Bible Strands
Genesis 44:4
They had not gone far from the city when Joseph told his steward, “Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joseph instructs his steward to pursue the departing brothers immediately after they leave the city but before they travel far. This directive occurs at daybreak as the men are sent on their way with their donkeys.
The words — The phrase לֹא הִרְחִיקוּ (lo' hirchiku) literally means "they had not gone far," marking the narrow window for interception. Joseph's verb אָמַר (amar) introduces the direct speech that initiates the confrontation.
The thread — The steward’s accusation of repaying good with evil directly parallels the pattern in Psalms 35:12. The structure of an unjust accusation following a display of provision also runs through John 10:32.
Why it lands — The text states that pursuit begins before distance is gained, forcing immediate confrontation over past kindness. It requires the reader to identify where they intercept grace and where they weaponize prior generosity.
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 when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
Cross-references
- John 10:32 But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?”
- Psalms 35:12 They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul.
- Deuteronomy 2:16 Now when all the fighting men among the people had died,
- 1 Samuel 24:17 and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.
- Psalms 109:5 They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
- Proverbs 17:13 If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house.
- 2 Chronicles 20:11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance.