43:18 But the men were afraid when they were brought to Joseph’s house. They said, “We are being brought in because of 24 the money that was returned in our sacks last time. 25 He wants to capture us, 26 make us slaves, and take 27 our donkeys!”
1 tn The particle הֵן (hen) introduces a foundational clause, usually beginning with “since, because, now.”
2 sn The man has become like one of us. See the notes on Gen 1:26 and 3:5.
3 tn The infinitive explains in what way the man had become like God: “knowing good and evil.”
4 tn Heb “and now, lest he stretch forth.” Following the foundational clause, this clause forms the main point. It is introduced with the particle פֶּן (pen) which normally introduces a negative purpose, “lest….” The construction is elliptical; something must be done lest the man stretch forth his hand. The translation interprets the point intended.
5 tn The use of the infinitive absolute before the finite verbal form (either an imperfect or cohortative) emphasizes the certainty of the blessing.
6 tn Here too the infinitive absolute is used for emphasis before the following finite verb (either an imperfect or cohortative).
sn I will greatly multiply. The
7 tn The Hebrew term זֶרַע (zera’) occurring here and in v. 18 may mean “seed” (for planting), “offspring” (occasionally of animals, but usually of people), or “descendants” depending on the context.
8 tn Or “inherit.”
9 tn Heb “gate,” which here stands for a walled city. To break through the gate complex would be to conquer the city, for the gate complex was the main area of defense (hence the translation “stronghold”).
10 tn Heb “and she said to her”; the referent of the pronoun “she” (Leah) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
11 tn Heb “therefore.”
12 tn Heb “lie down.” The expression “lie down with” in this context (here and in the following verse) refers to sexual intercourse. The imperfect verbal form has a permissive nuance here.
13 tn Heb “and Jacob said, ‘No, please.’” The words “take them” have been supplied in the translation for clarity, and the order of the introductory clause and the direct discourse rearranged for stylistic reasons.
14 tn The form is the perfect tense with a vav (ו) consecutive, expressing a contingent future nuance in the “then” section of the conditional sentence.
15 tn The verbal form is the preterite with a vav (ו) consecutive, indicating result here.
16 tn Heb “for therefore I have seen your face like seeing the face of God and you have accepted me.”
sn This is an allusion to the preceding episode (32:22-31) in which Jacob saw the face of God and realized his prayer was answered.
17 tn Heb “wide on both hands,” that is, in both directions.
18 tn The words “to marry” are not in the Hebrew text, but are supplied in the translation for clarity.
19 tn Heb “and Reuben said to them.”
20 sn The verbs translated shed, throw, and lay sound alike in Hebrew; the repetition of similar sounds draws attention to Reuben’s words.
21 tn The words “Reuben said this” are not in the Hebrew text, but have been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
22 tn Heb “him”; the referent (Joseph) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
23 tn Heb “from their hands” (cf. v. 21). This expression has been translated as “them” here for stylistic reasons.
24 tn Heb “over the matter of.”
25 tn Heb “in the beginning,” that is, at the end of their first visit.
26 tn Heb “to roll himself upon us and to cause himself to fall upon us.” The infinitives here indicate the purpose (as viewed by the brothers) for their being brought to Joseph’s house.
27 tn The word “take” has been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.