePrep לְ + 3ms suffix; marks the official as recipient of their disclosure.
עַלaccording toprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (manner)עַל (H5921) 'upon, according to'; here marks the basis of their answer.
פִּ֖יthe mouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Construct chain (basis of words)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; עַל פִּי = 'according to'; they answered in line with the tenor of the questions.
הַדְּבָרִ֣יםthe wordsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain objectדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, thing'; the specific questions the official asked them.
הָאֵ֑לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative modifierאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; points back to the specific questions just quoted.
הֲיָד֣וֹעַcould we knowinterrogative + Qal inf abs · יָדַע (H3045)Inf abs (rhetorical question)→ Infinitive absolute: intensifying rhetorical forceיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; inf abs with finite verb in rhetorical question: how could we have known?
נֵדַ֔עwe would knowQal impf 1cp · יָדַע (H3045)Verb of rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: potential/modal — unknowable futureיָדַע (H3045) 'to know, perceive'; the brothers plead ignorance of the official's subsequent demand.
כִּ֣יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementary conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of what they could not have known.
יֹאמַ֔רhe would sayQal impf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Verb of reported future command→ Yiqtol: modal — unforeseeable future commandאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; they could not anticipate this specific command.
הוֹרִ֖ידוּbring downHiphil impv 2mp · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate imperative (within quotation)→ Volitional: reported commandיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; Hiphil 'to bring down'; the command that makes Benjamin's descent mandatory.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks Benjamin as the definite object.
אֲחִיכֶֽםyour brotherN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · אָח (H251)Direct object (of bring down)אָח (H251) 'brother'; Benjamin, the demanded companion; his descent is now mandated by the official.
8

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוּדָ֜ה אֶל יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל אָבִ֗יו שִׁלְחָ֥ה הַנַּ֛עַר אִתִּ֖י וְנָק֣וּמָה וְנֵלֵ֑כָה וְנִֽחְיֶה֙ וְלֹ֣א נָמ֔וּת גַּם אֲנַ֥חְנוּ גַם אַתָּ֖ה גַּם טַפֵּֽנוּ

And Judah said to Israel his father, 'Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, we and you and our little ones.'

Judah offers practical leadershipAnd Judah said
Judah now presses for action, linking Benjamin's release to the survival of the whole household, including the little ones.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Judah shifts from defense to a concrete proposal.
יְהוּדָ֜הJudahproper noun · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Subject of saidיְהוּדָה (H3063) 'Judah'; here takes a step beyond Reuben's earlier offer in Genesis 42.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Indirect object prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; directs Judah's appeal to Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Indirect object (addressee)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel'; the name used when the patriarch's authority as head of household is in view.
אָבִ֗יוhis fatherN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָב (H1)Appositive to Israelאָב (H1) 'father'; identifies the relational role and authority Judah is addressing.
שִׁלְחָ֥הsendQal impv 2ms + Sh · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate imperative (main request)→ Volitional: direct appeal to fatherשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; with paragogic ה; Judah directly requests Jacob release Benjamin.
הַנַּ֛עַרthe youthart + N m sg abs · נַעַר (H5288)Direct object (of send)נַעַר (H5288) 'youth, servant, boy'; Benjamin referred to by his relative youth; also signals his vulnerability.
אִתִּ֖יwith meprep אֵת + 1cs suffix · אֵת (H854)Accompaniment prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; Judah positions himself as Benjamin's personal guardian on the descent.
וְנָק֣וּמָהand let us ariseconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · קוּם (H6965)Coordinated cohortative (sequence)→ Volitional: first-person resolveקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, arise'; cohortative expressing group resolve; idiomatic with go.
וְנֵלֵ֑כָהand let us goconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Coordinated cohortative (sequence)→ Volitional: sequential resolveהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; cohortative; the urgency of departure pressed by Judah.
וְנִֽחְיֶה֙that we may liveconj וְ + Qal impf 1cp · חָיָה (H2421)Coordinated impf (purpose: survival)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — purpose/resultחָיָה (H2421) 'to live, survive'; the goal clause; descent = survival for the whole household.
וְלֹ֣אand notconj וְ + neg · לֹא (H3808)Negative conjunction (antithesis)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; negates the alternative; death is the opposite of going down.
נָמ֔וּתdieQal impf 1cp · מוּת (H4191)Verb (negated — death avoided)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — potential outcome preventedמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the fate they face without food; Judah makes survival stakes explicit.
גַּםalsoadditive particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive particle (we)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; begins triple enumeration of those whose lives depend on the descent.
אֲנַ֥חְנוּwe1cp personal pronoun · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject (first party in triple)אֲנַחְנוּ (H587) 'we'; the brothers themselves; their survival depends on the descent.
גַםalsoadverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive particle (you)גַּם (H1571) 'also'; second member of triple; even Jacob's life is at stake.
אַתָּ֖הyou2ms personal pronoun · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (second party in triple)אַתָּה (H859) 'you'; Jacob himself; his life too is bound to the grain supply.
גַּםalsoadditive particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive particle (little ones)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; third member of the triple enumeration.
טַפֵּֽנוּour little onesN m sg constr + 1cp suffix · טַף (H2945)Subject (third party in triple)טַף (H2945) 'little ones, children'; the household's most vulnerable; Judah's argument is total household survival.
9

אָֽנֹכִי֙ אֶֽעֶרְבֶ֔נּוּ מִיָּדִ֖י תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑נּוּ אִם לֹ֨א הֲבִיאֹתִ֤יו אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ וְהִצַּגְתִּ֣יו לְפָנֶ֔יךָ וְחָטָ֥אתִֽי לְךָ֖ כָּל הַיָּמִֽים

'I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall seek him. If I do not bring him to you and set him before you, then I shall bear the blame before you all my days.'

Judah makes himself suretyI myself
His pledge is personal and enduring: Benjamin's return will be sought from Judah's own hand, and failure will remain his guilt forever.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
אָֽנֹכִי֙I myself1cs personal pronoun · אָנֹכִי (H595)Emphatic subject (fronted)אָנֹכִי (H595) 'I'; emphatic 1cs pronoun fronted; Judah places himself personally on the line.
אֶֽעֶרְבֶ֔נּוּwill be surety for himQal impf 1cs + 3ms suffix · עָרַב (H6148)Predicate verb (main pledge)→ Yiqtol: performative pledgeעָרַב (H6148) 'to pledge, be surety for'; Judah formally takes legal responsibility for Benjamin's safe return.
מִיָּדִ֖יfrom my handprep מִן + N f sg constr + 1cs suffix · יָד (H3027)Ablative source prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; מִיָּדִי = 'from my hand'; hand = personal responsibility in legal pledge contexts.
תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑נּוּyou shall seek himPiel impf 2ms + 3ms suffix · בָּקַשׁ (H1245)Predicate verb (consequence clause)→ Yiqtol: consequential obligationבָּקַשׁ (H1245) 'to seek, require'; Piel; Jacob may require Benjamin's return from Judah's hand.
אִםifconditional conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (protasis)אִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the negative condition that activates Judah's guilt.
לֹ֨אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation particleלֹא (H3808), absolute negative; the failure condition.
הֲבִיאֹתִ֤יוI brought himHiphil perf 1cs + 3ms suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (conditional protasis)→ Perfective: hypothetical failure to bring backבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hiphil 'to bring'; failure to return Benjamin triggers the penalty clause.
אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙to youprep אֶל + 2ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; the promised destination of Benjamin's safe return to Jacob.
וְהִצַּגְתִּ֣יוand set him beforeconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs + 3ms suffix · יָצַג (H3322)Weqatal (consequential complement)→ Perfective/sequential: completing the pledgeיָצַג (H3322) 'to set, place, present'; Hiphil; the pledge includes both bringing and formally presenting Benjamin.
לְפָנֶ֔יךָbefore youprep לְ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Directional prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; before Jacob's face = presented intact to him; the guarantee is visible.
וְחָטָ֥אתִֽיthen I have sinnedconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs · חָטָא (H2398)Apodosis verb (penalty clause)→ Perfective/conditional: accepted guilt if pledge failsחָטָא (H2398) 'to sin, miss the mark'; Judah accepts permanent moral guilt as penalty for failure.
לְךָ֖against youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְDative of offensePrep לְ + 2ms suffix; marks Jacob as the one wronged if Judah fails his pledge.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Temporal modifier (construct)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with הַיָּמִים; permanent duration of guilt.
הַיָּמִֽיםthe daysart + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal object (of guilt)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; כָּל הַיָּמִים = 'all my days'; Judah's guilt is permanent, unlike Reuben's reckless offer.
10

כִּ֖י לוּלֵ֣א הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְנוּ כִּֽי עַתָּ֥ה שַׁ֖בְנוּ זֶ֥ה פַעֲמָֽיִם

'For if we had not delayed, surely by now we would have returned this second time.'

Delay has worsened the dangerFor
Judah closes the case by noting that hesitation has already cost them the chance of a second return.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
כִּ֖יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason behind the urgency: delay has already cost them.
לוּלֵ֣אif not / unlessconj · לוּלֵא (H3884)Counterfactual conditional conjunctionלוּלֵא (H3884) 'if not, unless'; introduces a counterfactual: what would have happened without the delay.
הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְנוּwe had delayedHithpael perf 1cp · מָהַהּ (H4102)Predicate verb (counterfactual protasis)→ Perfective: counterfactual completed delayמָהַהּ (H4102) 'to linger, delay'; Hithpael reflexive/iterative; the procrastination that has worsened their situation.
כִּֽיsurelyconj · כִּי (H3588)Emphatic/asseverative particleכִּי (H3588) here asseverative 'surely, indeed'; introduces the counterfactual apodosis with certainty.
עַתָּ֥הnowadverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverbעַתָּה (H6258) 'now, at this point'; by now — what they would already have accomplished without delay.
שַׁ֖בְנוּwe would have returnedQal perf 1cp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (counterfactual apodosis)→ Perfective: counterfactual completed returnשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; they would already have completed a second descent without all this delay.
זֶ֥הthisdemonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifierזֶה (H2088) 'this'; marks the ordinal relationship with פַּעֲמַיִם.
פַעֲמָֽיִםtwiceN f dual abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative (of repetition)פַּעַם (H6471) 'time, occurrence'; dual = twice; the delay has squandered what should have been two completed descents.
11

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֜ם יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל אֲבִיהֶ֗ם אִם כֵּ֣ן אֵפוֹא֮ זֹ֣את עֲשׂוּ֒ קְח֞וּ מִזִּמְרַ֤ת הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ בִּכְלֵיכֶ֔ם וְהוֹרִ֥ידוּ לָאִ֖ישׁ מִנְחָ֑ה מְעַ֤ט צֳרִי֙ וּמְעַ֣ט דְּבַ֔שׁ נְכֹ֣את וָלֹ֔ט בָּטְנִ֖ים וּשְׁקֵדִֽים

And Israel their father said to them, 'If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice produce of the land in your vessels, and carry down to the man a gift, a little balm and a little honey, gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.'

