Genesis 42:16

16 "Send one of you that he may get your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be tested, whether there is ¹truth in you. But if not, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies."

Genesis 42:16 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:16

Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother
He proposes that one of them might be sent by them to their father's house, and bring, Benjamin down to Egypt: and ye shall be kept in prison;
the rest of them till he came: that your words may be proved, whether [there be any] truth in you;
by this it would be seen whether they were men of truth and honesty or not; and should their brother be brought they would appear to be good men and true: or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely ye [are] spies;
should not their brother they spoke of be produced, it would be a plain case that they were not the honest men they pretended to be, nor did they come merely to buy corn, but had an ill intention.

Genesis 42:16 In-Context

14 Joseph said to them, "It is as I said to you, you are spies;

15 by this you will be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here!

16 "Send one of you that he may get your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you. But if not, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies."

17 So he put them all together in prison for three days.

18 Now Joseph said to them on the third day, "Do this and live, for I fear God:

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 42:11