Genesis 42:20

20 and bring your youngest brother to me, in order that your words be verified, and that ye may not die. And they did so.

Genesis 42:20 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:20

But bring your youngest brother unto me
Upon their return for more corn: so shall your words be verified;
that they were true men, and had no ill design upon the land, but were come only to buy corn: and ye shall not die;
as spies, which they were otherwise threatened with; and as it is customary in all nations to put such to death when found out: and they did so;
they left one of their brethren behind; they carried corn to their houses or families in Canaan, and brought their brother Benjamin with them when they returned to Egypt.

Genesis 42:20 In-Context

18 And Joseph said to them the third day, This do, that ye may live: I fear God.

19 If ye are honest, let one of your brethren remain bound in the house of your prison, but go ye, carry grain for the hunger of your households;

20 and bring your youngest brother to me, in order that your words be verified, and that ye may not die. And they did so.

21 Then they said one to another, We are indeed guilty concerning our brother, whose anguish of soul we saw when he besought us, and we did not hearken; therefore this distress is come upon us.

22 And Reuben answered them, saying, Did I not speak to you, saying, Do not sin against the lad? But ye did not hearken; and now behold, his blood also is required.