Genesis 42 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Genesis 42 meaning explained in AI Summary

During the famine, Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognizes his brothers, but they do not recognize him. He tests them and eventually reveals his identity. Joseph forgives his brothers and arranges for them and their families to move to Egypt.

Genesis Chapter 42 tells the story of Jacob's sons' first journey to Egypt to buy grain during a severe famine. Here's a summary:

Famine Forces Jacob's Sons to Egypt:

A famine grips Canaan, forcing Jacob to send his sons to Egypt to buy grain.
He keeps Benjamin, his youngest son, home for fear of something happening to him.

Joseph Confronts His Brothers:

The brothers arrive in Egypt and unknowingly encounter Joseph, now the powerful governor, who oversees the grain distribution.
Joseph recognizes his brothers, but they don't recognize him. He speaks harshly to them, accusing them of being spies.
Joseph demands they prove their honesty by bringing their youngest brother to Egypt. He imprisons them for three days.

Guilt and Remorse:

In prison, the brothers reflect on their past mistreatment of Joseph, believing their current predicament is divine retribution.
Joseph overhears their conversation and is moved by their remorse.

A Test of Character:

Joseph releases all but one brother, Simeon, whom he keeps as a hostage. He secretly returns their silver to their sacks and sends them back to Canaan with grain.
He instructs them to return with Benjamin to secure Simeon's release.

Returning to Canaan:

The brothers return to Canaan and tell Jacob everything. They discover the returned silver and are afraid.
Jacob is distraught at the thought of losing another son and refuses to let Benjamin go.

The Chapter Ends with Uncertainty:

The famine worsens, and the brothers plead with Jacob to allow Benjamin to accompany them back to Egypt.
The chapter ends with Jacob still hesitant, torn between the fear of losing Benjamin and the desperate need for food.

Themes:

Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The chapter sets the stage for the potential reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers.
Guilt and Repentance: The brothers' guilt over their past actions highlights the theme of repentance.
Divine Providence: Despite the difficult circumstances, God's hand is subtly present, working through Joseph to protect his family.

This chapter sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in the subsequent chapters, ultimately leading to forgiveness, reconciliation, and the preservation of Jacob's family.

Genesis 42 bible study ai commentary

Genesis 42 unfolds a dramatic divine orchestration where past sins are brought to light, and a long, painful process of repentance and reconciliation begins. Driven by a widespread famine, Joseph's brothers are forced to confront the very brother they betrayed twenty-two years prior. Unrecognized by them, Joseph, now the powerful governor of Egypt, uses his authority not for revenge, but to test his brothers' character. The entire chapter is fraught with dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of Joseph's identity, while his brothers stumble through a divinely-set trial, their long-suppressed guilt finally erupting as they perceive God's hand of judgment upon them. This is the first tangible fulfillment of Joseph's prophetic dreams, demonstrating God's sovereign power to turn evil into a means of preservation and redemption.

Genesis 42 Context

This chapter is set during a severe, multi-year famine affecting the entire Ancient Near East, a historical reality in this region. Egypt, due to its unique reliance on the Nile's predictable inundation rather than inconsistent rainfall, was the region's breadbasket and primary hope for survival. Joseph, having been elevated to the position of vizier, or prime minister, held supreme authority over the land, second only to Pharaoh. His responsibility for grain distribution was absolute. Culturally, the word of such a powerful figure was law, and an accusation of spying (meraggelim) against a group of foreigners from a rival region like Canaan was a serious and plausible charge, carrying a potential death sentence. The narrative leverages this historical and political reality to create a believable scenario for Joseph's test.

Genesis 42:1-2

When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?” He continued, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”

In-depth-analysis

"Why do you just keep looking at each other?": This depicts the brothers' paralysis and lack of leadership. They are passively waiting for a solution, a stark contrast to their decisive, violent actions in the past (e.g., Gen 34). Jacob must spur them into action.
Word - Grain (sheber - שֶׁבֶר): This Hebrew word for grain shares a root with the word for "break" or "fracture." This is a profound literary wordplay. They go to Egypt for sheber (grain) because of the sheber (breaking) of their family relationship years ago.
The motivation is stark survival: "so that we may live and not die." The famine is severe and life-threatening.

