43:18 But the men were afraid when they were brought to Joseph’s house. They said, “We are being brought in because of 6 the money that was returned in our sacks last time. 7 He wants to capture us, 8 make us slaves, and take 9 our donkeys!”
1 tn Heb “and it was from then.”
2 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Potiphar) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
3 sn The Hebrew word translated blessed carries the idea of enrichment, prosperity, success. It is the way believers describe success at the hand of God. The text illustrates the promise made to Abraham that whoever blesses his descendants will be blessed (Gen 12:1-3).
4 tn Heb “in the house and in the field.” The word “both” has been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
5 sn The passage gives us a good picture of Joseph as a young man who was responsible and faithful, both to his master and to his God. This happened within a very short time of his being sold into Egypt. It undermines the view that Joseph was a liar, a tattletale, and an arrogant adolescent.
6 tn Heb “over the matter of.”
7 tn Heb “in the beginning,” that is, at the end of their first visit.
8 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.
9 tn The word “take” has been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
10 tn Heb “days.”
11 sn On the expression put your hand under my thigh see Gen 24:2.
12 tn Or “deal with me in faithful love.”