What does Genesis 43:19 mean?
Joseph's brothers, still not aware of who he is (Genesis 42:8), fear they've been brought to his home to be attacked and forced into slavery (Genesis 43:16–18). In part, this would be God's vengeance on them for what they did to Joseph when he was a boy (Genesis 37:25–28; 42:21–22). It would also be punishment for not paying for the grain they purchased on their last visit (Genesis 42:26–28). They did pay, of course, but Joseph had the money secretly returned to their bags (Genesis 42:25). There's a deep irony in these men—who sold their hated brother as a slave—now fearing they will be forced into servanthood (Genesis 43:18).Before anything violent can happen, the brothers rush to clear up matters with the steward of Joseph's house. They seem to hope they can convince him of their innocence before anything more happens.