Bible Strands
Genesis 43:23
“It is fine,” said the steward. “Do not be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, gave you the treasure that was in your sacks. I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The steward addresses Jacob’s sons at the threshold of Joseph’s house, responding directly to their confusion about the returned silver in Genesis 43:22. He speaks to them immediately before releasing Simeon to rejoin the group.
The words — The Hebrew שָׁלוֹם (sha.Lom) means peace and תִּירָאוּ (ti.Ra.'u) means you fear, forming the direct command אַל־תִּירָאוּ (do not be afraid). The steward also cites אֱלֹהֵיכֶם וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבִיכֶם (your God, the God of your father) as the agent who placed the treasure in their sacks.
The thread — The steward’s reassurance follows the brothers’ earlier terror in Genesis 42:24 when Simeon was seized, and the “do not fear” command anticipates Jesus’ peace declaration in John 14:27.
Why it lands — The text states that God actively provided the silver before the steward explains the human transaction. It requires the reader to attribute unexplained provision to divine action rather than human chance, demanding trust over panic.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.
Cross-references
- Genesis 42:24 And he turned away from them and wept. When he turned back and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and had him bound before their eyes.
- John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.
- John 20:26 Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
- Genesis 42:28 “My silver has been returned!” he said to his brothers. “It is here in my sack.” Their hearts sank, and trembling, they turned to one another and said, “What is this that God has done to us?”
- Luke 24:36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
- John 20:19 It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them.
- John 20:21 Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.”
- Genesis 42:36 Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons. Joseph is gone and Simeon is no more. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is going against me!”
- Judges 19:20 “Peace to you,” said the old man. “Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square.”
- 1 Samuel 25:6 and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and to your house and to all that belongs to you.