Bible references

Acts 7:12: "When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit." (Stephen's historical retelling, confirming the event's importance).
Psa 105:16-17: "He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supply of food; and he sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave." (Recounts the famine as part of God's sovereign plan).

Cross references

Prov 11:26 (people curse one who withholds grain), Lam 5:9-10 (desperation for food in famine), Gen 41:57 (the famine was widespread).

Genesis 42:3-5

Then ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him. So Israel’s sons were among those who went to buy grain, for the famine was in the land of Canaan also.

In-depth-analysis

Ten Brothers: The whole contingent of brothers from Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah go. This fulfills the scope of the dream in Gen 37.
Benjamin... did not send: Jacob's blatant favoritism continues. He transfers all his protective anxiety for Rachel's lineage onto her only remaining son, Benjamin. This is the very same partiality that sparked the brothers' jealousy toward Joseph in the first place.
Fear of Harm: Jacob's fear shows he has not forgotten the loss of Joseph and lives in a state of anxiety. He doesn't trust his other sons to protect Benjamin. This detail is crucial, as Benjamin will become the focal point of Joseph's test.

Bible references

Gen 37:3: "Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age..." (The root of the family conflict is Jacob's favoritism).
Gen 44:20: "...His brother is dead, and he is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him." (The brothers later use Jacob's love for Benjamin as part of their plea).

Cross references

Gen 27:41 (sibling rivalry and fear), Prov 29:25 (the fear of man is a snare).

Genesis 42:6

Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the one who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.

In-depth-analysis

Governor (shallit - שַׁלִּיט): This word implies absolute power and dominion. Joseph holds all authority.
They bowed down: The literal, physical fulfillment of Joseph's first dream. This moment is the visual anchor of the entire story of retribution and grace. Their prostration before him is a complete reversal of their former dominance over him.
Faces to the ground: This is an act of deep submission and reverence reserved for a ruler of immense status, showing they have no idea this is the brother they once threw into a pit.

Bible references

Gen 37:7: "We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it." (Direct fulfillment of the first dream).
Psa 105:20-21: "The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. He made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions." (Celebrates Joseph's God-given authority).

Cross references

Isa 45:14 (prophecy of foreigners bowing), Phil 2:10 (all will bow to Jesus), Rev 3:9 (enemies will bow).

Genesis 42:7-9

As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied, “to buy food.” Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. Then he remembered his dreams about them...

In-depth-analysis

Recognized them (nakar - נָכַר): Joseph immediately knows who they are. They have aged, but he recognizes them.
They did not recognize him: The contrast is stark. He was a 17-year-old boy when they sold him; now he is a 39-year-old powerful Egyptian official, clean-shaven, and speaking through an interpreter (v. 23). They had no reason to expect he was even alive, let alone here.
Spoke harshly: This is not vengeance. It is a strategic act to maintain his disguise and initiate a test. He needs to know if their hearts have changed. Would they abandon another brother to save themselves?
He remembered his dreams: This is Joseph's primary motivation. He sees God's hand at work and understands that these events are part of a divine plan foretold years ago. His actions are guided by this knowledge, not by personal bitterness.

Bible references

Gen 37:9: "Then he had another dream... ‘I saw the sun and moon and eleven stars bowing down to me.’" (Recalls the full scope of God's prophetic plan).
John 1:11: "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." (Typological parallel of Joseph being unrecognized by his own brethren).

Cross references

Isa 61:7 (reversal of shame), Gen 45:1-3 (contrast with his later reveal).

