In verses 18-23 the brothers are alarmed at being taken to Joseph’s house, as they do not expect to be honored by this high official. Before entering the house they attempt to clear up the matter of the money found in their grain sacks. The reassurance they receive from the steward is a turning point in the story. Here for the first time since being accused of spying (see 42.9), they are assured that they are free of any criminal act.

And the men were afraid: that is, “The brothers were afraid.”

It is because of the money: the brothers are again speaking among themselves and seeking a reason for their being taken to Joseph’s house.

Which was replaced in our sacks the first time: was replaced translates a form of the verb “came back,” meaning that someone returned the money to their sacks. The first time refers to the first visit to Egypt, that is, “on our first trip here.”

That we are brought in: that is, “That is why we are being taken there” or “That is why he is taking us there.”

So that he may seek occasion against us is literally “to throw himself upon us.” This expression and the following one and fall upon us serve as a double expression meaning “so that he can accuse us and attack us.”

The purpose of attacking the brothers is to make slaves of us; that is, “to make us his slaves” or “to force us to serve him.”

Seize our asses: seize is supplied by Revised Standard Version. The Hebrew has no verb associated with asses. We may also say, for example, “make us his slaves, along with our donkeys” or “make us his slaves and take away our animals.” For discussion of asses see 22.3.

Verse 18 may be translated, for example:

• As the brothers were going to Joseph’s house, they became afraid and began to think “He has brought us here because of the money that someone put back in our grain sacks on our first trip here. They are going to accuse and attack us, make us his slaves, and take away our donkeys.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .