Genesis 42:31

31 but we told him that we were honest men, not spies.

Genesis 42:31 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:31

And we said unto him, we [are] true [men]
Honest, upright men, not given to treacherous and treasonable practices, either in the country where they lived, or any other; they came to Egypt with no ill design upon the country, only to buy corn for the relief of their families in necessity: we are no spies;
or never were ^F5: they had never been guilty of such practices, and never charged with anything of that kind; they denied the charge, and detested the character.

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 (wnyyh al) "non fuimus", Montanus; "nunquam fuimus", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Schmidt.

Genesis 42:31 In-Context

29 The brothers went to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan and told him everything that had happened.

30 They said, "The master of that land spoke unkindly to us. He accused us of spying on his country,

31 but we told him that we were honest men, not spies.

32 We told him that we were ten of twelve brothers -- sons of one father. We said that one of our brothers was gone and that our youngest brother was with our father in Canaan.

33 "Then the master of the land said to us, 'Here is a way I can know you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain to feed your hungry families, and go.