Israel structures the descent with gift and diplomacyAnd Israel their father said
Yielding at last, the father sends the journey down under the signs of local abundance, respect, and appeasing generosity.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Israel yields and begins giving detailed instructions.
אֲלֵהֶ֜םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the brothers as recipients of Israel's diplomatic instructions.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of saidיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel'; the name in this context signals the patriarch yielding with considered strategy.
אֲבִיהֶ֗םtheir fatherN m sg constr + 3mp suffix · אָב (H1)Appositive to Israelאָב (H1) 'father'; emphasizes the paternal role in releasing both Benjamin and instructions.
אִםifconditional conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunctionאִם (H518) 'if'; marks resigned acceptance: if it must be so.
כֵּ֣ןso / thusadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial predicate (concession)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; Israel acknowledges the necessity reluctantly.
אֵפוֹא֮then, thereforeadverb · אֵפוֹא (H645)Inferential adverbאֵפוֹא (H645) 'then, in that case'; rare particle of resigned inference; since it must be so, then do this.
זֹ֣אתthisdemonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Direct object (fronted)זֹאת (H2063) 'this'; fronted demonstrative pointing to the following specific instructions.
עֲשׂוּ֒do!Qal impv 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate imperative (general command)→ Volitional: general commandעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; general imperative introducing the specific action list.
קְח֞וּtake!Qal impv 2mp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate imperative (first specific)→ Volitional: first specific commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; first concrete instruction: gather the gift items.
מִזִּמְרַ֤תsome of the best produceprep מִן + N f sg constr · זִמְרָה (H2173)Partitive prepositional phraseזִמְרָה (H2173) 'choice produce, best of the land'; rare word; from זָמַר; refers to prized agricultural products.
הָאָ֨רֶץ֙of the landart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive of source (construct chain)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; Canaan's local specialties sent as diplomatic gifts to Egypt.
בִּכְלֵיכֶ֔םin your vesselsprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · כְּלִי (H3627)Locative prepositional phraseכְּלִי (H3627) 'vessel, implement, container'; the items are to be physically packed and carried.
וְהוֹרִ֥ידוּand carry downconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2mp · יָרַד (H3381)Second imperative (sequential)→ Volitional: second specific commandיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; Hiphil 'to bring down'; the gift is to accompany them to Egypt.
לָאִ֖ישׁto the manprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Indirect object (recipient of gift)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; Joseph as anonymous Egyptian official; diplomatically addressed as 'the man'.
מִנְחָ֑הa giftN f sg abs · מִנְחָה (H4503)Direct object (gift appositive)מִנְחָה (H4503) 'gift, tribute'; often a diplomatic/appeasing present to a superior; the word carries weight of honor.
מְעַ֤טa littleN m sg constr · מְעַט (H4592)Quantifier (of balm)מְעַט (H4592) 'little, small amount'; modesty in gift quantity, appropriate to supplicants.
צֳרִי֙balmN m sg abs · צֳרִי (H6875)Direct object (first gift item)צֳרִי (H6875) 'balm, resin of Gilead'; prized medicinal resin exported from Canaan; first item in the list.
וּמְעַ֣טand a littleconj וְ + N m sg constr · מְעַט (H4592)Coordinated quantifierמְעַט (H4592) 'little'; repeated for second item; understated diplomatic modesty.
דְּבַ֔שׁhoneyN m sg abs · דְּבַשׁ (H1706)Direct object (second gift item)דְּבַשׁ (H1706) 'honey'; Canaan's fine honey, a prized trade good; second gift item.
נְכֹ֣אתgum/spiceN f sg abs · נְכֹאת (H5219)Direct object (third gift item)נְכֹאת (H5219) 'spice, aromatic gum'; exact identification uncertain; possibly labdanum or storax; third item.
וָלֹ֔טand myrrhconj וְ + N m sg abs · לֹט (H3910)Coordinated direct object (fourth item)לֹט (H3910) 'myrrh, ladanum'; aromatic resin; fourth gift item in the Canaanite gift list.
בָּטְנִ֖יםpistachio nutsN m pl abs · בֹּטֶן (H992)Direct object (fifth gift item)בֹּטֶן (H992) 'pistachio nut'; prized nut from Canaan; fifth item demonstrating local abundance.
וּשְׁקֵדִֽיםand almondsconj וְ + N m pl abs · שָׁקֵד (H8247)Coordinated direct object (sixth item)שָׁקֵד (H8247) 'almond'; Canaan's choice fruit; sixth and final item in the gift list.
12

וְכֶ֥סֶף מִשְׁנֶ֖ה קְח֣וּ בְיֶדְכֶ֑ם וְאֶת הַכֶּ֜סֶף הַמּוּשָׁ֨ב בְּפִ֤י אַמְתְּחֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ תָּשִׁ֣יבוּ בְיֶדְכֶ֔ם אוּלַ֥י מִשְׁגֶּ֖ה הֽוּא

'And take double money in your hand, and the money that was returned in the mouth of your bags carry back in your hand; perhaps it was a mistake.'

Double money and restitutionAnd
Returned silver must be taken back along with a second sum, so the descent includes both purchase and possible correction.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְכֶ֥סֶףand moneyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Coordinated direct object (of take)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; the financial component of the descent, distinct from the diplomatic gift.
מִשְׁנֶ֖הdoubleN m sg abs · מִשְׁנֶה (H4932)Quantifying appositiveמִשְׁנֶה (H4932) 'double, repetition, second'; double money = payment for current purchase plus restitution of returned money.
קְח֣וּtake!Qal impv 2mp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate imperative→ Volitional: commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the financial instruction accompanies the gift command.
בְיֶדְכֶ֑םin your handprep בְּ + N f sg constr + 2mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; hand = personal custody and accountability; they carry it personally.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated object markerוְאֵת; conj + nota accusativi; marks the returned money as second definite object.
הַכֶּ֜סֶףthe moneyart + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Direct object (returned silver)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; the specific silver that was found returned in their bags.
הַמּוּשָׁ֨בthat was returnedart + Hophal ptc m sg abs · שׁוּב (H7725)Participial attributive modifier→ Participle: defining the silver's stateשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Hophal passive ptc = that which was caused to return; the mysteriously replaced silver.
בְּפִ֤יin the mouth ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phraseפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth, opening'; idiom for the opening of a sack; bְּפִי = 'in the opening of'.
אַמְתְּחֹֽתֵיכֶם֙your bagsN f pl constr + 2mp suffix · אַמְתַּחַת (H572)Genitive (of bag opening)אַמְתַּחַת (H572) 'sack, bag'; the grain sacks in which the silver was mysteriously replaced.
תָּשִׁ֣יבוּreturn itHiphil impf 2mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (command in impf form)→ Yiqtol: directive — commanded actionשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Hiphil 'to bring back'; the returned silver must be taken back as restitution.
בְיֶדְכֶ֔םin your handprep בְּ + N f sg constr + 2mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phrase (repeated)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; repeated from earlier in the verse; emphasizes personal accountability.
אוּלַ֥יperhapsadverb · אוּלַי (H194)Modal adverbאוּלַי (H194) 'perhaps, maybe'; preserves the brothers' genuine uncertainty about whether the return was a mistake.
מִשְׁגֶּ֖הan oversightN m sg abs · מִשְׁגֶּה (H4870)Predicate nominativeמִשְׁגֶּה (H4870) 'error, oversight, mistake'; from שָׁגָה 'to err'; Israel genuinely uncertain: was it a mistake or providence?
הֽוּאit is3ms personal pronoun · הוּא (H1931)Predicate pronounהוּא (H1931) 'he, it'; pronoun serving as copula; perhaps it was an unintentional mistake.
13

וְאֶת אֲחִיכֶ֖ם קָ֑חוּ וְק֖וּמוּ שׁ֥וּבוּ אֶל הָאִֽישׁ

'And take your brother, and arise, return to the man.'

Benjamin is released to the journeyAnd
The decisive surrender happens in compressed form: Benjamin is to be taken, and the men are to return to the ruler.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated object markerוְאֵת; the decisive object now named: Benjamin himself, finally released.
אֲחִיכֶ֖םyour brotherN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · אָח (H251)Direct object (Benjamin released)אָח (H251) 'brother'; Benjamin, the center of the whole negotiation; now released by Jacob.
קָ֑חוּtake!Qal impv 2mp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate imperative→ Volitional: decisive commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the decisive command releasing Benjamin; the impasse breaks here.
וְק֖וּמוּand arise!conj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · קוּם (H6965)Coordinated imperative (departure)→ Volitional: command to departקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, arise'; idiomatic call to action before a journey.
שׁ֥וּבוּreturn!Qal impv 2mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Coordinated imperative (journey command)→ Volitional: command to go backשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, go back'; commands the second descent to Egypt.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the destination of the commanded return.
הָאִֽישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Indirect object (destination)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the Egyptian official (Joseph); still unnamed but recognized as the gate to grain.
14

וְאֵ֣ל שַׁדַּ֗י יִתֵּ֨ן לָכֶ֤ם רַחֲמִים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הָאִ֔ישׁ וְשִׁלַּ֥ח לָכֶ֛ם אֶת אֲחִיכֶ֥ם אַחֵ֖ר וְאֶת בִּנְיָמִ֑ין וַאֲנִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁכֹ֖לְתִּי שָׁכָֽלְתִּי

'And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send back your other brother and Benjamin. And I, as I have been bereaved, I am bereaved.'

Prayer to El Shaddai and resigned surrenderAnd may God Almighty
Jacob places the whole descent under divine mercy and ends in grief-marked resignation to whatever loss may still come.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְאֵ֣לand may Godconj וְ + proper noun · אֵל (H410)Subject of blessing/prayerאֵל (H410) 'God, mighty one'; combined with שַׁדַּי as El Shaddai; invoked at the point of maximum vulnerability.
שַׁדַּ֗יAlmightyproper noun · שַׁדַּי (H7706)Divine epithet appositiveשַׁדַּי (H7706) 'Almighty'; traditional patriarchal divine name; connected with the original covenant promises to Abraham and Isaac.
יִתֵּ֨ןgiveQal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (jussive prayer)→ Yiqtol: jussive — prayer for divine actionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, grant'; the prayer's main verb; Jacob asks El Shaddai to grant mercy before the official.
לָכֶ֤םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְDative of benefitPrep לְ + 2mp suffix; the brothers are the recipients of the divine gift of mercy.
רַחֲמִים֙mercy / compassionN m pl abs · רַחֲמִים (H7356)Direct object (of give)רַחֲמִים (H7356) 'compassion, mercy'; plural of intensity; from רֶחֶם 'womb'; deep visceral mercy; the only hope before the official.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; before the man's face = in his court; the arena where mercy is needed.
הָאִ֔ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Object of before (genitive)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the Egyptian official; Jacob prays for compassion in the court of this unknown powerful man.
וְשִׁלַּ֥חand may he send backconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Weqatal (consequential jussive)→ Perfective/jussive: prayed resultשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, release'; Piel; Jacob prays that divine mercy will move the official to release both detained brothers.
לָכֶ֛םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְDative of benefitPrep לְ + 2mp suffix; the brothers benefit from the hoped-for release.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the detained brother (Simeon) as first object.
אֲחִיכֶ֥םyour other brotherN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · אָח (H251)Direct object (Simeon in Egypt)אָח (H251) 'brother'; refers to Simeon, still detained in Egypt from the first descent.
אַחֵ֖רotheradj m sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjectiveאַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; distinguishes Simeon (detained) from Benjamin (being sent).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated object markerוְאֵת; second object marker; now Benjamin is added to the prayer.
בִּנְיָמִ֑יןBenjaminproper noun · בִּנְיָמִין (H1144)Direct object (Benjamin prayed for)בִּנְיָמִין (H1144) 'Benjamin'; the youngest, now being released; both sons are placed under divine protection.
וַאֲנִ֕יand Iconj וְ + 1cs pronoun · אֲנִי (H589)Emphatic subject (resigned statement)אֲנִי (H589) 'I'; emphatic; Jacob shifts from prayer to resigned personal statement.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רasprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative/manner conjunctionכַּאֲשֶׁר 'as, just as'; introduces the resigned comparison.
שָׁכֹ֖לְתִּיI have been bereavedQal perf 1cs · שָׁכַל (H7921)Inf abs (intensifying main verb)→ Perfective: established state of bereavementשָׁכַל (H7921) 'to be bereaved'; inf abs before finite verb — emphatic resigned statement of loss.
שָׁכָֽלְתִּיI am bereavedQal perf 1cs · שָׁכַל (H7921)Predicate verb (resignation)→ Perfective: accepted ongoing bereavementשָׁכַל (H7921) 'to be bereaved, childless'; the doubling = intense grief; Jacob has already lost Joseph and Simeon in his mind.
15

וַיִּקְח֤וּ הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ אֶת הַמִּנְחָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את וּמִשְׁנֶה כֶּ֛סֶף לָקְח֥וּ בְיָדָ֖ם וְאֶת בִּנְיָמִ֑ן וַיָּקֻ֨מוּ֙ וַיֵּרְד֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ לִפְנֵ֥י יוֹסֵֽף

And the men took this gift, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and they rose and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.

The second descent beginsAnd
With gift, money, and Benjamin in hand, the men go down again and stand before Joseph.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּקְח֤וּand they tookwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the men execute Jacob's instructions without hesitation.
הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙the menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (of took)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the brothers collectively; now identified as 'the men' as they move toward departure.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the gift as definite direct object.
הַמִּנְחָ֣הthe giftart + N f sg abs · מִנְחָה (H4503)Direct object (gift taken)מִנְחָה (H4503) 'gift, tribute offering'; the diplomatic gift prepared by Jacob now physically carried.
הַזֹּ֔אתthisart + demonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Demonstrative modifierזֹאת (H2063) 'this'; points back to the specific gift list of v11; this particular gift.
וּמִשְׁנֶהand doubleconj וְ + N m sg abs · מִשְׁנֶה (H4932)Coordinated direct object (quantity)מִשְׁנֶה (H4932) 'double, twice as much'; the double-money Jacob commanded in v12.
כֶּ֛סֶףmoneyN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Direct object (silver)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; the financial provision for the purchase and restitution.
לָקְח֥וּthey tookQal perf 3cp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (second taking)→ Perfective: completed actלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; repeated; highlights the double-money as a separate item taken in hand.
בְיָדָ֖םin their handprep בְּ + N f sg constr + 3mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; personal custody of the silver emphasizes accountability and trustworthiness.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated object markerוְאֵת; conjunction + nota accusativi; now marks Benjamin as the climactic object.
בִּנְיָמִ֑ןBenjaminproper noun · בִּנְיָמִין (H1144)Direct object (Benjamin)בִּנְיָמִין (H1144) 'Benjamin'; the son whose release was the whole negotiation; now simply listed with the luggage.
וַיָּקֻ֨מוּ֙and they arosewayyiqtol Qal 3mp · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance (departure)קוּם (H6965) 'to rise'; mirrors Jacob's impv in v13; they immediately obey the command to arise.
וַיֵּרְד֣וּand went downwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · יָרַד (H3381)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; the second descent actually begins; note mirrors Judah's cohortative in v8.
מִצְרַ֔יִםto Egyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Locative destination nounמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the destination of the second descent; the locus of both danger and provision.
וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּand stoodwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · עָמַד (H5975)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: arrival and presentationעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand, take position'; they stand before Joseph as suppliants seeking an audience.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; לִפְנֵי = 'before'; the formal audience position before the official.
יוֹסֵֽףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Object of before (genitive)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; named for the reader who knows; the brothers still know him only as the Egyptian official.
16

וַיַּ֨רְא יוֹסֵ֣ף אִתָּם֮ אֶת בִּנְיָמִין֒ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ לַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל בֵּית֔וֹ הָבֵ֥א אֶת הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים הַבָּ֑יְתָה וּטְבֹ֤חַ טֶ֨בַח֙ וְהָכֵ֔ן כִּ֥י אִתִּ֛י יֹאכְל֥וּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים בַּֽצָּהֳרָֽיִם

And Joseph saw Benjamin with them, and he said to the one who was over his house, 'Bring the men into the house, and slaughter and prepare; for the men shall eat with me at noon.'

Joseph sees Benjamin and orders a noon mealAnd Joseph saw
Benjamin's presence changes the setting at once: Joseph moves the brothers from the public market sphere into his own house for a prepared meal.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיַּ֨רְאand he sawwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Joseph's act of seeing Benjamin is the pivotal perception of the chapter.
יוֹסֵ֣ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject (of saw)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the concealed brother whose inner reaction drives the narrative henceforth.
אִתָּם֮with themprep אֵת + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Accompaniment prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; Benjamin arrived with the brothers; his presence is what Joseph was watching for.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks Benjamin as the specific object of Joseph's sight.
בִּנְיָמִין֒Benjaminproper noun · בִּנְיָמִין (H1144)Direct object (of saw)בִּנְיָמִין (H1144) 'Benjamin'; the sight of his full brother triggers Joseph's change of behavior.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Joseph immediately acts on seeing Benjamin.
לַֽאֲשֶׁ֣רto the one whoprep לְ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Indirect object (relative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'; introduces the relative clause identifying the steward.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (official's role)עַל (H5921) 'over, upon'; marks the steward's administrative authority over Joseph's household.
בֵּית֔וֹhis houseN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of over (genitive)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; Joseph's house-manager/steward, his trusted official.
הָבֵ֥אbring!Hiphil impv 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate imperative (first command)→ Volitional: command to bring men inבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hiphil 'to bring'; Joseph commands the brothers be brought into his house.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the men as definite object of bring.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֖יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object (of bring)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the brothers, now to be moved from public space into Joseph's private household.
הַבָּ֑יְתָהinto the houseart + N m sg abs + directional ה · בַּיִת (H1004)Directional locativeבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; with directional ה = 'into the house'; significant move from market to private domain.
וּטְבֹ֤חַand slaughter!conj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · טָבַח (H2873)Coordinated imperative (second command)→ Volitional: command to prepare animalטָבַח (H2873) 'to slaughter (an animal for food)'; commands a feast-level preparation for the meal.
טֶ֨בַח֙a slaughter/animalN m sg abs · טֶבַח (H2874)Cognate accusativeטֶבַח (H2874) 'slaughter, animal for slaughter'; cognate accusative with the verb; formal feast preparation.
וְהָכֵ֔ןand prepare!conj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · כּוּן (H3559)Coordinated imperative (third command)→ Volitional: command to prepare mealכּוּן (H3559) 'to be established, ready'; Hiphil 'to prepare, make ready'; the meal is to be fully arranged.
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason for the elaborate preparation.
אִתִּ֛יwith meprep אֵת + 1cs suffix · אֵת (H854)Accompaniment prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; Joseph himself will share the meal; a major social honor.
יֹאכְל֥וּthey will eatQal impf 3mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (reason clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — planned eventאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the planned shared meal is the stated reason for the summons into the house.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֖יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (of will eat)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the brothers who will be honored guests at Joseph's table.
בַּֽצָּהֳרָֽיִםat noonprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · צָהֳרַיִם (H6672)Temporal prepositional phraseצָהֳרַיִם (H6672) 'midday, noon'; dual form; the main meal of the day; marks the meal's significance.
17

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ הָאִ֔ישׁ כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר אָמַ֣ר יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיָּבֵ֥א הָאִ֛ישׁ אֶת הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים בֵּ֥יתָה יוֹסֵֽף

And the man did as Joseph said, and the man brought the men into Joseph's house.

