Genesis 43:12
Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jacob’s instruction to bring "double money" is often seen as just preparing for higher prices, but it carries a deeper meaning. He's telling them to bring two separate sums: the money returned in their sacks, and a new amount for the purchase. This highlights Jacob's meticulous approach to covering all bases, even returning money he technically didn't have to, and preparing for the unknown with a cautious, layered plan.
Jacob, desperate to save his sons and himself from starvation, finally agrees to let Benjamin go to Egypt, but only after his sons swear to bring him back safely. He instructs them to take a generous present of their land's best products and double the amount of money they took before, also bringing back the money that was mysteriously returned in their sacks from their last trip.
Jacob’s instructions are a fascinating mix of trust in God and practical planning. What does it look like to balance these?
When the brothers are sent back to Egypt for more grain, Jacob gives specific instructions that reveal a layered approach to their journey.
A Generous Provision
Jacob says, "Take double the money in your hand." This isn't just about having enough for the grain this time. Several commentators suggest this extra money is for a few reasons:
Regardless of the exact reason, this instruction shows a father's deep concern for his sons' well-being and a desire to ensure they have what they need. It’s about being prepared and proactive.
Returning the Money: Honesty is Key
Jacob also tells them, "Carry back with you the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight."
This is crucial. They found their money returned, not just absent, but placed back in their sacks. While they feared the worst (that it was a trap), Jacob interprets it as a potential mistake. His instruction to return it is an act of integrity. It shows that even when faced with uncertainty and potential danger, they must still act honestly. This prudence, coupled with faith, is what allows their journey to proceed.
This dual approach—providing generously and acting with integrity—is a model for us. We are called to trust God's provision while also being wise and responsible stewards of what we have.
Understand the original words
shegagah · Hebrew Noun
A term used for the act of unintentional error or a mistake. It implies that what happened was not done with malice or intent.
The instruction to take 'double money' and return the money found in their sacks highlights the precariousness of the brothers' situation. It reflects both Joseph's intricate plan to test his brothers and their own deep-seated fear and guilt, making them hyper-aware of every detail.
c. 1898 BC
Jacob's Family Moves to Egypt
Jacob and his family, prompted by Joseph's position in Egypt and a severe famine in Canaan, relocate to the land of Goshen.
c. 1885 BC
Joseph's brothers first journey to Egypt
Driven by famine, Joseph's ten half-brothers travel to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph, now a powerful official, recognizes them but they do not recognize him. He tests them, imprisons them briefly, and then sends them back with grain, keeping Simeon as a hostage until they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin.
c. 1885 BC
Money returned in sacks
Upon returning home, the brothers discover the money they paid for grain has been returned in their sacks. This causes them fear, believing it a trap set by the Egyptian ruler.
c. 1885 BC— this verse
Second journey to Egypt
With Simeon still held in Egypt and the famine worsening, Jacob reluctantly agrees to let Benjamin accompany his brothers on a second trip to buy more food. Jacob instructs them to take double the money and return the money found in their sacks.
This passage echoes the concern for returning money that was unexpectedly found, highlighting a sense of responsibility and honesty in financial dealings, similar to Jacob's concern in Genesis 43:12.
Proverbs 10:2This proverb speaks about treasures gained dishonestly not profiting, contrasting with the sons' careful and honest return of the money, suggesting that integrity, even when it seems inconvenient, is valued by God.
Luke 6:38Jesus' teaching to 'give, and it will be given to you' parallels the principle of generosity and right dealing. Returning the money and bringing a present demonstrates a generous spirit, trusting God for provision in return.
Matthew 5:25-26Jesus warns about settling with an accuser quickly, lest you be thrown into prison. The brothers' proactive return of the money and bringing a present demonstrates a desire to avoid any appearance of wrongdoing and to settle matters promptly, reflecting this principle.
calvinGenesis 43:1-34: "And the famine was sore in the land."
And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?
Et dixerunt, Interrogando interrogavit vir ille de nobis et cognatione nostra, discendo, Num adhuc pater vester vivit? Num est vobis frater? Et nuntiavimus ei secundum verba ista:…
clarkeGenesis 43:12: "And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight:"
Double money - What was returned in their sacks, and what was farther necessary to buy another load.
Jacob’s instruction to bring "double money" is often seen as just preparing for higher prices, but it carries a deeper meaning. He's telling them to bring two separate sums: the money returned in their sacks, and a new amount for the purchase. This highlights Jacob's meticulous approach to covering all bases, even returning money he technically didn't have to, and preparing for the unknown with a cautious, layered plan.
Jacob, desperate to save his sons and himself from starvation, finally agrees to let Benjamin go to Egypt, but only after his sons swear to bring him back safely. He instructs them to take a generous present of their land's best products and double the amount of money they took before, also bringing back the money that was mysteriously returned in their sacks from their last trip.
Jacob, desperate to save his sons and himself from starvation, finally agrees to let Benjamin go to Egypt, but only after his sons swear to bring him back safely. He instructs them to take a generous present of their land's best products and double the amount of money they took before, also bringing back the money that was mysteriously returned in their sacks from their last trip.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Genesis 43:12 is available in the Sola app.
The money found in the sacks terrified the brothers. How did Jacob’s view change their fear into a plan?
The discovery of the money in their sacks was a moment of pure terror for Joseph's brothers. They immediately assumed the worst: that the Egyptian governor was setting a trap to enslave them. Their fear stemmed from a guilty conscience, remembering how they had wronged Joseph years before.
From Accusation to Assurance
However, Jacob offers a different interpretation: "Perhaps it was an oversight." This isn't just a casual dismissal of their fears. It's a deliberate reframing.
Jacob's leadership here shows how choosing to see potential for error rather than malice can pave the way for wise action and, ultimately, faith in God's ability to orchestrate even unsettling events for good.
c. 1885 BC
Reunion with Joseph
Upon arriving in Egypt, the brothers are brought to Joseph's house. Joseph, deeply moved upon seeing Benjamin, arranges a special meal for them.
"Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight." — Jacob’s instruction to bring "double money" is often seen as just preparing for higher prices, but it carries a deeper meaning. He's telling them to bring two separate sums: the money returned in t…
