Genesis 42:17

17 Then Joseph put them all 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 But I will give you a way to prove you are telling the truth. As surely as the king lives, you will not leave this place until your youngest brother comes here.

16 One of you must go and get your brother. The rest of you will stay here in prison. We will see if you are telling the truth. If not, as surely as the king lives, you are spies."

17 Then Joseph put them all in prison for three days.

18 On the third day Joseph said to them, "I am a God-fearing man. Do this and I will let you live:

19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison while the rest of you go and carry grain back to feed your hungry families.