What does Genesis 43:21 mean?
Joseph's brothers are urgently trying to explain to his house steward that they did not steal back their money the last time they came to buy grain from the Egyptians (Genesis 42:26–28). They have assumed they've been escorted to Joseph's home to be attacked and forced into slavery for this crime (Genesis 43:16–20). They don't know that it was Joseph—who they do not recognize as the Egyptian governor (Genesis 42:8)—who had ordered their money returned (Genesis 42:25).They begin with great respect, addressing the servant as "lord." They tell him of coming to Egypt on a previous trip to buy grain. They describe the shocking moment, on their trip back home, when they found all the money they had used to buy the grain back in their packs. They assure the steward they have brought it with them to pay for the grain again, to ensure there is no misunderstanding.