Genesis 42 34

Genesis 42:34 kjv

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.

Genesis 42:34 nkjv

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.' "

Genesis 42:34 niv

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.'?"

Genesis 42:34 esv

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.'"

Genesis 42:34 nlt

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.'"

Genesis 42 verses

Genesis 42 34 meaning

This verse states Joseph's condition for verifying his brothers' truthfulness: they must bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, back to Egypt. Upon Benjamin's return, Joseph, as the Egyptian viceroy, promised to release their imprisoned brother Simeon and grant them unhindered access to purchase grain and move freely within the land of Egypt. It sets the stage for a critical test of their character and a deep exploration of Jacob's heart concerning Benjamin.

Genesis 42 34 Context

Genesis chapter 42 opens with Jacob's sons going to Egypt to buy grain due to a severe famine. Unbeknownst to them, the powerful governor in charge of grain distribution is their brother Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery years prior. Joseph immediately recognizes them but chooses not to reveal himself. Instead, he orchestrates a complex test. He accuses them of being spies to ascertain their character and their family's well-being, particularly his youngest full brother, Benjamin, and his father, Jacob. The brothers protest, detailing their family structure, including their "youngest is with our father today, and one is no more." Joseph uses this information to establish his test, holding Simeon as a pledge until they return with Benjamin. This specific verse (Gen 42:34) is Joseph reiterating his condition to his brothers, emphasizing the key element of Benjamin's return as proof of their integrity and as the gateway to renewed access to grain and freedom for Simeon. The historical context is a widespread famine in the ancient Near East, making Egypt, with its vast grain stores managed by Joseph, the primary lifeline. Ancient Near Eastern legal and cultural practices often involved tests of character and demanding sureties, particularly in cross-cultural interactions. Joseph's actions, while seemingly harsh, are a strategic measure within this cultural framework to expose his brothers' true nature and prompt a necessary change of heart. There's an indirect polemic against pagan notions of capricious gods; here, a powerful figure acts with clear purpose and a moral aim.

Genesis 42 34 Word analysis

• and bring (biy'u, Hebrew: בִּיאוּ): From the root bo (בּוֹא), meaning "to come," or in the causative "to bring." It is an imperative, a direct command. It signifies Joseph's authority and the essential action required. The urgency implies the life-or-death situation of the famine.
• your youngest brother (ben qəṭannəḵem, Hebrew: בֶן־קְטַנְכֶם): "Son" (ben) combined with "youngest" (qaṭan), meaning "small" or "least." This precisely identifies Benjamin, Rachel's youngest son, Jacob's favorite after Joseph. This is Joseph's strategic demand to test his brothers' changed hearts towards their youngest, just as they had wronged him, the second youngest son of Rachel. It is a critical component of Joseph's divine plan for reconciliation and the preservation of his family.
• to me (’ēlāy, Hebrew: אֵלַי): A preposition meaning "to" or "towards." It emphasizes Joseph's personal demand and his central role in the brothers' plight and future. All hinges on Joseph's judgment.
• that I may know (wə’ēḏā‘, Hebrew: וְאֵדְעָה): From the verb yada (יָדַע), "to know." This is not just intellectual apprehension but a deeper, experiential knowledge or confirmation. Joseph seeks to perceive and verify their truthfulness through their actions, not merely their words. This 'knowing' is tied to his ongoing test of their transformation.
• that you are not spies (kî lō’ məraggəlîm ’attem, Hebrew: כִּי לֹא מְרַגְּלִים אַתֶּם): A direct denial of his initial accusation. Meraggelim (מְרַגְּלִים) means "spies" or "scouts." Joseph states the positive outcome he desires from their obedience to his command. This signifies their transition from being perceived as untrustworthy to being accepted.
• but honest men (kî kəšērîm ’attem, Hebrew: כִּי כְשֵׁרִים אַתֶּם): From kasher (כָּשֵׁר), meaning "right," "fit," "proper," or "successful." This term emphasizes moral uprightness and integrity. Joseph seeks moral rectitude and reliability, contrasting it with deception and treachery. It foreshadows the potential for true repentance and transformation.
• then I will deliver you (wə’eṯ ’ăḥîḵem ’eṯtēn lāḵem, Hebrew: וְאֶת־אֲחִיכֶם אֶתֵּן לָכֶם): Literally, "and your brother I will give to you." This refers to Simeon, who was held hostage. This is Joseph's direct promise of release upon their compliance. It links Benjamin's arrival to Simeon's freedom, raising the stakes significantly.
• your brother (’ăḥîḵem, Hebrew: אֲחִיכֶם): Refers to Simeon, held captive in Egypt. His fate is intertwined with Benjamin's arrival.
• and you may trade (ûḇā’āreṣ tisḥărû, Hebrew: וּבָאָרֶץ תִּסְחֲרוּ): From sachar (סָחַר), meaning "to trade," "to go about for merchandise," or "to traverse for trade." It indicates freedom of movement and commerce. This promises full reinstatement of trust and privilege. They will not merely get grain but can operate freely, symbolizing peace and full acceptance in Egypt.
• in the land (bā’āreṣ, Hebrew: בָאָרֶץ): Refers to the land of Egypt. Their complete access to Egypt is contingent upon meeting Joseph's condition.

Words-group analysis:

• "bring your youngest brother to me": This phrase encapsulates the heart of Joseph's test. It directly addresses the potential for the brothers to repeat their past sin of abandoning a beloved son (Joseph himself) and gauges their love and responsibility towards Jacob's welfare and the family unit.
• "that I may know that you are not spies but honest men": This outlines Joseph's objective: to determine the brothers' true character. It transitions from accusation to verification, linking Benjamin's presence directly to their moral standing and future trust.
• "then I will deliver your brother and you may trade in the land": This phrase presents the reward for fulfilling the condition. It offers immediate relief (Simeon's release) and long-term benefit (freedom to traverse and buy in Egypt), painting a picture of peace and stability as a result of truthfulness and obedience.

Genesis 42 34 Bonus section

This verse initiates a "proving" or testing period that is critical for the transformation of Jacob's sons. Joseph's demand forces the brothers, especially Judah, to confront their past sin and demonstrates a change in their collective conscience, leading to Judah's powerful intercession in Gen 44. It is a key step in Joseph's ultimate plan to reunite his family and reveal God's provident hand in preserving the lineage of Israel. The requirement to bring Benjamin also subtly pressures Jacob to confront his own favoritism and dependency, which previously caused much familial strife. The potential polemic aspect is that Joseph, despite holding immense power, uses it not for arbitrary oppression like a pagan deity, but with a specific, morally redemptive purpose, ultimately leading to forgiveness and reconciliation guided by divine will. This testing period reveals true colors, purifies intentions, and prepares the family for their destiny.

Genesis 42 34 Commentary

Genesis 42:34 is a pivotal command by Joseph, disguised as the Egyptian viceroy, to his ten brothers. It establishes the critical condition for resolving their immediate plight and securing their future in a time of severe famine. Joseph demands that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt, a move designed to test their character and to assess the emotional impact on Jacob. This test, born out of past betrayal, is multi-faceted: it probes whether they would sacrifice Benjamin as they had sacrificed Joseph, it gauges their truthfulness, and it ultimately aims to bring Jacob's entire family to Egypt. Joseph's promises – Simeon's release and freedom to trade – offer powerful incentives for compliance, highlighting the dire stakes. This verse thus functions as a crucial plot driver, setting the stage for Jacob's agonizing decision and Judah's redemptive promise, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in moving His people according to His greater purposes for their preservation and the establishment of Israel.