Joseph's servant obeysAnd
The household machinery of Joseph's command operates immediately, drawing the brothers inward before they know why.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂand he didwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: immediate obedienceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the steward complies immediately with Joseph's command.
הָאִ֔ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (of did)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; Joseph's household steward; loyal servant acting on command.
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖רasprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction (manner)כַּאֲשֶׁר 'as, just as'; the compliance is exact and complete.
אָמַ֣רsaidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: cited completed commandאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the steward acted exactly as Joseph had commanded.
יוֹסֵ֑ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject of said (relative clause)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; his command is now executed without deviation.
וַיָּבֵ֥אand he broughtwayyiqtol Hiphil 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hiphil 'to bring'; the steward escorts the brothers inward.
הָאִ֛ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (of brought)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the steward, repeated for clarity as the agent of the bringing.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the men as definite direct object.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֖יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object (of brought)אִישׁ (H376) 'men, brothers'; they are conducted into Joseph's house before they understand why.
בֵּ֥יתָהinto the house ofN m sg constr + directional ה · בַּיִת (H1004)Directional locative (construct)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; directional construct: into the house of Joseph.
יוֹסֵֽףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Genitive (of house)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the house belongs to Joseph; the brothers enter his domain without knowing it.
18

וַיִּֽירְא֣וּ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗ים כִּ֣י הֽוּבְאוּ֮ בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵף֒ וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ עַל דְּבַ֤ר הַכֶּ֨סֶף֙ הַשָּׁ֤ב בְּאַמְתְּחֹתֵ֨ינוּ֙ בַּתְּחִלָּ֔ה אֲנַ֖חְנוּ מֽוּבָאִ֑ים לְהִתְגֹּלֵ֤ל עָלֵ֨ינוּ֙ וּלְהִתְנַפֵּ֣ל עָלֵ֔ינוּ וְלָקַ֧חַת אֹתָ֛נוּ לַעֲבָדִ֖ים וְאֶת חֲמֹרֵֽינוּ

And the men were afraid because they had been brought into Joseph's house, and they said, 'Because of the money that was returned in our bags the first time we are being brought in, that he may roll himself upon us and fall upon us and take us as slaves, and our donkeys.'

Fear interprets hospitality as accusationAnd the men were afraid
Because of the returned money, the summons into Joseph's house is read as the prelude to legal attack, enslavement, and confiscation.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וַיִּֽירְא֣וּand they were afraidwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance (fear)יָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, be afraid'; the brothers' response to entering the house is terror, not gratitude.
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (of feared)אִישׁ (H376) 'men'; the brothers interpret hospitality as trap; their guilty conscience interprets everything as threat.
כִּ֣יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the specific reason for their fear.
הֽוּבְאוּ֮they were broughtHophal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: completed passive bringingבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hophal passive 'to be brought'; the passive construction stresses their lack of control.
בֵּ֣יתhouse ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative construct chainבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; construct state; Joseph's house as the place of feared confrontation.
יוֹסֵף֒Josephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Genitive (of house)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the narrator's irony: they fear the house of their unrecognized brother.
וַיֹּאמְר֗וּand they saidwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance (speech)אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; their words reveal their paranoid interpretation of events.
עַלbecause ofprep · עַל (H5921)Causal prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on account of, because of'; introduces the reason they fear: the matter of the silver.
דְּבַ֤רthe matter ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain (causal)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, thing'; עַל דְּבַר = 'because of the matter of'; the silver episode drives their fear.
הַכֶּ֨סֶף֙the moneyart + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Genitive of matterכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; the returned silver is the source of their terror; they fear accusation.
הַשָּׁ֤בthat was returnedart + Qal ptc m sg abs · שׁוּב (H7725)Participial attributive modifier→ Participle: defining the silverשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Qal ptc attributive; the silver that turned up in their bags.
בְּאַמְתְּחֹתֵ֨ינוּ֙in our bagsprep בְּ + N f pl constr + 1cp suffix · אַמְתַּחַת (H572)Locative prepositional phraseאַמְתַּחַת (H572) 'sack, bag'; the grain sacks where the silver was mysteriously returned.
בַּתְּחִלָּ֔הat the first timeprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · תְּחִלָּה (H8462)Temporal prepositional phraseתְּחִלָּה (H8462) 'beginning, first time'; from חָלַל; refers to the first descent to Egypt in ch. 42.
אֲנַ֖חְנוּwe1cp personal pronoun · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Emphatic subject (fronted)אֲנַחְנוּ (H587) 'we'; emphatic fronted pronoun underlining their sense of being targeted.
מֽוּבָאִ֑יםare being broughtHophal ptc m pl abs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate ptc (nominal clause)→ Participle: ongoing passive stateבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hophal passive ptc = 'being brought'; they feel passively swept into danger.
לְהִתְגֹּלֵ֤לto roll himself upon usprep לְ + Hitpael inf constr · גָּלַל (H1556)Inf constr (purpose: accusation)→ Infinitive: feared purposeגָּלַל (H1556) 'to roll'; Hitpael 'to roll oneself upon, assail'; idiomatic for making a legal assault or accusation.
עָלֵ֨ינוּ֙upon usprep עַל + 1cp suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional object of assaultעַל (H5921) 'upon, against'; marks the brothers as the target of the feared legal attack.
וּלְהִתְנַפֵּ֣לand to fall upon usconj וְ + prep לְ + Hitpael inf constr · נָפַל (H5307)Coordinated inf (second feared action)→ Infinitive: feared additional assaultנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; Hitpael 'to throw oneself upon, attack'; a second image of violent legal/physical assault.
עָלֵ֔ינוּupon usprep עַל + 1cp suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional object (second assault)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; repeated; both verbs target the brothers as victims of feared attack.
וְלָקַ֧חַתand to takeconj וְ + prep לְ + Qal inf constr · לָקַח (H3947)Coordinated inf (third feared action)→ Infinitive: feared seizureלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, seize'; the feared outcome: they will be seized as property.
אֹתָ֛נוּusobj marker + 1cp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object (of to take)אֵת (H853) + pronominal suffix; the brothers themselves as feared objects of seizure.
לַעֲבָדִ֖יםas slavesprep לְ + N m pl abs · עֶבֶד (H5650)Predicate prepositional phrase (result)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'slave, servant'; their deepest fear: enslavement as punishment for the silver affair.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated object markerוְאֵת; marks the donkeys as a second definite object of the feared seizure.
חֲמֹרֵֽינוּour donkeysN m pl constr + 1cp suffix · חֲמוֹר (H2543)Direct object (animals seized)חֲמוֹר (H2543) 'donkey'; the brothers fear confiscation of both persons and pack animals; total loss imagined.
19

וַֽיִּגְּשׁוּ֙ אֶל הָאִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ אֵלָ֖יו פֶּ֥תַח הַבָּֽיִת

And they came near to the man who was over Joseph's house, and they spoke to him at the entrance of the house,

They seek explanation at the thresholdAnd they came near
The brothers speak before entering, trying to address the money matter before any judgment falls.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַֽיִּגְּשׁוּ֙and they drew nearwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to draw near, approach'; they approach the steward at the threshold to pre-empt accusation.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the steward as the one they approach.
הָאִ֔ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Object of approachאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; Joseph's steward, the intermediary between the brothers and Joseph.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhorelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying man)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'; introduces relative clause identifying the steward.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (role)עַל (H5921) 'over, in charge of'; identifies the steward's administrative authority.
בֵּ֣יתhouse ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (steward's domain)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; Joseph's household over which the steward has authority.
יוֹסֵ֑ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Genitive (of house)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; ironically, they approach the steward of their own unrecognized brother.
וַיְדַבְּר֥וּand they spokewayyiqtol Piel 3mp · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel intensive; they address him with a prepared, deliberate explanation.
אֵלָ֖יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the steward as recipient of their speech.
פֶּ֥תַחat the entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Locative construct (threshold)פֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, entrance, doorway'; they speak at the threshold — before entering, while still outside.
הַבָּֽיִתthe houseart + N m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive (of entrance)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; Joseph's house; the threshold is the boundary they try to address before crossing.
20

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ בִּ֣י אֲדֹנִ֑י יָרֹ֥ד יָרַ֛דְנוּ בַּתְּחִלָּ֖ה לִשְׁבָּר אֹֽכֶל

and they said, 'Please, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food.'

Respectful appeal beginsand they said
They frame their defense deferentially and return to the first descent as the context of the difficulty.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיֹּאמְר֖וּand they saidwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; their defense begins with deference.
בִּ֣יplease / I beseechexclamatory particle · בִּי (H994)Exclamatory particle (deferential appeal)בִּי (H994) 'please, I pray'; a particle of entreaty addressed to a social superior; very deferential.
אֲדֹנִ֑יmy lordN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · אָדוֹן (H113)Vocative addressאָדוֹן (H113) 'lord, master'; with suffix = 'my lord'; the brothers address the steward as a superior.
יָרֹ֥דwe indeed came downQal inf abs · יָרַד (H3381)Inf abs (intensifying main verb)→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic assertionיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; inf abs before finite verb stresses their first descent as genuine and legitimate.
יָרַ֛דְנוּwe came downQal perf 1cp · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: asserted completed actionיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; the first descent to buy grain; they establish the legitimate context of their presence.
בַּתְּחִלָּ֖הthe first timeprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · תְּחִלָּה (H8462)Temporal prepositional phraseתְּחִלָּה (H8462) 'beginning, first time'; they date the silver incident to the first descent, not this one.
לִשְׁבָּרto buy grainprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁבַר (H7666)Inf constr (purpose)→ Infinitive: stating purpose of first descentשָׁבַר (H7666) 'to buy grain'; their legitimate purpose; grain purchase, not silver theft.
אֹֽכֶלfoodN m sg abs · אֹכֶל (H400)Direct object (of to buy)אֹכֶל (H400) 'food, provisions'; the stated purpose of their first visit — legitimate grain purchase.
21

וַֽיְהִ֞י כִּי בָ֣אנוּ אֶל הַמָּל֗וֹן וַֽנִּפְתְּחָה֙ אֶת אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֔ינוּ וְהִנֵּ֤ה כֶֽסֶף אִישׁ֙ בְּפִ֣י אַמְתַּחְתּ֔וֹ כַּסְפֵּ֖נוּ בְּמִשְׁקָל֑וֹ וַנָּ֥שֶׁב אֹת֖וֹ בְּיָדֵֽנוּ

'And it came to pass, when we came to the lodging place and opened our bags, behold, each man's money was in the mouth of his bag, our money in its full weight; and we have brought it back in our hand.'