Polemics

Scholars emphasize that Joseph's actions are diagnostic, not punitive. He is probing for repentance. His goal is to bring his brothers to a point of self-awareness and contrition to enable genuine family reconciliation. This contrasts with a simple reading of revenge. The test is specifically designed around Benjamin—the new favorite son—to see if they will repeat their past sin.

Genesis 42:9-14

...and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see where our land is unprotected.” “No, my lord,” they answered. “Your servants have come to buy food. We are all the sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies.” ... "You are spies!”

In-depth-analysis

"You are spies!" (meraggelim): A plausible and dangerous accusation. It puts the brothers immediately on the defensive and in a position of complete vulnerability, stripping them of any power.
"We are all the sons of one man": This is their key defense. A man would not send ten of his sons on a single spying mission; it's too great a risk.
"Your servants are honest men": A statement drenched in irony. They are speaking to the very brother to whom they were profoundly dishonest. This lie from their past is the unstated reality that hangs over their claim of present honesty.
By bringing up their family, they unwittingly give Joseph the very tool he needs to construct his test: the existence of the "youngest" brother and the one who "is no more."

Bible references

Num 13:2, 17: "Send some men to explore the land of Canaan..." (Shows that spying was a common military practice).
Prov 12:22: "The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy." (Highlights the moral weight of their ironic claim).

Cross references

2 Sam 10:3 (accusation of spying), Heb 4:13 (all is laid bare before God).

Genesis 42:15-17

And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here... so that your words may be tested... He put them all in custody for three days.

In-depth-analysis

The Test: The test is now explicitly stated. Their freedom depends on their willingness to go back and retrieve Benjamin. This forces the issue of their relationship with their father and the favored son.
As surely as Pharaoh lives: A powerful Egyptian oath, equivalent to swearing on the king's life. It shows Joseph is playing his Egyptian role perfectly.
Custody for three days: This period of imprisonment serves several purposes:
1. It gives them a small taste of the suffering Joseph endured for years.
2. It heightens their fear and desperation.
3. It allows time for them to reflect on their predicament and, hopefully, their past actions.

Bible references

Gen 40:4: "The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. After they had been in custody for some time..." (Joseph has personal experience with being in custody).
Hosea 6:2: "After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence." (The "three days" motif often represents a period of trial followed by deliverance/resurrection).

Cross references

Est 4:16 (three days of fasting/trial), Matt 12:40 (three days of Jonah).

Genesis 42:18-21

On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God... If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go... But you must bring your youngest brother to me..." They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother..."

In-depth-analysis

"I fear God": This is a pivotal statement. Joseph reveals his true character. For an Egyptian ruler to say this was unusual, and it was a signal that he was not a capricious tyrant but one who operated by a moral law. He is showing them mercy by modifying the plan from one returning to all but one returning.
Let one... stay: This raises the stakes. One brother will be a hostage, ensuring their return.
"Surely we are being punished..." (aval ashemim anachnu - אֲבָל אֲשֵׁמִים אֲנַחְנוּ - But we are guilty): This is the climax of the chapter. After 22 years of silence, their conscience breaks. For the first time, they verbally connect their current suffering to their past sin against Joseph. The Hebrew word asham denotes deep guilt and culpability.

Bible references

Prov 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge..." (Defines the source of Joseph's just character).
Num 32:23: "...you may be sure that your sin will find you out." (A classic biblical theme: unresolved sin eventually has consequences).
Lam 3:39: "Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins?" (The proper response to deserved punishment).

Cross references

Gen 4:7 (sin crouching at the door), Psa 51:3 (my sin is always before me).

Genesis 42:22-24

Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.” They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter. He turned away from them and began to weep, but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.

