Genesis 42:32

32 We were 12 brothers. All of us were the sons of one father. But now one brother is gone. And our youngest brother is with our father in Canaan.'

Genesis 42:32 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:32

We [be] twelve brethren, sons of our father
All brethren by the father's side, though not by the mother's, and by one father; they had been twelve, and were so now, though they knew it not, supposing that one was dead, as is next observed: one [is] not;
is not alive, but dead; the Targum of Jonathan is,

``what is become of one we know not''

and the youngest [is] this day with our father in the land of Canaan;
see ( Genesis 42:13 ) .

Genesis 42:32 In-Context

30 "The man who is the governor of the land spoke to us in a mean way. He treated us as if we were spying on the land.

31 But we said to him, 'We're honest men. We aren't spies.

32 We were 12 brothers. All of us were the sons of one father. But now one brother is gone. And our youngest brother is with our father in Canaan.'

33 "Then the man who is the governor of the land spoke to us. He said, 'Here's how I will know whether you are honest men. Leave one of your brothers here with me. Take food for your hungry families and go.

34 " 'But bring your youngest brother to me. Then I'll know that you are honest men and not spies. I'll give your brother back to you. And you will be free to trade in the land.' "