The returned money is explainedAnd it came to pass
They narrate the discovery of the silver in detail, stressing that it was their own money and that they have brought it back.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַֽיְהִ֞יand it came to passwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: temporal frameהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; introduces the reported narrative of the silver discovery.
כִּיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'when, for'; here temporal: when they arrived at the lodging place.
בָ֣אנוּwe cameQal perf 1cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (subordinate clause)→ Perfective: completed past arrivalבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; they narrate the moment of discovery.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the lodging place as their destination when the silver was found.
הַמָּל֗וֹןthe lodging placeart + N m sg abs · מָלוֹן (H4411)Object of to (destination)מָלוֹן (H4411) 'lodging place, inn'; from לוּן 'to lodge'; the overnight stop on the return from the first descent.
וַֽנִּפְתְּחָה֙and we openedwayyiqtol Qal 1cp + Sh · פָּתַח (H6605)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceפָּתַח (H6605) 'to open'; paragogic ה; they opened their bags at the overnight stop.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the bags as definite direct object.
אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֔ינוּour bagsN f pl constr + 1cp suffix · אַמְתַּחַת (H572)Direct object (of opened)אַמְתַּחַת (H572) 'sack, bag'; the grain sacks they opened to feed the animals at the overnight stop.
וְהִנֵּ֤הand behold!conj וְ + presentative · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (dramatic discovery)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look!'; introduces the sudden surprising discovery; heightens narrative drama.
כֶֽסֶףmoneyN m sg constr · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Subject (of discovery clause)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; the discovered silver is the whole source of their present fear.
אִישׁ֙each man'sN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive genitiveאִישׁ (H376) 'man, each one'; distributive: each man's money was in his own bag; complete, not partial.
בְּפִ֣יin the mouth ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phraseפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth, opening'; the opening of each sack; the silver was at the top, not buried.
אַמְתַּחְתּ֔וֹhis bagN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אַמְתַּחַת (H572)Genitive (of bag opening)אַמְתַּחַת (H572) 'sack, bag'; each man's individual sack; the silver returned individually to each.
כַּסְפֵּ֖נוּour moneyN m sg constr + 1cp suffix · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Subject (appositive clarification)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; our own money — not foreign silver, but their own payment returned.
בְּמִשְׁקָל֑וֹin its full weightprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · מִשְׁקָל (H4948)Manner prepositional phraseמִשְׁקָל (H4948) 'weight, full measure'; from שָׁקַל 'to weigh'; the money was returned in full, not partially.
וַנָּ֥שֶׁבand we have returned itwayyiqtol Hiphil 1cp · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Hiphil 'to bring back'; they are proactively returning the silver as evidence of innocence.
אֹת֖וֹitobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object (the silver)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix; the silver itself, which they have physically brought back.
בְּיָדֵֽנוּin our handprep בְּ + N f sg constr + 1cp suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; they personally carry the returned silver; hand = accountability and transparency.
22

וְכֶ֧סֶף אַחֵ֛ר הוֹרַ֥דְנוּ בְיָדֵ֖נוּ לִשְׁבָּר אֹ֑כֶל לֹ֣א יָדַ֔עְנוּ מִי שָׂ֥ם כַּסְפֵּ֖נוּ בְּאַמְתְּחֹתֵֽינוּ

'And other money we have brought down in our hand to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our bags.'

A second sum is offeredAnd other money
The explanation closes with explicit restitution and confessed ignorance about who placed the money there.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְכֶ֧סֶףand other moneyconj וְ + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Coordinated subject (additional silver)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; additional silver beyond the returned amount; double money as Jacob commanded.
אַחֵ֛רotheradj m sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjectiveאַחֵר (H312) 'other, additional'; distinguishes the new silver for purchasing from the returned silver.
הוֹרַ֥דְנוּwe brought downHiphil perf 1cp · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate verb→ Perfective: completed transportיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; Hiphil 'to bring down'; this is the new purchase money they carried on the second descent.
בְיָדֵ֖נוּin our handprep בְּ + N f sg constr + 1cp suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; personal custody and accountability; they carried both amounts transparently.
לִשְׁבָּרto buy grainprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁבַר (H7666)Inf constr (purpose)→ Infinitive: stating purposeשָׁבַר (H7666) 'to buy grain'; their stated legitimate purpose for the new silver.
אֹ֑כֶלfoodN m sg abs · אֹכֶל (H400)Direct object (of to buy)אֹכֶל (H400) 'food, provisions'; the grain they need to purchase on this second descent.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation particleלֹא (H3808), absolute negative; negates the following verb of knowing.
יָדַ֔עְנוּwe knewQal perf 1cp · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (negated)→ Perfective: asserted past ignoranceיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; they affirm genuine ignorance of how the silver was placed in their bags.
מִיwhointerrogative · מִי (H4310)Interrogative subjectמִי (H4310) 'who'; they do not know the agent; the silver's return remains mysterious to them.
שָׂ֥םputQal perf 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (indirect question)→ Perfective: unknown past actionשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place, set'; who placed the silver there remains unknown to the brothers.
כַּסְפֵּ֖נוּour moneyN m sg constr + 1cp suffix · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Direct object (of put)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; their own silver, mysteriously restored; divine providence unseen by them.
בְּאַמְתְּחֹתֵֽינוּin our bagsprep בְּ + N f pl constr + 1cp suffix · אַמְתַּחַת (H572)Locative prepositional phraseאַמְתַּחַת (H572) 'sack, bag'; the location of the mysteriously restored silver; the brothers plead innocent ignorance.
23

וַיֹּאמֶר֩ שָׁל֨וֹם לָכֶ֜ם אַל תִּירָ֗אוּ אֱלֹ֨הֵיכֶ֜ם וֵֽאלֹהֵ֤י אֲבִיכֶם֙ נָתַ֨ן לָכֶ֤ם מַטְמוֹן֙ בְּאַמְתְּחֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם כַּסְפְּכֶ֖ם בָּ֣א אֵלָ֑י וַיּוֹצֵ֥א אֲלֵהֶ֖ם אֶת שִׁמְעֽוֹן

And he said, 'Peace to you; do not fear. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your bags; your money came to me.' And he brought Simeon out to them.

The steward answers with peace and theologyAnd he said
Instead of accusation, they receive reassurance, a reference to their God, and Simeon restored to them.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩and he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the steward's unexpected response replaces feared accusation with peace.
שָׁל֨וֹםpeaceN m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Predicate nominative (greeting)שָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, wholeness, well-being'; the antithesis of everything the brothers feared; complete reversal.
לָכֶ֜םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְDative of peacePrep לְ + 2mp suffix; the peace is directed to the brothers; a formal reassurance greeting.
אַלdo notneg particle · אַל (H408)Volitional negation particleאַל (H408) 'do not'; negates the following jussive; gentler than לֹא, appropriate to calming reassurance.
תִּירָ֗אוּfear!Qal jussive 2mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Jussive (negated prohibition)→ Yiqtol/jussive: prohibition of fearיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, be afraid'; with אַל = gentle prohibition; the steward's word directly addresses their stated fear.
אֱלֹ֨הֵיכֶ֜םyour GodN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject (of theological statement)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the steward invokes the brothers' own God — remarkable theological statement in a pagan household.
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֤יand the God ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Coordinated subject (second divine title)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; second divine designation; both the brothers' God and their ancestral God are named.
אֲבִיכֶם֙your fatherN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · אָב (H1)Genitive (of God of)אָב (H1) 'father'; reference to Jacob/Israel; the ancestral covenant God is acknowledged by name in Joseph's house.
נָתַ֨ןhas givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (theological assertion)→ Perfective: divine completed giftנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, grant'; the steward attributes the returned silver to divine action, not error.
לָכֶ֤םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְDative of benefitPrep לְ + 2mp suffix; the brothers are recipients of the divine gift.
מַטְמוֹן֙treasure / hidden giftN m sg abs · מַטְמוֹן (H4301)Direct object (of has given)מַטְמוֹן (H4301) 'hidden treasure, concealed wealth'; from טָמַן 'to hide'; the silver is reframed as divine gift, not accusation.
בְּאַמְתְּחֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔םin your bagsprep בְּ + N f pl constr + 2mp suffix · אַמְתַּחַת (H572)Locative prepositional phraseאַמְתַּחַת (H572) 'sack, bag'; the location of the divine treasure; the very place of their fear becomes the place of grace.
כַּסְפְּכֶ֖םyour silverN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Subject (parenthetical clarification)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; your own silver — the steward acknowledges receipt and closes the financial matter.
בָּ֣אcame / has comeQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (parenthetical)→ Perfective: completed receiptבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the silver came to him — he received it; the account is settled.
אֵלָ֑יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; the steward received their silver — no outstanding debt, no accusation.
וַיּוֹצֵ֥אand he brought outwayyiqtol Hiphil 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: decisive actionיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hiphil 'to bring out'; the steward then releases Simeon — immediate action following his words of peace.
אֲלֵהֶ֖םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; the brothers receive Simeon; the release is directed to them specifically.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks Simeon as definite direct object of the release.
שִׁמְעֽוֹןSimeonproper noun · שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095)Direct object (released prisoner)שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095) 'Simeon'; second son of Jacob, held since ch. 42; his release fulfills Jacob's prayer in v14.
24

וַיָּבֵ֥א הָאִ֛ישׁ אֶת הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים בֵּ֣יתָה יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיִּתֶּן מַ֨יִם֙ וַיִּרְחֲצ֣וּ רַגְלֵיהֶ֔ם וַיִּתֵּ֥ן מִסְפּ֖וֹא לַחֲמֹֽרֵיהֶֽם

And the man brought the men into Joseph's house and gave water, and they washed their feet; and he gave fodder to their donkeys.

