Genesis 42:17

17 Then he put all of them 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 Here's how you can prove you're not lying: as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave here unless your youngest brother comes here.
16 Send one of you, and let him bring your brother. Meanwhile, you will be kept in custody. This will prove whether there is any truth in what you say. Otherwise, as Pharaoh lives, you are certainly spies."
17 Then he put all of them together in prison for three days.
18 On the third day, Yosef said to them, "Do what I say, and stay alive, for I fear God.
19 If you are upright men, let one of your brothers remain incarcerated in the prison you're being kept in, while you go and carry grain back to relieve the famine in your homes.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.