In-depth-analysis

Reuben replied: Reuben’s response is a self-righteous "I told you so." While true, it shows his own attempt to absolve himself rather than share in the corporate guilt.
Accounting for his blood: This reveals they assumed Joseph was dead. Their guilt is for what they believe was a murder.
Joseph could understand them... he wept: This is a moment of intense emotional impact. Joseph hears their confession and his tough exterior breaks. His tears are of sorrow for their past crime, compassion for their current fear, and perhaps relief that their conscience is finally working.
Simeon... bound: Simeon is chosen as the hostage. It's likely a deliberate choice. Simeon and Levi were the masterminds of the massacre at Shechem (Gen 34), indicating a violent nature. Binding the second oldest (after Reuben's weakness) sends a strong message.

Bible references

Gen 37:21-22: "When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands... 'Let’s not take his life,' he said." (Confirms Reuben's earlier attempt to save Joseph).
Gen 34:25: "...two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and... killed every male." (Shows Simeon's history of ruthless violence).

Cross references

Matt 27:4 (Judas' confession), Rom 2:15 (conscience bearing witness).

Genesis 42:25-28

Joseph gave orders to fill their sacks with grain, to put each man’s silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. ...one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey... he saw his silver... He said to his brothers, “My silver has been returned... Their hearts sank and they turned to each other trembling and said, “What is this that God has done to us?”

In-depth-analysis

Silver back in his sack: This act of secret grace is part two of the test. It appears as a curse to the brothers but is in fact a gift. Joseph is providing the bread of life freely. It tests their honesty: will they return and try to pay it back?
Their hearts sank: What should be a blessing is received with terror. They are so consumed by guilt they cannot imagine this being an act of kindness.
"What is this that God has done to us?": Their confession moves to the next level. They see these bizarre events not as the actions of a strange Egyptian ruler, but as the direct, inexplicable hand of God Himself moving against them. They are spiritually cornered.

Bible references

Rom 11:33: "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" (They are experiencing the inscrutable ways of God firsthand).
Gen 50:20: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..." (This event is a prime example of God working behind the scenes).

Cross references

Deut 2:7 (God providing on a journey), Josh 2:9 (hearts sinking in fear).

Genesis 42:29-36

When they came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them... as they were emptying their sacks, there in each man’s sack was his pouch of silver! When they and their father saw the money pouches, they were frightened. Their father Jacob said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!”

In-depth-analysis

They told him all: The brothers give a faithful, if panicked, report to Jacob.
Each man's sack... silver!: The discovery that it wasn't a mistake with one sack but a deliberate act in all of them multiplies their terror. It confirms this is a setup.
"Everything is against me!": Jacob's cry is one of profound despair. He sees the world through the lens of his own pain and loss. He doesn't see the hand of a sovereign God, but the cruelty of fate. He assumes the worst, a stark contrast to Joseph who sees God's plan.
"You have bereaved me": Jacob directly blames his sons, showing the deep fracture and lack of trust still present in the family.

Bible references

Rom 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." (Jacob feels the opposite, "Everything is against me," but Romans 8:28 is the ultimate truth of his situation).
Job 1:21: "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (A contrast between Job's faith-filled response to loss and Jacob's despairing one).

Cross references

Psa 42:11 (why are you so downcast, my soul?), John 16:20 (your grief will turn to joy).

Genesis 42:37-38

Then Reuben said to his father, “You may put both of my two sons to death if I do not bring him back to you. Entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back.” But Jacob said, “My son will not go down there with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow.”

In-depth-analysis

Reuben's rash vow: Reuben's offer is foolish and horrifying. What comfort would it be to Jacob to kill his own grandsons? It shows Reuben’s desperation and poor judgment, underscoring why he lost the birthright. He still operates in the flesh.
Jacob's refusal: Jacob's grief makes him absolute. His favoritism for Rachel's children is paramount. He is unable to see that the lives of all his family depend on this risk.
Bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow (sheol): This phrase denotes a miserable, sorrowful death. Jacob is locked in his grief, creating a narrative stalemate. The famine will have to get worse before he breaks.