Household hospitality is givenAnd the man brought
Water, washing, and fodder replace the feared arrest, though the brothers still do not understand the house they have entered.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיָּבֵ֥אand he broughtwayyiqtol Hiphil 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hiphil 'to bring'; the steward now escorts all the men inside.
הָאִ֛ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (of brought)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the steward; his hospitality continues to replace the feared accusation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the men as definite direct object.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֖יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object (of brought)אִישׁ (H376) 'men'; the brothers are now brought fully inside Joseph's house for the meal.
בֵּ֣יתָהinto the house ofN m sg constr + directional ה · בַּיִת (H1004)Directional locative constructבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; with directional ה; they are now inside Joseph's private domestic space.
יוֹסֵ֑ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Genitive (of house)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; they enter his home without knowing it; the irony intensifies.
וַיִּתֶּןand he gavewayyiqtol Qal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: hospitality advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the steward provides water as an act of hospitality.
מַ֨יִם֙waterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object (of gave)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'; water for foot-washing was basic hospitality in the ancient Near East.
וַיִּרְחֲצ֣וּand they washedwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · רָחַץ (H7364)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: hospitality actionרָחַץ (H7364) 'to wash, bathe'; the brothers wash their feet, a ritual of arrival and welcome.
רַגְלֵיהֶ֔םtheir feetN f du constr + 3mp suffix · רֶגֶל (H7272)Direct object (of washed)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; foot-washing = formal welcome; the feared hostile reception becomes genuine hospitality.
וַיִּתֵּ֥ןand he gavewayyiqtol Qal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: second hospitality actנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; second gift; the steward also provides fodder for the animals.
מִסְפּ֖וֹאfodderN m sg abs · מִסְפּוֹא (H4554)Direct object (of gave)מִסְפּוֹא (H4554) 'fodder, feed for animals'; from סָפַא 'to sweep away/gather'; care for their donkeys signals complete hospitality.
לַחֲמֹֽרֵיהֶֽםfor their donkeysprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3mp suffix · חֲמוֹר (H2543)Indirect object (beneficiary)חֲמוֹר (H2543) 'donkey'; the very animals the brothers feared would be seized are now fed at Joseph's expense.
25

וַיָּכִ֨ינוּ֙ אֶת הַמִּנְחָ֔ה עַד בּ֥וֹא יוֹסֵ֖ף בַּֽצָּהֳרָ֑יִם כִּ֣י שָֽׁמְע֔וּ כִּי שָׁ֖ם יֹ֥אכְלוּ לָֽחֶם

And they prepared the gift until Joseph came at noon, for they had heard that they would eat bread there.

The gift is prepared for Joseph's arrivalAnd they prepared
Knowing they will eat there, they arrange the offering and wait for Joseph's appearance at noon.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיָּכִ֨ינוּ֙and they preparedwayyiqtol Hiphil 3mp · כּוּן (H3559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceכּוּן (H3559) 'to be established'; Hiphil 'to prepare, make ready'; they arrange the gift while waiting for Joseph.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the gift as definite direct object.
הַמִּנְחָ֔הthe giftart + N f sg abs · מִנְחָה (H4503)Direct object (of prepared)מִנְחָה (H4503) 'gift, tribute'; Jacob's diplomatic gift list from v11; now arranged for formal presentation.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704) 'until, up to'; marks the time limit of their wait for Joseph's arrival.
בּ֥וֹאcoming ofQal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Inf constr (temporal complement)→ Infinitive: temporal limitבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; inf constr after עַד = until Joseph came; temporal clause.
יוֹסֵ֖ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject of inf constrיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; his arrival at noon is the anticipated moment for the gift presentation.
בַּֽצָּהֳרָ֑יִםat noonprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · צָהֳרַיִם (H6672)Temporal prepositional phraseצָהֳרַיִם (H6672) 'midday, noon'; Joseph comes at noon as announced in v16; the scheduled meal time.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason they prepared: they had heard they would eat there.
שָֽׁמְע֔וּthey had heardQal perf 3cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: prior completed hearingשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, obey'; they received information about the meal through the steward.
כִּיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementary conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of what they heard.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; at Joseph's house — the announced venue for the noon meal.
יֹ֥אכְלוּthey would eatQal impf 3mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (content clause)→ Yiqtol: future in indirect speechאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; indirect speech reporting the meal invitation; they would eat bread there.
לָֽחֶםbread / a mealN m sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Direct object (of eat)לֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread, food, meal'; the meal they were invited to; often used generically for a shared meal.
26

וַיָּבֹ֤א יוֹסֵף֙ הַבַּ֔יְתָה וַיָּבִ֥יאּוּ ל֛וֹ אֶת הַמִּנְחָ֥ה אֲשֶׁר בְּיָדָ֖ם הַבָּ֑יְתָה וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ ל֖וֹ אָֽרְצָה

And Joseph came home, and they brought him the gift that was in their hand into the house, and they bowed themselves to him to the earth.

The gift is presented and they bow againAnd Joseph came
The private encounter begins with renewed prostration, deepening the dream-fulfillment pattern under concealment.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיָּבֹ֤אand he camewayyiqtol Qal 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; Joseph arrives home for the noon meal as scheduled.
יוֹסֵף֙Josephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject (of came)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the protagonist arrives; the scene now shifts to the encounter with full gift presentation.
הַבַּ֔יְתָהinto the houseart + N m sg abs + directional ה · בַּיִת (H1004)Directional locativeבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; with directional ה; Joseph enters his own house where the brothers are waiting.
וַיָּבִ֥יאּוּand they broughtwayyiqtol Hiphil 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Hiphil 'to bring'; the brothers present the gift formally upon Joseph's arrival.
ל֛וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object (recipient of gift)Prep לְ + 3ms suffix; marks Joseph as the recipient of the formal gift presentation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks the gift as definite direct object.
הַמִּנְחָ֥הthe giftart + N f sg abs · מִנְחָה (H4503)Direct object (gift presented)מִנְחָה (H4503) 'gift, tribute'; Jacob's diplomatic gift from v11, now formally presented before Joseph.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying gift)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'; introduces relative clause identifying the specific gift.
בְּיָדָ֖םin their handprep בְּ + N f sg constr + 3mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; they personally carried the gift from Canaan; hand = custody and presentation.
הַבָּ֑יְתָהinto the houseart + N m sg abs + directional ה · בַּיִת (H1004)Directional locative (repeated)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; with directional ה; the gift is presented in the house, the private domestic setting.
וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲווּand they bowed downwayyiqtol Hitpael 3mp · שָׁחָה (H7812)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: formal prostrationשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow down, prostrate'; Hitpael; the prostration fulfills Joseph's dreams from Genesis 37.
ל֖וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object of prostrationPrep לְ + 3ms suffix; marks Joseph as the one before whom they prostrate themselves.
אָֽרְצָהto the groundN f sg abs + directional ה · אֶרֶץ (H776)Directional adverbial accusativeאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, ground'; with directional ה = to the earth; full prostration, not merely bowing the head.
27

וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל לָהֶם֙ לְשָׁל֔וֹם וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֲשָׁל֛וֹם אֲבִיכֶ֥ם הַזָּקֵ֖ן אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֑ם הַעוֹדֶ֖נּוּ חָֽי

And he asked them concerning their welfare, and said, 'Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?'

Joseph asks after their fatherAnd he asked
The conversation turns warmly toward the old father, revealing Joseph's concern beneath the formal exchange.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיִּשְׁאַ֤לand he askedwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · שָׁאַל (H7592)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceשָׁאַל (H7592) 'to ask, inquire'; Joseph asks about their welfare while concealing his identity.
לָהֶם֙them / about themprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְDative/object of inquiryPrep לְ + 3mp suffix; marks the brothers as the subject of inquiry — their welfare asked about.
לְשָׁל֔וֹםconcerning welfareprep לְ + N m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Prepositional phrase (object of asked)שָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, welfare, well-being'; formal greeting inquiry about welfare; standard courtesy.
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Joseph follows the welfare inquiry with a specific question about Jacob.
הֲשָׁל֛וֹםis he wellinterrogative + N m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Interrogative predicate (question)שָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, well-being'; with interrogative ה; is your father well — Joseph's actual concern beneath the formal courtesy.
אֲבִיכֶ֥םyour fatherN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · אָב (H1)Subject (of interrogative)אָב (H1) 'father'; Jacob; Joseph asks about his father with barely concealed longing.
הַזָּקֵ֖ןthe old manart + adj m sg abs · זָקֵן (H2205)Attributive adjective (appositive)זָקֵן (H2205) 'old, elder'; emphasizes Jacob's age; the term heightens the poignancy of the inquiry.
אֲשֶׁ֣רof whomrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying father)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'; introduces relative clause referring back to the earlier conversation (7:1).
אֲמַרְתֶּ֑םyou spokeQal perf 2mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: cited past speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; they mentioned the father during the first interrogation; Joseph remembered.
הַעוֹדֶ֖נּוּis he stillinterrogative + adverb + 3ms suffix · עוֹד (H5750)Interrogative predicate (second question)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet'; with interrogative and suffix 'is he still alive'; the deepest question Joseph wants answered.
חָֽיaliveadj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Predicate adjectiveחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; the predicate of Joseph's most urgent question: is Jacob still alive?
28

וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ שָׁל֛וֹם לְעַבְדְּךָ֥ לְאָבִ֖ינוּ עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ חָ֑י וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּ וישתחו וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ

And they said, 'Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.' And they bowed the head and prostrated themselves.

