Genesis 42:14

14 Joseph said to them, "I still say you are spies!

Genesis 42:14 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:14

And Joseph said unto them, that [is it] that I spake unto
you, saying, ye [are] spies.
] This proves it, at least gives strong suspicion of it; since at first they seemed to speak of themselves, as if they were the only sons of one man and there were no more, now they speak of twelve, and make mention of one being at home with his father; but seeing he sent so many of them, why not all? why should one only be left at home?

Genesis 42:14 In-Context

12 "No!" he said to them. "You have come to see the places where our land isn't guarded very well."

13 But they replied, "We were 12 brothers. All of us were the sons of one man. He lives in the land of Canaan. Our youngest brother is now with our father. And one brother is gone."

14 Joseph said to them, "I still say you are spies!

15 So I'm going to put you to the test. You can be sure that Pharaoh lives. And you can be just as sure that you won't leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. I promise with an oath that you won't leave here.

16 Send one of you back to get your brother. The rest of you will be kept in prison. "I'll put your words to the test. Then we'll find out whether you are telling the truth. You can be sure that Pharaoh lives. And you can be just as sure that if you aren't telling the truth, we'll know that you are spies!"