Verse

Genesis 42:25

ESV And Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, and to replace every man 's money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them.
NIV Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to put each man’s silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them,
NASB Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, but also to return every man’s money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. And that is what was done for them.
CSB Joseph then gave orders to fill their containers with grain, return each man’s silver to his sack, and give them provisions for their journey. This order was carried out.
NLT Joseph then ordered his servants to fill the men’s sacks with grain, but he also gave secret instructions to return each brother’s payment at the top of his sack. He also gave them supplies for their journey home.
KJV Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them.
NKJV Then Joseph gave a command to fill their sacks with grain, to restore every man’s money to his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. Thus he did for them.

What does Genesis 42:25 mean?

Joseph's brothers still don't know who he is (Genesis 42:7–8). They came to Egypt to buy grain (Genesis 42:1–5), only to be accused of spying and forced to leave one of their number behind as collateral (Genesis 42:18–19). They've reached the conclusion that this Egyptian official (Genesis 41:41–45) is persecuting them as God's judgment on them for what they did to Joseph over twenty years earlier (Genesis 37:28). In a sense, they are right.

Simeon has been bound, with clear understanding that he will be held in captivity until the others return with their youngest brother. If they come back without Benjamin, they will die. If they never come back, Simeon will be imprisoned forever. Joseph seems desperately eager to see his only younger brother.

Now Joseph orders their bags filled with grain to carry back to their people. This was the original reason the men came to Egypt. However, in secret, he orders the money they used to pay for the grain placed back in their bags, as well. Once again, Genesis leaves us to guess at Joseph's exact motives. Perhaps he is moved with compassion and generosity for his family. Perhaps he is setting them up for further accusations. Perhaps he simply wants to bring them a taste of his own stress and fear. These passages show his ultimate intentions are good (Genesis 47:11–12), even if his exact thoughts are left unrecorded.
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