They confirm the father's life and bowAnd they said
The brothers answer with servant-language and a second gesture of submission before Joseph.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֹּאמְר֗וּand they saidwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the brothers answer with servant-language and confirmation of Jacob's life.
שָׁל֛וֹםwell / peaceN m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Predicate nominative (answer)שָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, well-being'; the answer echoes the steward's greeting from v23; all is well.
לְעַבְדְּךָ֥your servantprep לְ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Dative (subject of peace — servant)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; the brothers refer to Jacob as the official's servant — extreme deference.
לְאָבִ֖ינוּour fatherprep לְ + N m sg constr + 1cp suffix · אָב (H1)Appositional dativeאָב (H1) 'father'; your servant who is our father; they identify Jacob relationally.
עוֹדֶ֣נּוּhe is stilladverb + 3ms suffix · עוֹד (H5750)Predicate (continuing existence)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet'; with 3ms suffix; he is still — answers Joseph's question directly.
חָ֑יaliveadj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Predicate adjectiveחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; Jacob lives; the answer Joseph longed to hear, though he cannot reveal his relief.
וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּand they bowed the headwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · קָדַד (H6915)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: gesture of submissionקָדַד (H6915) 'to bow the head'; a gesture of submission distinct from full prostration.
וישתחוand he bowedwayyiqtol Hishtaphel 3ms · שָׁחָה (H7812)Wayyiqtol (singular variant)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequenceשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow down, prostrate'; singular; the ketiv may indicate one of them led the bow.
וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּand they bowed downwayyiqtol Hitpael 3mp · שָׁחָה (H7812)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: full prostrationשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow down, prostrate'; the brothers prostrate together; another fulfillment of Joseph's dreams.
29

וַיִּשָּׂ֣א עֵינָ֗יו וַיַּ֞רְא אֶת בִּנְיָמִ֣ין אָחִיו֮ בֶּן אִמּוֹ֒ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֲזֶה֙ אֲחִיכֶ֣ם הַקָּטֹ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֵלָ֑י וַיֹּאמַ֕ר אֱלֹהִ֥ים יָחְנְךָ֖ בְּנִֽי

And he lifted up his eyes and saw Benjamin his brother, his mother's son, and said, 'Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?' And he said, 'God be gracious to you, my son.'

Joseph sees Benjamin and blesses himAnd he lifted up his eyes
The sight of his full brother breaks into the scene with direct recognition and a tender blessing.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֣אand he lifted upwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; lifting the eyes is an idiom for intentional, focused looking.
עֵינָ֗יוhis eyesN f du constr + 3ms suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Direct object (of lifted)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; dual with suffix; raising the eyes = deliberate attentive gaze; Joseph looks for Benjamin.
וַיַּ֞רְאand he sawwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance (sight)רָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the moment of recognition: Joseph sees his full brother Benjamin.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks Benjamin as definite direct object of seeing.
בִּנְיָמִ֣יןBenjaminproper noun · בִּנְיָמִין (H1144)Direct object (of saw)בִּנְיָמִין (H1144) 'Benjamin'; Joseph's full brother by Rachel; the sight triggers overwhelming emotion.
אָחִיו֮his brotherN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָח (H251)Appositive (relational identification)אָח (H251) 'brother'; identifies the relational bond: his full brother, not just a half-sibling.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (maternal identification)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct with אִמּוֹ = son of his mother; emphasizes the full-brother bond through Rachel.
אִמּוֹ֒his motherN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֵם (H517)Genitive (maternal bond)אֵם (H517) 'mother'; Rachel, mother of both Joseph and Benjamin; the full-brother bond distinguished from half-brothers.
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Joseph speaks first in recognition — his words frame his composure before the emotion.
הֲזֶה֙is thisinterrogative + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Interrogative predicateזֶה (H2088) 'this'; with ה interrogative; Joseph asks while already knowing — controlled rhetorical acknowledgment.
אֲחִיכֶ֣םyour brotherN m sg constr + 2mp suffix · אָח (H251)Subject (of interrogative)אָח (H251) 'brother'; Joseph asks the brothers to confirm Benjamin's identity in their own words.
הַקָּטֹ֔ןthe youngestart + adj m sg abs · קָטֹן (H6996)Attributive adjectiveקָטֹן (H6996) 'small, youngest'; refers to Benjamin as the youngest brother; the one repeatedly mentioned in the negotiation.
אֲשֶׁ֥רof whomrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying youngest)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'; introduces relative clause; referring to the brother they spoke of to Joseph.
אֲמַרְתֶּ֖םyou toldQal perf 2mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: cited past speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; they mentioned the youngest in the earlier encounter; Joseph references his own prior knowledge.
אֵלָ֑יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Joseph as the one they originally told about their youngest brother.
וַיֹּאמַ֕רand he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance (blessing)אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Joseph follows with a blessing over Benjamin; his parting words before losing composure.
אֱלֹהִ֥יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject (of blessing prayer)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; Joseph invokes God in a blessing; in this context the divine name is used without 'my' or 'your'.
יָחְנְךָ֖be gracious to youQal impf 3ms + 2ms suffix · חָנַן (H2603)Jussive (blessing verb)→ Yiqtol: jussive — invoked divine graceחָנַן (H2603) 'to be gracious, show favor'; impf as jussive = may God be gracious to you; a tender individual blessing.
בְּנִֽיmy sonN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Vocative addressבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Joseph addresses Benjamin as 'my son' — a term of endearment revealing suppressed paternal affection.
30

וַיְמַהֵ֣ר יוֹסֵ֗ף כִּֽי נִכְמְר֤וּ רַחֲמָיו֙ אֶל אָחִ֔יו וַיְבַקֵּ֖שׁ לִבְכּ֑וֹת וַיָּבֹ֥א הַחַ֖דְרָה וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ שָֽׁמָּה

And Joseph hurried, for his compassions were stirred for his brother, and he sought to weep; and he entered the chamber and wept there.

Joseph withdraws to weepAnd Joseph hurried
His inward compassion can no longer be contained, so he leaves the room and weeps in secret.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְמַהֵ֣רand Joseph hurriedwayyiqtol Piel 3ms · מָהַר (H4116)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: urgency of emotionמָהַר (H4116) 'to hurry, hasten'; Piel; the emotion is so intense it forces an abrupt departure.
יוֹסֵ֗ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject (of hurried)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; named for the reader; he must leave immediately.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason for the urgency: his compassion overwhelmed him.
נִכְמְר֤וּwere stirred / yearnedNiphal perf 3cp · כָּמַר (H3648)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: intensely felt stateכָּמַר (H3648) 'to be inflamed, yearn'; Niphal; rare word of deep visceral feeling; his compassions were kindled.
רַחֲמָיו֙his compassionsN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · רַחֲמִים (H7356)Subject (of were stirred)רַחֲמִים (H7356) 'compassion, mercy'; plural of intensity; from רֶחֶם 'womb'; profound visceral love for his brother.
אֶלtowardprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; the direction of the compassion — toward his brother.
אָחִ֔יוhis brotherN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָח (H251)Object of toward (compassion)אָח (H251) 'brother'; Benjamin, the full brother whose sight triggered the overwhelming emotion.
וַיְבַקֵּ֖שׁand he soughtwayyiqtol Piel 3ms · בָּקַשׁ (H1245)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceבָּקַשׁ (H1245) 'to seek, look for'; Piel; he sought a place — the need to weep was urgent and immediate.
לִבְכּ֑וֹתto weepprep לְ + Qal inf constr · בָּכָה (H1058)Inf constr (purpose)→ Infinitive: purpose of seekingבָּכָה (H1058) 'to weep, cry'; the emotional release cannot be allowed in public; he seeks a private place.
וַיָּבֹ֥אand he enteredwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: withdrawalבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; he goes into an inner room away from the brothers.
הַחַ֖דְרָהinto the chamberart + N m sg abs + directional ה · חֶדֶר (H2315)Directional locativeחֶדֶר (H2315) 'inner room, chamber'; private room; Joseph withdraws from the public dining area to weep alone.
וַיֵּ֥בְךְּand he weptwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · בָּכָה (H1058)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: emotional releaseבָּכָה (H1058) 'to weep, cry'; Joseph's private weeping is a recurring element in the Joseph story.
שָֽׁמָּהthereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; with directional ה; there in the chamber — alone, hidden, weeping freely.
31

וַיִּרְחַ֥ץ פָּנָ֖יו וַיֵּצֵ֑א וַיִּ֨תְאַפַּ֔ק וַיֹּ֖אמֶר שִׂ֥ימוּ לָֽחֶם

And he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself and said, 'Set bread.'

Joseph regains composure and orders the mealAnd
After washing and mastering himself, Joseph resumes command and calls for the meal to be served.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיִּרְחַ֥ץand he washedwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · רָחַץ (H7364)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: restoration of composureרָחַץ (H7364) 'to wash'; washing the face removes the traces of weeping; he prepares to re-enter public.
פָּנָ֖יוhis faceN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct object (of washed)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; washing the face = erasing evidence of grief; Joseph controls his appearance deliberately.
וַיֵּצֵ֑אand he came outwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: return to public roleיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; he emerges from the chamber back to the assembled group.
וַיִּ֨תְאַפַּ֔קand he restrained himselfwayyiqtol Hitpael 3ms · אָפַק (H662)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: self-masteryאָפַק (H662) 'to hold back, restrain'; Hitpael reflexive; Joseph forcibly masters his emotion to maintain the ruse.
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; having composed himself he resumes his authority and commands the meal.
שִׂ֥ימוּset / serve!Qal impv 2mp · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate imperative (meal command)→ Volitional: command to serve mealשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place, set'; commands the servants to set the bread / serve the meal.
לָֽחֶםbread / the mealN m sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Direct object (of set)לֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread, food'; represents the full meal; Joseph orders it served to resume normal proceedings.
32

וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ ל֛וֹ לְבַדּ֖וֹ וְלָהֶ֣ם לְבַדָּ֑ם וְלַמִּצְרִ֞ים הָאֹכְלִ֤ים אִתּוֹ֙ לְבַדָּ֔ם כִּי֩ לֹ֨א יוּכְל֜וּן הַמִּצְרִ֗ים לֶאֱכֹ֤ל אֶת הָֽעִבְרִים֙ לֶ֔חֶם כִּי תוֹעֵבָ֥ה הִ֖וא לְמִצְרָֽיִם

And they set for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.

