Genesis 42:12

12 He said, "No. You're spies. You've come to look for our weak spots."

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 "No, master," they said. "We've only come to buy food.
11 We're all the sons of the same man; we're honest men; we'd never think of spying."
12 He said, "No. You're spies. You've come to look for our weak spots."
13 They said, "There were twelve of us brothers - sons of the same father in the country of Canaan. The youngest is with our father, and one is no more."
14 But Joseph said, "It's just as I said, you're spies.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.