But Joseph insisted, “As I said, you are spies! 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! 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.” So Joseph put them all in prison for three days. On the third day Joseph said to them, “I am a God-fearing man. If you do as I say, you will live. 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. 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. 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.” “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!” Of course, they didn’t know that Joseph understood them, for he had been speaking to them through an interpreter. 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. 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. So the brothers loaded their donkeys with the grain and headed for home.
Read Genesis 42
Listen to Genesis 42
Share
Compare All Versions: Genesis 42:14-26
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.
5 Days
The path to forgiveness is hard, and the journey to reconciliation is complicated. In this 5-day plan, Wendy Alsup will walk you through the story of Joseph in the Bible to help you move toward forgiveness with faith and hope in your relationships.
7 Days
We all experience highs and lows in life. Sometimes our circumstances are hard to understand, and it feels impossible to see through to the other side. But Jesus calls us to live a faithful life, even when it isn't easy. Joseph's story, as told in the Book of Genesis, holds many lessons that can help us make sense of where we are and learn to trust God in the ups and downs.
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.
Save verses, read offline, watch teaching clips, and more!
Home
Bible
Plans
Videos