Definition: And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 42:26: “And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence.” Here’s what it means in plain language: “They piled the oxen with corn, and left.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: "They laded their asses..." – This is a more poetic way of saying “they carried” or “they loaded.” “Asses” refers to oxen – large, powerful animals used for farming. "...with the corn..." - They packed a lot of corn (a staple crop in ancient times) onto the backs of their oxen. "and departed thence." – This means they left that way – “they went on.” “Thence” is a slightly more formal word for "from there." The bigger picture: This verse describes a dramatic and unsettling event in Genesis 42. Joseph, a young man who was sold into slavery, begins to subtly manipulate events to ensure his own freedom. He starts by having the oxen loaded with corn. As he does this, he carefully plans to leave the situation, using the corn as a means to his escape. It's a clever and unsettling setup that sets up a whole story of intrigue and suspense in the Bible! Why is it significant? This verse is often cited as an example of Joseph’s cunning planning and his ability to use seemingly simple actions to achieve a larger, crucial goal – his eventual escape from slavery. It's a foundational moment in the narrative and foreshadows much of what follows. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage within the story?