Bible references

Gen 37:35: "...I will continue to mourn until I go down to the grave [sheol] for my son." (Jacob repeats the same sentiment of sorrow he expressed when he thought Joseph had died).
Gen 49:3-4: "Reuben, you are my firstborn... Unstable as water, you will no longer excel..." (Jacob's later prophecy confirms Reuben's rash and unreliable character).

Cross references

Prov 14:12 (a way that seems right but ends in death), Mark 9:42 (gravity of causing harm).

Genesis Chapter 42 Analysis

The Fulfillment of Prophecy: The primary theological anchor of the chapter is the unerring fulfillment of God's word, given through Joseph's dreams. Human actions, both sinful (the brothers' betrayal) and righteous (Joseph's integrity), ultimately serve to bring about God's foreordained plan.
Joseph as a Type of Christ: This chapter powerfully develops the typology of Joseph as a forerunner of Jesus.
- He is rejected by his own brethren.
- He is presumed dead but is alive and exalted to a position of ultimate authority.
- He is the sole source of the "bread of life" for a starving world.
- He offers this salvation freely (returning the money).
- His harshness is a tool to bring about conviction of sin and true repentance, necessary for reconciliation.
The Anatomy of Guilt: The narrative provides a masterclass in the workings of a guilty conscience. The brothers' guilt was suppressed for 22 years but was not gone. Under pressure, it erupts (v. 21) and leads them to interpret every random or difficult event (the harsh words, the money) as direct punishment from God (v. 28). This is the beginning of the road to repentance.
The Wordplay of Sheber (שֶׁבֶר): The dual meaning of the Hebrew word sheber as both "grain" and "breaking" operates throughout the narrative. They seek grain because their family is broken, and their journey for grain will lead to the breaking of their pride and ultimately the healing of the family fracture.

Genesis 42 Summary

A severe famine forces Jacob to send his ten older sons to Egypt to buy grain. There, they unknowingly come before Joseph, their long-lost brother, now the powerful governor. Recognizing them, Joseph accuses them of being spies to test their character, imprisoning them and then demanding they return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their story. The ordeal awakens their long-dormant guilt over their crime against Joseph. Joseph, deeply moved by their confession, binds Simeon as a hostage and sends the others home with grain, secretly returning their payment. The brothers' discovery of the money fills them with terror, and upon their return, Jacob is plunged into despair, refusing to risk Benjamin's life and bringing the family to an impasse of grief and fear.

Genesis 41 AI Genesis 43 AI

Genesis 42 AI Image Audio and Video

Genesis chapter 42 kjv

¹ Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?
² And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.
³ And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt.
⁴ But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.
⁵ And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
⁶ And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.
⁷ And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
⁸ And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
⁹ And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
¹⁰ And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.
¹¹ We are all one man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies.
¹² And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
¹³ And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.
¹⁴ And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies:
¹⁵ Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.
¹⁶ Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies.
¹⁷ And he put them all together into ward three days.
¹⁸ And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:
¹⁹ If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:
²⁰ But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.
²¹ And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.
²² And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.
²³ And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
²⁴ And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.
²⁵ Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them.
²⁶ And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence.
²⁷ And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth.
²⁸ And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us?
²⁹ And they came unto Jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that befell unto them; saying,
³⁰ The man, who is the lord of the land, spake roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country.
³¹ And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies:
³² We be twelve brethren, sons of our father; one is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.
³³ And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men; leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food for the famine of your households, and be gone:
³⁴ And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffic in the land.
³⁵ And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.
³⁶ And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.
³⁷ And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.
³⁸ And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.

