Genesis 42:31

31 And we sayde vnto him: we meane truely and are no 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 And they came vnto Iacob their father vnto the lande of Canaan and tolde him all that had happened them saynge.

30 The lorde of the lade spake rughly to us and toke us for spyes to serche the countte.

31 And we sayde vnto him: we meane truely and are no spies.

32 We be .xij. bretren sones of oure father one is awaye and the yongest is now with oure father in the lande of Canaan.

33 And the lorde of the countre sayde vnto us: here by shall I knowe yf ye meane truely: leaue one of youre brethern here with me and take foode necessary for youre housholdes and get you awaye