What Were the Two Kinds of Sacks Used in Genesis 42:25-26?

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In Genesis 42:25-26, the account describes Joseph’s brothers preparing to leave Egypt with the grain they had purchased, along with the money that Joseph secretly returned to their sacks. The passage states: “Then Joseph gave orders to fill their containers with grain, to return each man’s money to his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them. So they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left from there.” This reference to different sacks raises questions about the nature of these containers, their purpose, and their significance in the broader cultural and historical setting of the ancient Near East.

What Types of Sacks Were Used for Carrying Goods?

In the ancient world, various types of sacks or bags were used for transporting goods, particularly in trade and travel. The Hebrew text in Genesis 42:25 uses two different words for “sack”:

‘Amitṭaḥath (אַמְתַּחַת) – This term, used in Genesis 42:27 and 35, refers to a personal sack or a smaller bag, often associated with travelers. It was commonly used to store personal belongings, money, or essential items needed for a journey.
Śaq (שַׂק) – This was a larger sack, typically used for bulk goods such as grain. The same term is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe sacks made of coarse material like sackcloth (Genesis 37:34). It was the primary container for transporting food supplies.

Thus, the distinction between these two sacks in Genesis 42 indicates that the brothers had both large grain sacks for their provisions and smaller personal sacks, where Joseph had secretly placed their money.

How Were These Sacks Used in Ancient Trade and Travel?

Trade in the ancient Near East relied heavily on sacks and other portable containers, as merchants, travelers, and even common households needed ways to transport and store goods effectively.

Large Grain Sacks in Commerce – The grain sacks, or śaq, were vital in the economy, especially in times of famine. Egypt was a major supplier of grain, and such sacks would have been standard in large-scale transactions. These were usually made from woven plant fibers or animal skins, ensuring durability.
Personal Sacks for Valuables – The ‘amitṭaḥath was smaller and used for carrying money, precious metals, or small goods needed for the journey. When Joseph’s brothers later found their silver in these sacks (Genesis 42:27-28), they were struck with fear, thinking it was a divine punishment.

What Was the Significance of the Money Being Hidden in the Sacks?

Joseph’s command to return the brothers’ money to their sacks was not only an act of generosity but also a test of their character. When they later discovered their silver, their reaction was one of dread: “Their hearts sank, and trembling, they turned to one another and said, ‘What is this that God has done to us?’” (Genesis 42:28). This moment highlights several themes:

Joseph’s Test of Integrity – Joseph was testing his brothers to see if they had changed from the envious men who once sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:28). Would they return for more grain knowing their money had been secretly restored?
JHVH’s Sovereignty Over Events – The brothers interpreted this as divine intervention. Their fear indicated a guilty conscience regarding their past mistreatment of Joseph.
Foreshadowing Future Events – This act set the stage for their next visit to Egypt, when they would be forced to return and face Joseph again, ultimately leading to the reconciliation of the family.

How Does This Account Reflect Egyptian Administrative Practices?

Joseph’s role as an administrator under Pharaoh aligns well with known Egyptian practices concerning food storage and trade. Ancient Egyptian records reveal that grain transactions were carefully monitored, and officials would have overseen the sale and transport of grain during times of famine.

Government-Controlled Grain Distribution – Similar to Joseph’s management of Egypt’s food reserves, Egyptian authorities regulated grain storage, often redistributing it during shortages.
Seal Stamping on Grain Sacks – Some ancient records indicate that grain bags were sometimes marked or sealed to ensure accountability. This could explain why Joseph’s brothers were so alarmed when they found their silver returned.
Officially Recorded Transactions – Egyptian officials kept meticulous records of economic exchanges, and Joseph, as Pharaoh’s second-in-command, would have ensured that every aspect of the grain trade was documented.

Conclusion

The reference to two kinds of sacks in Genesis 42:25-26 is not a minor detail but a key element in understanding the practical, economic, and theological dimensions of Joseph’s interaction with his brothers. The distinction between large grain sacks and smaller personal sacks aligns with historical evidence of ancient trade practices. More importantly, Joseph’s decision to return the money served as a crucial test of his brothers’ integrity, a step toward their eventual reconciliation. Through this event, JHVH’s providence is evident, ensuring that Joseph’s family would ultimately be preserved in Egypt, fulfilling His promises to Abraham.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).