Genesis chapter 42 nkjv

¹ When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, "Why do you look at one another?"
² And he said, "Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die."
³ So Joseph's ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt.
⁴ But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, "Lest some calamity befall him."
⁵ And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
⁶ Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth.
⁷ Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said to them, "Where do you come from?" And they said, "From the land of Canaan to buy food."
⁸ So Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.
⁹ Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!"
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!'
¹⁵ In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.
¹⁶ Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!"
¹⁷ So he put them all together in prison three days.
¹⁸ Then Joseph said to them the third day, "Do this and live, for I fear God:
¹⁹ If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the famine of your houses.
²⁰ And bring your young est brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die." And they did so.
²¹ Then they said to one another, "We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us."
²² And Reuben answered them, saying, "Did I not speak to you, saying, 'Do not sin against the boy'; and you would not listen? Therefore behold, his blood is now required of us."
²³ But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter.
²⁴ And he turned himself away from them and wept. Then he returned to them again, and talked with them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes.
²⁵ Then Joseph gave a command to fill their sacks with grain, to restore every man's money to his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. Thus he did for them.
²⁶ So they loaded their donkeys with the grain and departed from there.
²⁷ But as one of them opened his sack to give his donkey feed at the encampment, he saw his money; and there it was, in the mouth of his sack.
²⁸ So he said to his brothers, "My money has been restored, and there it is, in my sack!" Then their hearts failed them and they were afraid, saying to one another, "What is this that God has done to us?"
²⁹ Then they went to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan and told him all that had happened to them, saying:
³⁰ "The man who is lord of the land spoke roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country.
³¹ But we said to him, 'We are honest men; we are not spies.
³² We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no more, and the youngest is with our father this day in the land of Canaan.'
³³ Then the man, the lord of the country, said to us, 'By this I will know that you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, take food for the famine of your households, and be gone.
³⁴ And bring your youngest brother to me; so I shall know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men. I will grant your brother to you, and you may trade in the land.' "
³⁵ Then it happened as they emptied their sacks, that surprisingly each man's bundle of money was in his sack; and when they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.
³⁶ And Jacob their father said to them, "You have bereaved me: Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin. All these things are against me."
³⁷ Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, "Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you."
³⁸ But he said, "My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is left alone. If any calamity should befall him along the way in which you go, then you would bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave."

Genesis chapter 42 niv

¹ When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, "Why do you just keep looking at each other?"
² He continued, "I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die."
³ Then ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt.
⁴ But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him.
⁵ So Israel's sons were among those who went to buy grain, for there was famine in the land of Canaan also.
⁶ Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph's brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.
⁷ As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. "Where do you come from?" he asked. "From the land of Canaan," they replied, "to buy food."
⁸ Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.
⁹ Then he remembered his dreams about them and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see where our land is unprotected."
¹⁰ "No, my lord," they answered. "Your servants have come to buy food.
¹¹ We are all the sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies."
¹² "No!" he said to them. "You have come to see where our land is unprotected."
¹³ But they replied, "Your servants were twelve brothers, the sons of one man, who lives in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more."
¹⁴ Joseph said to them, "It is just as I told you: You are spies!
¹⁵ And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.
¹⁶ Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words may be tested to see if you are telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!"
¹⁷ And he put them all in custody for three days.
¹⁸ On the third day, Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God:
¹⁹ If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households.
²⁰ But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die." This they proceeded to do.
²¹ They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come on us."
²² Reuben replied, "Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn't listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood."
²³ They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter.
²⁴ He turned away from them and began to weep, but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.
²⁵ Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to put each man's silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them,
²⁶ they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left.
²⁷ At the place where they stopped for the night one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and he saw his silver in the mouth of his sack.
²⁸ "My silver has been returned," he said to his brothers. "Here it is in my sack." Their hearts sank and they turned to each other trembling and said, "What is this that God has done to us?"
²⁹ When they came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them. They said,
³⁰ "The man who is lord over the land spoke harshly to us and treated us as though we were spying on the land.
³¹ But we said to him, 'We are honest men; we are not spies.
³² We were twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in Canaan.'
³³ "Then the man who is lord over the land said to us, 'This is how I will know whether you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, and take food for your starving households and go.
³⁴ But bring your youngest brother to me so I will know that you are not spies but honest men. Then I will give your brother back to you, and you can trade in the land.'?"
³⁵ As they were emptying their sacks, there in each man's sack was his pouch of silver! When they and their father saw the money pouches, they were frightened.
³⁶ Their father Jacob said to them, "You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!"
³⁷ Then Reuben said to his father, "You may put both of my sons to death if I do not bring him back to you. Entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back."
³⁸ But Jacob said, "My son will not go down there with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow."

