Genesis 42:14 kjv

And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies:

Genesis 42:14 nkjv

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

Genesis 42:14 niv

Joseph said to them, "It is just as I told you: You are spies!

Genesis 42:14 esv

But Joseph said to them, "It is as I said to you. You are spies.

Genesis 42:14 nlt

But Joseph insisted, "As I said, you are spies!

Genesis 42 verses

Genesis 42 14 Meaning

Genesis 42:14 records Joseph's firm declaration to his brothers, reiterating his accusation that they are spies. This statement serves as a pivotal point in his elaborate plan to test his brothers, compel them to bring Benjamin to Egypt, and ultimately reveal their changed hearts and fulfill his childhood dreams. It is not a casual remark, but a deliberate and repeated challenge designed to exert pressure, assess their character, and orchestrate the necessary circumstances for their family's complete reunion and relocation to Egypt.

Genesis 42 14 Context

Genesis chapter 42 opens with Jacob dispatching his ten elder sons to Egypt to buy grain due to the severe famine gripping all lands, including Canaan. Unbeknownst to them, the overseer of Egypt's grain stores is their very own brother, Joseph, whom they had long ago sold into slavery. Joseph, now powerful and disguised, immediately recognizes them. In this encounter, Joseph remembers his prophetic dreams of his family bowing before him. Rather than revealing himself or seeking immediate revenge, he strategically devises a severe test. He speaks harshly to them, accusing them of being spies sent to discover the land's weaknesses. This accusation, initially made in Gen 42:9-12, is then reiterated by Joseph, demanding they prove their honesty by bringing their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt. The severe famine and the desperation for food amplify the pressure of this accusation, forcing the brothers into a terrifying predicament that compels them to confront their past actions and the consequences of their sin. The historical context includes the typical suspicion of foreign travelers in ancient kingdoms, especially those entering vital centers like grain storehouses, and the serious repercussions if found guilty of espionage.

Genesis 42 14 Word analysis

• And Joseph said (וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹסֵף - vayyōʾmer Yosef): This introductory phrase indicates Joseph's active role and the continuation of his authoritative interaction with his brothers. It underscores his deliberate and calculated speech. His words carry the weight of his office.

• to them (אֲלֵהֶם - ʾalēhem): Specifically refers to the ten brothers of Joseph, emphasizing their collective reception of the accusation.

• "It is as I said to you: (כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶם - kaʾăšer dibbartî ʾalêkem): This phrase indicates a repetition or confirmation of a previous statement (from Gen 42:9-12). Joseph is not offering new information but reasserting his original, deeply unsettling accusation. The use of dibbartî ("I spoke/said") suggests a weighty, decisive pronouncement. It implies he stands firm on his word, reinforcing the perceived threat. This repetition demonstrates his resolve and the intentional nature of the psychological pressure he is exerting.

• You are spies!" (מְרַגְּלִים אַתֶּם - məragglîm ʾattem!): This is the core accusation.

  • מְרַגְּלִים (məragglîm): The plural noun for "spies," derived from the verb ragal (to walk, to tread, or to go about, often used in a hostile or deceptive sense like backbiting or calumny). In this context, it refers to individuals covertly observing a land or enemy with malicious intent. In ancient Near Eastern culture, being accused of espionage in a foreign land could lead to immediate imprisonment or execution, as it implied hostile infiltration and a threat to national security. The accusation immediately placed the brothers in grave danger and required a clear, undeniable demonstration of their true intentions. It stripped them of their dignity and placed them in a vulnerable position.
  • אַתֶּם (ʾattem): The second person plural pronoun "you." Its placement after the noun məragglîm in Hebrew, while not strictly required, adds emphasis: "Spies, you are!" It makes the accusation pointed and direct.

• "It is as I said to you: You are spies!": This complete phrase highlights Joseph's determination to maintain his authoritative position and his unwavering accusation. He is leaving no room for their previous protestations or pleas. This statement drives home the severity of their perceived predicament and acts as a strong catalyst for their self-reflection and subsequent actions. It effectively shuts down any further immediate appeals and demands compliance with his terms. This declaration serves as a crucial component of Joseph's overall strategy, ensuring that his brothers take the situation seriously and are forced to respond honestly to the gravity of his words.

Genesis 42 14 Bonus section

• The Mask of Severity: Joseph wears an "Egyptian mask" of a stern, powerful, and unyielding foreign dignitary. His words in Gen 42:14 are part of maintaining this persona, making his actions a theological "performance" designed for spiritual results rather than simple civil justice. He must not show mercy too early or his plan would fail.
• Echoes of Accusation: This accusation (being "spies") contrasts sharply with how Joseph himself was previously slandered or "spied" upon by his brothers (their jealous surveillance of him leading to their actions), and then by Potiphar's wife (false accusation of assault). Joseph is turning the tables, though for a redemptive purpose.
• Forcing a Reckoning: By accusing them so harshly, Joseph forces the brothers to acknowledge the hand of God in their current suffering (Gen 42:21). Their fear leads them to reflect on the sin against Joseph, signifying that the "test" is working to produce brokenness and confession. This is not simply about grain, but about soul-searching.

Genesis 42 14 Commentary

Genesis 42:14 represents a critical moment in Joseph's providential testing of his brothers. His firm reiteration of the spy accusation is not arbitrary or born of malice, but a strategic move designed to accomplish several interconnected divine purposes. Firstly, it exerts intense pressure on the brothers, pushing them to desperation. This distress, as seen in Gen 42:21-22, triggers their collective recollection of their sin against Joseph, signaling a vital step towards repentance and accountability. Joseph's harshness forces them to confront their past and present truths. Secondly, by demanding Benjamin's presence as proof of their innocence, Joseph sets the stage for the entire family, including Jacob, to relocate to Egypt, fulfilling God's overarching plan for Israel's growth into a nation before the Exodus. This orchestrated ordeal tests their unity, loyalty, and transformation, preparing them for the profound reconciliation that is yet to come. Joseph, guided by divine wisdom rather than personal revenge, uses this seemingly cruel accusation as an instrument of divine discipline and restoration, illustrating God's capacity to use difficult circumstances to refine and draw His people closer to His ultimate good purpose.