The meal is divided by social boundariesAnd they set
The table reveals three separations at once: Joseph alone, the brothers alone, and the Egyptians apart because Hebrews are abhorrent dining partners.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּand they setwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · שִׂים (H7760)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, set, place'; the servants arrange the places according to the social divisions described.
ל֛וֹfor himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְDative (Joseph's table setting)Prep לְ + 3ms suffix; marks Joseph's separate table setting; he eats alone from the brothers.
לְבַדּ֖וֹby himselfprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּד (H905)Adverbial phrase (isolation)בַּד (H905) 'alone, by himself'; from בָּדַד; triple repetition of לְבַד structures the table's social order.
וְלָהֶ֣םand for themconj וְ + prep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְCoordinated dative (brothers' setting)Prep לְ + 3mp suffix; marks the brothers' separate table; they eat apart from Joseph.
לְבַדָּ֑םby themselvesprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · בַּד (H905)Adverbial phrase (brothers isolated)בַּד (H905) 'alone, apart'; the brothers are a second separate group; three-way social division at the table.
וְלַמִּצְרִ֞יםand for the Egyptiansconj וְ + prep לְ + art + gentilic m pl · מִצְרִי (H4713)Coordinated dative (Egyptians' setting)מִצְרִי (H4713) 'Egyptian'; the third group: Egyptians who eat with Joseph but not with Hebrews.
הָאֹכְלִ֤יםwho were eatingart + Qal ptc m pl abs · אָכַל (H398)Participial relative clause→ Participle: identifying eating Egyptiansאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the Egyptians eating with Joseph are the group separated from the Hebrews.
אִתּוֹ֙with himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Accompaniment prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; with Joseph — the Egyptians share his table, not the brothers' table.
לְבַדָּ֔םby themselvesprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · בַּד (H905)Adverbial phrase (Egyptians isolated)בַּד (H905) 'alone, apart'; the Egyptians too are separate from the Hebrews; three distinct groups.
כִּי֩forconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the explanation for the triple separation.
לֹ֨אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation particleלֹא (H3808), absolute negative; negates the Egyptians' ability to eat with Hebrews.
יוּכְל֜וּןthey were ableQal impf 3mp + nun · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (negated)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — inability/prohibitionיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able, can'; the Egyptians could not — a social-religious impossibility, not mere preference.
הַמִּצְרִ֗יםthe Egyptiansart + gentilic m pl · מִצְרִי (H4713)Subject (of were not able)מִצְרִי (H4713) 'Egyptian'; the ethnic group unable to eat with Hebrews due to purity/cultural taboo.
לֶאֱכֹ֤לto eatprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָכַל (H398)Inf constr (complement of able)→ Infinitive: action they cannot doאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the act that Egyptians could not do together with Hebrews.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositionאֵת (H854) 'with'; here comitative: eating with; the shared-table act that is taboo.
הָֽעִבְרִים֙the Hebrewsart + gentilic m pl · עִבְרִי (H5680)Object of comitative (with whom)עִבְרִי (H5680) 'Hebrew'; the ethnic/social identity of the brothers; from עֵבֶר; the term Egyptians used for them.
לֶ֔חֶםbread / a mealN m sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Direct object (of eat)לֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread, food'; the meal itself; sharing bread with Hebrews was an Egyptian taboo.
כִּיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (second reason)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the deeper explanation: it is an abomination to Egyptians.
תוֹעֵבָ֥הan abominationN f sg abs · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Predicate nominativeתּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination, detestable thing'; from תָּעַב 'to abhor'; eating with Hebrews violates Egyptian purity norms.
הִ֖ואit is3fs personal pronoun · הִיא (H1931)Copulative pronounהִיא (H1931) 'she, it'; copula identifying the practice as an abomination; feminine agrees with תּוֹעֵבָה.
לְמִצְרָֽיִםto the Egyptiansprep לְ + proper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Dative (of abomination)מִצְרַיִם (H4713) 'Egypt, Egyptians'; the cultural/ethnic group for whom Hebrew dining is prohibited.
33

וַיֵּשְׁב֣וּ לְפָנָ֔יו הַבְּכֹר֙ כִּבְכֹ֣רָת֔וֹ וְהַצָּעִ֖יר כִּצְעִרָת֑וֹ וַיִּתְמְה֥וּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים אִ֥ישׁ אֶל רֵעֵֽהוּ

And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, and the men marveled each man to his fellow.

The brothers are seated by birth orderAnd they sat
Joseph's hidden knowledge becomes visible in arrangement, and the brothers marvel at the uncanny ordering before them.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֵּשְׁב֣וּand they satwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; the brothers are seated — and the seating arrangement produces the chapter's final astonishment.
לְפָנָ֔יוbefore himprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; before Joseph; they are arranged in his sight, under his hidden knowledge.
הַבְּכֹר֙the firstbornart + N m sg abs · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Subject (first placement)בְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; the eldest is placed first, according to his birth rank; Joseph knows their order.
כִּבְכֹ֣רָת֔וֹaccording to his birthrightprep כְּ + N f sg constr + 3ms suffix · בְּכֹרָה (H1062)Manner prepositional phraseבְּכֹרָה (H1062) 'birthright, firstborn status'; from בְּכוֹר; the seating mirrors the birth order exactly; uncanny knowledge.
וְהַצָּעִ֖ירand the youngestconj וְ + art + adj m sg abs · צָעִיר (H6810)Coordinated subject (second placement)צָעִיר (H6810) 'young, youngest'; the youngest is placed last; the full sequence from eldest to youngest observed.
כִּצְעִרָת֑וֹaccording to his youthprep כְּ + N f sg constr + 3ms suffix · צְעִירָה (H6812)Manner prepositional phraseצְעִירָה (H6812) 'youth, youngest status'; matching form to כִּבְכֹרָתוֹ; both placements follow exact birth order.
וַיִּתְמְה֥וּand they marveledwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · תָּמַהּ (H8539)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: reaction of astonishmentתָּמַהּ (H8539) 'to be astonished, wonder'; the brothers are stunned by the impossible accuracy of the seating.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֖יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (of marveled)אִישׁ (H376) 'men'; the brothers; they cannot account for how the official knows their birth order.
אִ֥ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive: each individual man marveled at his neighbor; mutual, shared astonishment.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the direction of each man's astonished look — toward his neighbor.
רֵעֵֽהוּhis neighborN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֵעַ (H7453)Object of toward (recipient of look)רֵעַ (H7453) 'neighbor, companion, fellow'; they exchanged astonished looks with one another; no explanation possible.
34

וַיִּשָּׂ֨א מַשְׂאֹ֜ת מֵאֵ֣ת פָּנָיו֮ אֲלֵהֶם֒ וַתֵּ֜רֶב מַשְׂאַ֧ת בִּנְיָמִ֛ן מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת כֻּלָּ֖ם חָמֵ֣שׁ יָד֑וֹת וַיִּשְׁתּ֥וּ וַֽיִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ עִמּֽוֹ

And he carried portions from before him to them, but Benjamin's portion was five times greater than any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.

Benjamin receives a fivefold portionAnd he carried
Closes with deliberate favor toward Benjamin, while the shared drinking creates provisional festivity under an unresolved test.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֨אand he carriedwayyiqtol Qal 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; Joseph sends portions from his own table to the brothers — a mark of honor.
מַשְׂאֹ֜תportionsN f pl abs · מַשְׂאֵת (H4864)Direct object (of carried)מַשְׂאֵת (H4864) 'portion, gift, burden'; from נָשָׂא; food portions sent from the host's table; a mark of favor and honor.
מֵאֵ֣תfrom beforeprep מִן + prep אֵת · אֵת (H854)Ablative source prepositional phraseמֵאֵת 'from with, from before'; the portions come from Joseph's own presence — from his table.
פָּנָיו֮his face / presenceN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Genitive (of before)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; מֵאֵת פָּנָיו = from before him, from his own table; a signal of personal favor.
אֲלֵהֶם֒to themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object (recipients of portions)אֶל (H413) 'to'; the brothers receive the portions sent from Joseph's table to theirs.
וַתֵּ֜רֶבbut was greaterwayyiqtol Qal 3fs · רָבָה (H7235)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: narrative contrastרָבָה (H7235) 'to be many, be great, multiply'; the comparison highlights Benjamin's disproportionate portion.
מַשְׂאַ֧תthe portion ofN f sg constr · מַשְׂאֵת (H4864)Subject (of was greater)מַשְׂאֵת (H4864) 'portion, gift'; Benjamin's portion as subject; it exceeds all others by fivefold.
בִּנְיָמִ֛ןBenjaminproper noun · בִּנְיָמִין (H1144)Genitive (of portion)בִּנְיָמִין (H1144) 'Benjamin'; the favored one; Joseph singles out his full brother with deliberate, conspicuous favor.
מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥תthan the portions ofprep מִן + N f pl constr · מַשְׂאֵת (H4864)Comparative prepositional phraseמַשְׂאֵת (H4864) 'portions'; comparative מִן: Benjamin's portion exceeds everyone else's.
כֻּלָּ֖םall of themN m sg constr + 3mp suffix · כֹּל (H3605)Genitive (of all others' portions)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; all the other brothers together; Benjamin's portion exceeds the entire group.
חָמֵ֣שׁfivecardinal adj f sg abs · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Predicate numerativeחָמֵשׁ (H2568) 'five'; fivefold — Benjamin's portion is five times the others'; deliberate, unmistakable favoritism.
יָד֑וֹתhands / portionsN f pl abs · יָד (H3027)Measure noun (fivefold)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; pl. יָדוֹת used as a measure: fivefold; hands = portions/measures; the ratio is explicitly stated.
וַיִּשְׁתּ֥וּand they drankwayyiqtol Qal 3mp · שָׁתָה (H8354)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: festive narrative advanceשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; the shared drinking marks a provisional festivity under still-unresolved tension.
וַֽיִּשְׁכְּר֖וּand they were merrywayyiqtol Qal 3mp · שָׁכַר (H7937)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: festive conclusionשָׁכַר (H7937) 'to be drunk, be merry'; may mean lighthearted rather than intoxicated; the chapter ends in provisional joy.
עִמּֽוֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Accompaniment prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with'; with Joseph — a poignant closing: they drink with their unrecognized brother in concealed fellowship.