Definition: And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who [are] those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 33:5. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes Joseph’s reaction when he was imprisoned by his brothers. He noticed the women and children in his prison and, feeling a little lonely, asked them, "Who are you ?" Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he lifted up his eyes…” : This shows Joseph was looking around, observing everything. It’s a thoughtful moment of observation. “…and saw the women and the children…” : He wasn't just seeing them; he was noticing them . It suggests he recognized them as people. “And he said, Who [are] those with thee?” : This is the key part! “Who are they?” is a question – it’s looking for someone to connect with. “…and he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.” : This is where the surprise comes in. Joseph realizes that these women and children are his brothers . He's acknowledging that God has given them to him as a gift! What does it mean? It’s a powerful message about: God’s Providence: It shows that God isn't just passively watching things happen; He actively works in our lives and provides for us. Connection & Love: Joseph recognizes his brothers, despite their betrayal, and understands they are loved by God. This highlights the importance of relationships and forgiveness. Gratitude: Joseph’s response shows a sense of gratitude – he's acknowledging the goodness of God in their lives. In short, it's a moment of recognition and appreciation when Joseph realizes his brothers are important to him. --- Do you want me to explain another verse from Genesis 33? Or would you like me to elaborate on any particular aspect of this passage? For example, we could talk about: The context of the story The significance of "God's grace"