Genesis 42:23 net — (Now they did not know that Joseph could understand them, for he was speaking through an interpreter.)

NET Bible

"(Now they did not know that Joseph could understand them, for he was speaking through an interpreter.)"

— Genesis 42:23, NET Bible

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Genesis 42:23 in Other Translations

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Genesis 42 — Context

20

But you must bring your youngest brother to me. Then your words will be verified and you will not die.” They did as he said.

21

They said to one another,“Surely we’re being punished because of our brother, because we saw how distressed he was when he cried to us for mercy, but we refused to listen. That is why this distress has come on us!”

22

Reuben said to them,“Didn’t I say to you,‘Don’t sin against the boy,’ but you wouldn’t listen? So now we must pay for shedding his blood!”

23

(Now they did not know that Joseph could understand them, for he was speaking through an interpreter.)

24

He turned away from them and wept. When he turned around and spoke to them again, he had Simeon taken from them and tied up before their eyes.

25

Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return each man’s money to his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. His orders were carried out.

26

So they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left.

Genesis 42:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 42:23 say?
Genesis 42:23 in the NET Bible reads: “(Now they did not know that Joseph could understand them, for he was speaking through an interpreter.)”
Where is Genesis 42:23 in the Bible?
Genesis 42:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 42, verse 23.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 42:23.
What translation should I read Genesis 42:23 in?
Genesis 42:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 42:23?
Genesis 42:23 reads (NET): “(Now they did not know that Joseph could understand them, for he was speaking through an interpreter.)” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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