When Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, he was still there: at this point Judah is mentioned as the one who takes the initiative on Benjamin’s behalf. According to verse 3 the brothers departed “as soon as the morning was light.” It is still morning and Joseph has not yet left his house to go to his place of work, presumably at the king’s palace. Since Joseph is the central character throughout, it may be best to begin this verse by mentioning Joseph first; for example, Revised English Bible say “Joseph was still in the house when Judah and the brothers arrived.” Although the text does not actually give the reason why Joseph had remained at his house, it is also quite in keeping with the story line to assume that he was there deliberately; as one translation says, “he was there waiting for them.”

They fell before him to the ground: this act is more than a greeting to the ruler as was given in 43.26. Here they throw themselves on the ground, seeking mercy.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .