When they came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them. They said, “The man who is lord over the land spoke harshly to us and treated us as though we were spying on the land. But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we are not spies. We were twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in Canaan.’ “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. 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.’ ” 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 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!” 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.” 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.”
Read Genesis 42
Listen to Genesis 42
Share
Compare All Versions: Genesis 42:29-38
5 days
The Essential 100® Bible Challenge is a simple tool to read through the Big Story of God's Word. The reading plan is based on 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament passages. Continue with the third part "The Story of Joseph." ®Produced by American Bible Society in partnership with Scripture Union, Inc.
7 Days
Have you ever wondered about your purpose in this life? Some seek their so-called destiny for a lifetime and never find it, while others seem to embrace a calling in which they find fulfillment.
11 Days
In this 11-day plan, you will study Genesis 37-50 which will take you through the life of Jacob and his 12 sons who later became the 12 tribes of Israel. These chapters highlight the life of one of those sons, Joseph, and his journey of hardship and forgiveness. We hope you’ll learn the importance of trusting God through difficult times and learning to forgive those who hurt or disappoint you.
Welcome to The Furnace of Leadership—a journey through the life of Joseph, whose path to purpose was paved with rejection, betrayal, delays, and detours. He didn’t rise through ease but through pits and prisons—and God was in every moment. If you’ve ever wondered why leadership costs so much, Joseph’s story is for you. Through his life, we’ll see how God shapes leaders not in spite of pain but through it. In the heat of hardship, He forges strength, character, and deep trust. And in His hands, not even your ache is wasted. Let’s walk this refining journey together.
Save verses, read offline, watch teaching clips, and more!
Home
Bible
Plans
Videos
Bible App
Bible App for Kids
