Genesis 42:12

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

Genesis 42:12 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:12

And he said unto them, nay
This argument will not do, I am not to be put off with such words as these; if you can produce no better proof of your being honest men than this, or give no better account of yourselves, I must abide by it, that, to see the nakedness of the land ye are come;
this he urged in order to get a further account from them of their family and the state of it, which he was anxious to know.

Genesis 42:12 In-Context

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."

14 And Joseph said unto them, "That is it that I spoke unto you, saying, `Ye are spies!'