Genesis 42:20

20 "But you must bring your youngest brother to me. That will prove that your words are true. Then you won't die." So they did what he said.

Genesis 42:20 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:20

But bring your youngest brother unto me
Upon their return for more corn: so shall your words be verified;
that they were true men, and had no ill design upon the land, but were come only to buy corn: and ye shall not die;
as spies, which they were otherwise threatened with; and as it is customary in all nations to put such to death when found out: and they did so;
they left one of their brethren behind; they carried corn to their houses or families in Canaan, and brought their brother Benjamin with them when they returned to Egypt.

Genesis 42:20 In-Context

18 On the third day, Joseph spoke to them again. He said, "Do what I say. Then you will live, because I have respect for God.

19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison. The rest of you may go and take grain back to your hungry families.

20 "But you must bring your youngest brother to me. That will prove that your words are true. Then you won't die." So they did what he said.

21 They said to one another, "God is certainly punishing us because of our brother. We saw how troubled he was when he begged us to let him live. But we wouldn't listen. That's why all of this trouble has come to us."

22 Reuben replied, "Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn't listen! Now we're being held accountable for killing him."