Genesis 42:11

11 We are all one man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies."

Genesis 42:11 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:11

We [are] all one man's sons
Therefore not likely to be spies; it could hardly be thought that a single family should engage in such an affair; or that one man would, send his sons as spies, and especially all of them, it being a dangerous affair, and they being liable to be taken up and put to death; and as more families than one must be concerned in such an enterprise, it is reasonable to suppose, that if they had been spies they would have been of different families, and also not together, but in different parts of the kingdom, to observe the fittest place to enter in at and execute their design: we [are] true [men]:
that spoke truth when they said they came to buy corn; were honest, upright, and sincere in what they said, nor would they, nor durst they, tell a lie: thy servants are no spies;
this they expressed in the strongest terms, and with the fullest assurance they could, detesting the charge and character of being spies.

Genesis 42:11 In-Context

9 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed about them, and said unto them, "Ye are spies! To see the nakedness of the land ye have come!"

10 And they said unto him, "Nay, my lord, but to buy food have thy servants come.

11 We are all one man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies."

12 And he said unto them, "Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye have come."

13 And they said, "Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is no more."