Genesis 42:17

17 Then he gathered them into the 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 By this you shall be tested. By the life of Pharaoh you will not go out from here unless your youngest brother comes here.

16 Send one of you, and let him bring your brother, but you will be kept in prison so that your words might be tested [to see] if [there is] truth with you. And if not, by the life of Pharaoh surely you [are] spies."

17 Then he gathered them into the prison for three days.

18 On the third day Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live; I fear God.

19 If you [are] honest, let one of your brothers be kept in prison {where you are now being kept}, but [the rest of] you go, carry grain for the famine for your households.