Genesis 44:2-4

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Genesis 44:2 tn The imperfect verbal form is used here to express Joseph’s instructions.
2. Genesis 44:2 tn Heb “and he did according to the word of Joseph which he spoke.”
3. Genesis 44:3 tn Heb “the morning was light.”
4. Genesis 44:3 tn Heb “and the men were sent off, they and their donkeys.” This clause, like the preceding one, has the subject before the verb, indicating synchronic action.
5. Genesis 44:4 tn Heb “they left the city, they were not far,” meaning “they had not gone very far.”
6. Genesis 44:4 tn Heb “and Joseph said.” This clause, like the first one in the verse, has the subject before the verb, indicating synchronic action.
7. Genesis 44:4 tn Heb “arise, chase after the men.” The first imperative gives the command a sense of urgency.
8. Genesis 44:4 tn After the imperative this perfect verbal form with vav consecutive has the same nuance of instruction. In the translation it is subordinated to the verbal form that follows (also a perfect with vav consecutive): “and overtake them and say,” becomes “when you overtake them, say.”