Genesis 42:17

17 With that, he put them 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 This is how you will be tested: I swear by the name of the king that you will never leave unless your youngest brother comes here.

16 One of you must go and get him. The rest of you will be kept under guard until the truth of what you say can be tested. Otherwise, as sure as the king lives, you are spies."

17 With that, he put them in prison for three days.

18 On the third day Joseph said to them, "I am a God-fearing man, and I will spare your lives on one condition.

19 To prove that you are honest, one of you will stay in the prison where you have been kept; the rest of you may go and take back to your starving families the grain that you have bought.