Genesis 42:12
Genesis 42:12 in Multiple Translations
“No,” he told them. “You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.”
And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
And he said to them, No, but you have come to see how poor the land is.
“No! You've come to find our country's weaknesses!” he insisted.
But he saide vnto them, Nay, but yee are come to see the weakenes of the land.
and he saith unto them, 'No, but the nakedness of the land ye have come to see;'
He said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land!”
And he said to them, No, but to see the nakedness of the land have ye come.
And he answered them: It is otherwise: you are come to consider the unfenced parts of this land.
He said to them, “I do not believe you. You have come just to see whether we would be able to defend ourselves if we were attacked!”
Joseph said, “I don’t believe you. I reckon you came here to find out about our country, so that your people can attack us.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 42:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 42:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
אֲלֵ/הֶ֑ם
לֹ֕א
כִּֽי
עֶרְוַ֥ת
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
בָּאתֶ֥ם
לִ/רְאֽוֹת
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֑ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֹ֕א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
בָּאתֶ֥ם
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
לִ/רְאֽוֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 42:12
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֑ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לֹ֕א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.
Definition: 1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda 1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure) 1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour 1c) exposed, undefended (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness). See also: Genesis 9:22; Leviticus 20:11; Isaiah 20:4.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
בָּאתֶ֥ם
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לִ/רְאֽוֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 42:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph’s Brothers Sent to Egypt
10“Not so, my lord,” they replied. “Your servants have come to buy food.
11We are all sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies.”
12“No,” he told them. “You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.”
13But they answered, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more.” 14Then Joseph declared, “Just as I said, you are spies!Genesis 42:12 Summary
[In Genesis 42:12, Joseph accuses his brothers of being spies, which means he thinks they are trying to gather information about the land of Egypt to potentially harm it. This shows that Joseph is wise and cautious, but also that he is testing his brothers to see if they will tell the truth. As believers, we can learn from Joseph's example to be discerning and wise in our interactions with others, while also showing love and trust, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:7. We can apply this to our own lives by being careful about who we trust and how we respond to difficult situations, and by seeking to love and serve others even when it's hard.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph accuse the brothers of being spies in Genesis 42:12?
Joseph accused the brothers of being spies because he wanted to test their character and see if they would lie or tell the truth, as seen in their previous denials in Genesis 42:11, and also to protect the land of Egypt from potential threats, as stated in Genesis 42:12.
What did Joseph mean by saying the brothers came to see if the land was vulnerable?
Joseph meant that the brothers might be scouting out the land to see if it was weak or unprotected, which would be a common practice for spies, as mentioned in Numbers 13:17-20 where Moses sent spies to scout out the land of Canaan.
Is it okay to be suspicious of others like Joseph was in this verse?
While it's natural to have some level of caution when dealing with strangers, as a child of God, we are called to balance discernment with love and trust, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:7 where love believes all things and hopes all things.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph in the Bible?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it shows his wisdom and discernment in dealing with his brothers, and sets the stage for the eventual revelation of his identity and the reconciliation of his family, as seen in Genesis 45:1-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have been falsely accused or misunderstood, and how did I respond?
- How can I balance being cautious and discerning with showing love and trust to those around me, as Joseph did in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can test the character of those around me, without being manipulative or deceitful?
- How does this verse relate to my own experiences of being in a position of power or authority, and how can I use that power wisely?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:12
And he said unto them, nay,.... This argument will not do, I am not to be put off with such words as these; if you can produce no better proof of your being honest men than this, or give no better
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:12
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. Ye are spies , [ mªragªliym (H7270)] - ye are footing it; ye are traversing the country.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:12
Genesis 42:12 And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.Ver. 12. Nay, but to see the nakedness.] That is, the weakness, and where we may be best invaded; as Numbers 13:19. By this wile he gets out of them that which he much longed to hear of; his father and brother Benjamin’ s health and welfare.