Bible Commentaries

Why . . . ? &c. Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6. That is what we all too often do when in trouble or difficulty.

and not die. Figure of speech Pleonasm. for emphasis.

in Egypt. Some Codices read "from the Egyptians".

was. Hebrew "he [was]".

bowed down. Compare Genesis 37:7, Genesis 37:8.

roughly. Each step in Joseph's treatment must be noted, all tending to one end: viz.: to bring them back to the pit at Dothan, convict them of their sin, and compel their confession of it. That climax is not reached till verse Genesis 42:21. Judah's words voice it, Genesis 44:18-34.

remembered. Compare Genesis 37:5, Genesis 37:9.

nakedness. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6.

We are, &c. Hebrew "all of us the sons of one man [are] we".

the sons. Heb "we [are]". See note on Genesis 42:11.

proved. Joseph, from his high position, could make very strict inquiry.

put them . . . into ward. Second step: to alarm.

live. Figure of speech Heterosis (of Mood). Hebrew "this do and ye shall live".

guilty. The treatment begins to take effect.

his soul. Hebrew. nephesh (App-13). His anguish emphasized.

Reuben. See Genesis 37:21.

Spake. Compare Genesis 37:21. Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.

understood. Hebrew was listening.

he spake, &c. = for the interpreter was between them.

Simeon. Probably because his cruel nature (Genesis 34:25, Compare Genesis 49:5) made him the deviser of the evil.

lo.Figure of speech. Asterismos.App-6.

failed them.Hebrew. "went out". Figure of speech Hyperbole (App-6).

roughly. Compare Genesis 42:7.

took us for. Or, set us down as.

are no spies. Hebrew have never proved spies.

one is not. Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch and Syriac, read "but the one is not". And this is all they have to say of Genesis 37:28!

food. Aram, and Septuagint read "corn".

so will I, &c. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "and your brother will I deliver up to you".

of my children. No Ellipsis. These italics unnecessary.

then, &c. Figure of speech Euphemismos (App-6), for "then shall ye kill me".

bring down. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), i.e. ye will be the cause of it.

my gray hairs. Figure of speech Metonymy (of the Adjunct). i.e. "me in my old age".

the grave. Hebrew. Sheol. See note on Genesis 37:35 and App-35.