Genesis 42:17

17 And he put them all together in prison for three days.

Genesis 42:17 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:17

And he put them all together into ward three days.
] In order to consult together, and agree who should be sent to fetch their brother; and which it seems probable in this length of time they could not agree upon, no one caring to be the bringer of such evil tidings to their father.

Genesis 42:17 In-Context

15 By this you shall be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here.
16 Send one of you, and let him bring your brother, while you remain in prison, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies."
17 And he put them all together in prison for three days.
18 On the third day Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God:
19 if you are honest men, let one of your brothers remain confined in your prison, and let the rest go and carry grain for the famine of your households,
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.