Genesis chapter 42 esv

¹ When Jacob learned that there was grain for sale in Egypt, he said to his sons, "Why do you look at one another?"
² And he said, "Behold, I have heard that there is grain for sale in Egypt. Go down and buy grain for us there, that we may live and not die."
³ So ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt.
⁴ But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with his brothers, for he feared that harm might happen to him.
⁵ Thus the sons of Israel came to buy among the others who came, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
⁶ Now Joseph was governor over the land. He was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground.
⁷ Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke roughly to them. "Where do you come from?" he said. They said, "From the land of Canaan, to buy food."
⁸ And Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.
⁹ And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them. And he said to them, "You are spies; you have come to see the nakedness of the land."
¹⁰ They said to him, "No, my lord, your servants have come to buy food.
¹¹ We are all sons of one man. We are honest men. Your servants have never been spies."
¹² He said to them, "No, it is the nakedness of the land that you have come to see."
¹³ And they said, "We, your servants, are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan, and behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is no more."
¹⁴ But Joseph said to them, "It is as I said to you. You are spies.
¹⁵ By this you shall be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here.
¹⁶ Send one of you, and let him bring your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you. Or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies."
¹⁷ And he put them all together in custody for three days.
¹⁸ On the third day Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God:
¹⁹ if you are honest men, let one of your brothers remain confined where you are in custody, and let the rest go and carry grain for the famine of your households,
²⁰ and bring your youngest brother to me. So your words will be verified, and you shall not die." And they did so.
²¹ Then they said to one another, "In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us."
²² And Reuben answered them, "Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy? But you did not listen. So now there comes a reckoning for his blood."
²³ They did not know that Joseph understood them, for there was an interpreter between them.
²⁴ Then he turned away from them and wept. And he returned to them and spoke to them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes.
²⁵ And Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, and to replace every man's money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them.
²⁶ Then they loaded their donkeys with their grain and departed.
²⁷ And as one of them opened his sack to give his donkey fodder at the lodging place, he saw his money in the mouth of his sack.
²⁸ He said to his brothers, "My money has been put back; here it is in the mouth of my sack!" At this their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, "What is this that God has done to us?"
²⁹ When they came to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them, saying,
³⁰ "The man, the lord of the land, spoke roughly to us and took us to be spies of the land.
³¹ But we said to him, 'We are honest men; we have never been spies.
³² We are twelve brothers, sons of our father. One is no more, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.'
³³ Then the man, the lord of the land, said to us, 'By this I shall know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain for the famine of your households, and go your way.
³⁴ Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I shall know that you are not spies but honest men, and I will deliver your brother to you, and you shall trade in the land.'"
³⁵ As they emptied their sacks, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack. And when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid.
³⁶ And Jacob their father said to them, "You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and now you would take Benjamin. All this has come against me."
³⁷ Then Reuben said to his father, "Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you. Put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you."
³⁸ But he said, "My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is the only one left. If harm should happen to him on the journey that you are to make, you would bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol."

