Genesis 42:32

32 We told him that we were ten of twelve brothers -- sons of one father. We said that one of our brothers was gone and that our youngest brother was with our father in Canaan.

Genesis 42:32 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:32

We [be] twelve brethren, sons of our father
All brethren by the father's side, though not by the mother's, and by one father; they had been twelve, and were so now, though they knew it not, supposing that one was dead, as is next observed: one [is] not;
is not alive, but dead; the Targum of Jonathan is,

``what is become of one we know not''

and the youngest [is] this day with our father in the land of Canaan;
see ( Genesis 42:13 ) .

Genesis 42:32 In-Context

30 They said, "The master of that land spoke unkindly to us. He accused us of spying on his country,

31 but we told him that we were honest men, not spies.

32 We told him that we were ten of twelve brothers -- sons of one father. We said that one of our brothers was gone and that our youngest brother was with our father in Canaan.

33 "Then the master of the land said to us, 'Here is a way I can know you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain to feed your hungry families, and go.

34 And bring your youngest brother to me so I will know you are not spies but honest men. Then I will give you back your brother whom you leave with me, and you can move about freely in our land.'"