Genesis 42:17

17 And he put them in custody 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 ye shall be put to the proof: as Pharaoh lives, ye shall not go forth hence, unless your youngest brother come hither!

16 Send one of you, that he may fetch your brother, but ye shall be imprisoned, and your words shall be put to the proof, whether the truth is in you; and if not, as Pharaoh lives, ye are spies.

17 And he put them in custody three days.

18 And Joseph said to them the third day, This do, that ye may live: I fear God.

19 If ye are honest, let one of your brethren remain bound in the house of your prison, but go ye, carry grain for the hunger of your households;

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit. 'gathered.'