Genesis chapter 42 nlt

¹ When Jacob heard that grain was available in Egypt, he said to his sons, "Why are you standing around looking at one another?
² I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy enough grain to keep us alive. Otherwise we'll die."
³ So Joseph's ten older brothers went down to Egypt to buy grain.
⁴ But Jacob wouldn't let Joseph's younger brother, Benjamin, go with them, for fear some harm might come to him.
⁵ So Jacob's sons arrived in Egypt along with others to buy food, for the famine was in Canaan as well.
⁶ Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of selling grain to all the people, it was to him that his brothers came. When they arrived, they bowed before him with their faces to the ground.
⁷ Joseph recognized his brothers instantly, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. "Where are you from?" he demanded. "From the land of Canaan," they replied. "We have come to buy food."
⁸ Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they didn't recognize him.
⁹ And he remembered the dreams he'd had about them many years before. He said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see how vulnerable our land has become."
¹⁰ "No, my lord!" they exclaimed. "Your servants have simply come to buy food.
¹¹ We are all brothers ? members of the same family. We are honest men, sir! We are not spies!"
¹² "Yes, you are!" Joseph insisted. "You have come to see how vulnerable our land has become."
¹³ "Sir," they said, "there are actually twelve of us. We, your servants, are all brothers, sons of a man living in the land of Canaan. Our youngest brother is back there with our father right now, and one of our brothers is no longer with us."
¹⁴ But Joseph insisted, "As I said, you are spies!
¹⁵ This is how I will test your story. I swear by the life of Pharaoh that you will never leave Egypt unless your youngest brother comes here!
¹⁶ One of you must go and get your brother. I'll keep the rest of you here in prison. Then we'll find out whether or not your story is true. By the life of Pharaoh, if it turns out that you don't have a younger brother, then I'll know you are spies."
¹⁷ So Joseph put them all in prison for three days.
¹⁸ On the third day Joseph said to them, "I am a God-fearing man. If you do as I say, you will live.
¹⁹ If you really are honest men, choose one of your brothers to remain in prison. The rest of you may go home with grain for your starving families.
²⁰ But you must bring your youngest brother back to me. This will prove that you are telling the truth, and you will not die." To this they agreed.
²¹ Speaking among themselves, they said, "Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn't listen. That's why we're in this trouble."
²² "Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy?" Reuben asked. "But you wouldn't listen. And now we have to answer for his blood!"
²³ Of course, they didn't know that Joseph understood them, for he had been speaking to them through an interpreter.
²⁴ Now he turned away from them and began to weep. When he regained his composure, he spoke to them again. Then he chose Simeon from among them and had him tied up right before their eyes.
²⁵ Joseph then ordered his servants to fill the men's sacks with grain, but he also gave secret instructions to return each brother's payment at the top of his sack. He also gave them supplies for their journey home.
²⁶ So the brothers loaded their donkeys with the grain and headed for home.
²⁷ But when they stopped for the night and one of them opened his sack to get grain for his donkey, he found his money in the top of his sack.
²⁸ "Look!" he exclaimed to his brothers. "My money has been returned; it's here in my sack!" Then their hearts sank. Trembling, they said to each other, "What has God done to us?"
²⁹ When the brothers came to their father, Jacob, in the land of Canaan, they told him everything that had happened to them.
³⁰ "The man who is governor of the land spoke very harshly to us," they told him. "He accused us of being spies scouting the land.
³¹ But we said, 'We are honest men, not spies.
³² We are twelve brothers, sons of one father. One brother is no longer with us, and the youngest is at home with our father in the land of Canaan.'
³³ "Then the man who is governor of the land told us, 'This is how I will find out if you are honest men. Leave one of your brothers here with me, and take grain for your starving families and go on home.
³⁴ But you must bring your youngest brother back to me. Then I will know you are honest men and not spies. Then I will give you back your brother, and you may trade freely in the land.'"
³⁵ As they emptied out their sacks, there in each man's sack was the bag of money he had paid for the grain! The brothers and their father were terrified when they saw the bags of money.
³⁶ Jacob exclaimed, "You are robbing me of my children! Joseph is gone! Simeon is gone! And now you want to take Benjamin, too. Everything is going against me!"
³⁷ Then Reuben said to his father, "You may kill my two sons if I don't bring Benjamin back to you. I'll be responsible for him, and I promise to bring him back."
³⁸ But Jacob replied, "My son will not go down with you. His brother Joseph is dead, and he is all I have left. If anything should happen to him on your journey, you would send this grieving, white-haired man to his grave. "