Genesis 42:20
Genesis 42:20 in Multiple Translations
Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented.
But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.
and bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.
And come back to me with your youngest brother, so that your words may be seen to be true, and you will not be put to death. This is what you are to do.
But you must bring your youngest brother here to me to prove what you're saying is true. If not, you will all die.” They agreed to do this.
But bring your yonger brother vnto me, that your wordes may be tried, and that ye dye not: and they did so.
and your young brother ye bring unto me, and your words are established, and ye die not;' and they do so.
Bring your youngest brother to me; so will your words be verified, and you won’t die.” They did so.
But bring your youngest brother to me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.
And bring your youngest brother to me, that I may find your words to be true, and you may not die. They did as he had said.
But if you come back here again, you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that you can prove that what you told me is true, and as a result I will not have you executed.” So they agreed to do that.
Then get your youngest brother, and bring him here to me. Then I will know that you told me the true story, and I will not kill you.” So Joseph’s brothers agreed to do what he said. But they still didn’t know that he was their brother Joseph. They still thought he was an Egypt man.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 42:20
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 42:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
אֲחִי/כֶ֤ם
הַ/קָּטֹן֙
תָּבִ֣יאוּ
אֵלַ֔/י
וְ/יֵאָמְנ֥וּ
דִבְרֵי/כֶ֖ם
וְ/לֹ֣א
תָמ֑וּתוּ
וַ/יַּעֲשׂוּ
כֵֽן
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אֲחִי/כֶ֤ם
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
הַ/קָּטֹן֙
qâṭân
H6996
small
Art | Adj
תָּבִ֣יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/יֵאָמְנ֥וּ
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
דִבְרֵי/כֶ֖ם
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תָמ֑וּתוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וַ/יַּעֲשׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כֵֽן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 42:20
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲחִי/כֶ֤ם
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
הַ/קָּטֹן֙
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
תָּבִ֣יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-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.
אֵלַ֔/י
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.
וְ/יֵאָמְנ֥וּ
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
דִבְרֵי/כֶ֖ם
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
תָמ֑וּתוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וַ/יַּעֲשׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כֵֽן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
Study Notes — Genesis 42:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 42:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 42:20
- Sermons on Genesis 42:20
Context — Joseph’s Brothers Sent to Egypt
18and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live:
19If you are honest, leave one of your brothers in custody while the rest of you go and take back grain to relieve the hunger of your households.
20Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented.
21Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” 22And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 44:23 | But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’ |
| 2 | Genesis 43:5 | But if you will not send him, we will not go; for the man told us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’” |
| 3 | Genesis 42:34 | But bring your youngest brother back 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.’” |
| 4 | Genesis 42:15 | And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. |
| 5 | Genesis 6:22 | So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him. |
| 6 | John 2:5 | His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” |
| 7 | Genesis 42:26 | and they loaded the grain on their donkeys and departed. |
| 8 | Genesis 43:19 | So they approached Joseph’s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house. |
Genesis 42:20 Summary
[In this verse, Joseph is testing his brothers to see if they will tell the truth and be honest. He wants to know if they are trustworthy, and he is willing to put their lives at risk to find out, as stated in Genesis 42:20. This is similar to how God tests our hearts and motives, as mentioned in Proverbs 17:3. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence that He is working everything out for our good, even when we don't understand what is happening, as seen in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Joseph's request to bring the youngest brother to him?
Joseph's request is a test of the brothers' integrity and a way to verify their story, as seen in Genesis 42:20, and also to fulfill his desire to see his younger brother Benjamin, as mentioned in Genesis 42:15.
Why did the brothers consent to Joseph's request?
The brothers consented because they feared for their lives and wanted to avoid death, as stated in Genesis 42:20, and also because they were convinced by Joseph's words and the prospect of relieving the hunger of their households, as mentioned in Genesis 42:19.
What can we learn from Joseph's approach to dealing with his brothers?
We can learn that God is a God of justice and mercy, and that He often uses difficult circumstances to test our character and bring us to repentance, as seen in Genesis 42:18 and also in other Bible verses such as Romans 8:28.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty?
This verse shows how God is sovereignly working behind the scenes, using Joseph's circumstances to bring about the fulfillment of His plans, as mentioned in Genesis 45:5 and also in other Bible verses such as Psalm 103:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God may be testing my integrity or character in my current circumstances?
- How can I, like Joseph, use my experiences to glorify God and bring others to repentance?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty, even when I don't understand what He is doing?
- How can I balance the need to trust in God's sovereignty with the need to take responsibility for my actions and make wise decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:20
But bring your youngest brother unto me,.... Upon their return for more corn: so shall your words be verified; that they were true men, and had no ill design upon the land, but were come only to buy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:20
And he put them all together into ward three days. Put them all together into ward three days. Their confinement had been designed to bring them to salutary reflection.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:20
i.e. Resolved and promised to do so. Those things are oft said to be done in Scripture which were sincerely resolved upon, as hath been noted before.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:20
Genesis 42:20 But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.Ver. 20. But bring your youngest brother unto me.] So saith God to all his worshippers, See that you bring your hearts with you, whatever you leave behind you. And as David sent to Abner, "Thou shalt not see my face, except thou bring Michal, Saul’ s daughter": so here. The poor widow’ s heart’ s being put to her mite, gave it weight above the greater but heartless largesses of the Pharisees.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 42:20
(20) Bring your youngest brother.—Besides his desire to be re-united to his brother, Joseph reasonably felt that the possession of Benjamin would be the best means of inducing his father also to come to him. While substituting a much milder proposal for his former one, that nine should remain in prison, and the tenth go to fetch Benjamin, Joseph nevertheless takes care to make his brethren feel that he was in earnest.
Sermons on Genesis 42:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Worship of False Gods - Chuck Smith by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, Chuck Smith discusses the worship of false gods and how it is ingrained in human nature. He highlights the tendency of parents to praise their children for every li |
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The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the excessive focus on entertainment and pleasure in today's society. He emphasizes the negative impact of television, which he believes is d |
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(Genesis) Genesis 9:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of draining the blood from animals before consuming them, as it symbolizes the taking of life. The speaker also expresses his p |
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(Genesis) Genesis 6:17-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Noah and the flood from the Bible. He emphasizes that Noah did not have to go out and hunt the animals for the ark, but rather th |
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(Genesis) Genesis 6:13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the world and the challenges faced by those who stand for God. He emphasizes the need to protest and deny everything bef |
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Question and Answer - Part 2 (W/ Paul Washer) by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the portrayal of fathers in media and the unwritten rule that fathers are often depicted as idiots. He also mentions that Buddhists are often |
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Is Today Just Like the Days of Noah? by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the last days and the impending judgment. He emphasizes the need to stay ready and obedient to God's instruct |