Genesis 42:12

12 But he said to them, "No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land."

Genesis 42:12 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:12

And he said unto them, nay
This argument will not do, I am not to be put off with such words as these; if you can produce no better proof of your being honest men than this, or give no better account of yourselves, I must abide by it, that, to see the nakedness of the land ye are come;
this he urged in order to get a further account from them of their family and the state of it, which he was anxious to know.

Genesis 42:12 In-Context

10 And they said to him, "No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food.

11 We are all one man's sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies."

12 But he said to them, "No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land."

13 And they said, "Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more."

14 But Joseph said to them, "It is as I spoke to you, saying, 'You are spies!'