Genesis 42:31
Genesis 42:31 in Multiple Translations
But we told him, ‘We are honest men, not spies.
And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies:
And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies:
And we said to him, We are true men, we have no evil designs;
“We told him, ‘We are honest men. We're not spies!
And we sayd vnto him, We are true men, and are no spies.
and we say unto him, We [are] right men, we have not been spies,
We said to him, ‘We are honest men. We are no spies.
And we said to him, We are true men; we are no spies:
And we answered him: We are peaceable men, and we mean no plot.
But we told him, ‘We are honest men! We are not spies.
But we said to him, ‘We are good men, and we don’t tell lies. We are not your enemies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 42:31
BAB
Word Study
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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 42:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/נֹּ֥אמֶר
אֵלָ֖י/ו
כֵּנִ֣ים
אֲנָ֑חְנוּ
לֹ֥א
הָיִ֖ינוּ
מְרַגְּלִֽים
וַ/נֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כֵּנִ֣ים
kên
H3651
right
Adj
אֲנָ֑חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הָיִ֖ינוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
מְרַגְּלִֽים
râgal
H7270
to spy
V-Piel
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 42:31
וַ/נֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
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.
אֵלָ֖י/ו
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.
כֵּנִ֣ים
kên
H3651
"right"
Adj
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.
אֲנָ֑חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
לֹ֥א
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.
הָיִ֖ינוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מְרַגְּלִֽים
râgal
H7270
"to spy"
V-Piel
This verb means to spy or explore a place, like Moses sending scouts to Canaan in Numbers 13:2. It can also mean to slander or gossip about someone, as warned against in Proverbs 11:13.
Definition: 1) to go on foot, spy out, foot it, go about, walk along, move the feet 1a) (Qal) to be a tale-bearer, slander, go about 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to slander 1b2) to go about as explorer, spy 1c) (Tiphel) to teach to walk Also means: tir.gal (תִּרְגַּל "to teach" H8637)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: backbite, search, slander, (e-) spy (out), teach to go, view. See also: Genesis 42:9; Joshua 6:25; Psalms 15:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 42:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph’s Brothers Return to Canaan
29When they reached their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they described to him all that had happened to them:
30“The man who is lord of the land spoke harshly to us and accused us of spying on the country.
31But we told him, ‘We are honest men, not spies.
32We are twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in the land of Canaan.’ 33Then the man who is lord of the land said to us, ‘This is how I will know whether you are honest: Leave one brother with me, take food to relieve the hunger of your households, and go.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 42:11 | We are all sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies.” |
Genesis 42:31 Summary
[In this verse, the brothers are trying to tell the truth and clear their names, which is something we can all relate to. They want the man who is lord of the land to know that they are honest and not spies, which shows the importance of honesty and integrity, as seen in Proverbs 10:9. This verse reminds us that our words and actions have consequences, and we should strive to be truthful and trustworthy, just like the brothers, and as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25. By being honest and transparent, we can build trust with others and reflect the character of God, who is a God of truth and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the brothers trying to convey to the man who is lord of the land?
The brothers were trying to convey their honesty and integrity, as seen in Genesis 42:31, where they claim to be 'honest men, not spies', which is reminiscent of the importance of honesty in Proverbs 10:9.
Why did the brothers feel the need to defend themselves?
The brothers felt the need to defend themselves because they were falsely accused of spying, as mentioned in Genesis 42:30, and they wanted to clear their names and establish trust with the man who is lord of the land, much like Joseph's experience in Genesis 39:11-12.
What can we learn from the brothers' response to the accusation?
We can learn the importance of standing up for ourselves and our integrity, as the brothers did in Genesis 42:31, while also trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of trust and honesty in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of trust and honesty, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as seen in verses like Psalm 37:3-4 and Matthew 5:33-37.
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, like the brothers, stand up for my integrity and honesty in the face of adversity, while still trusting in God's plan?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my honesty and trustworthiness to others, as the brothers tried to do in Genesis 42:31?
- How can I balance being honest and open with others, while also being wise and discerning about who I trust, as seen in Matthew 10:16-20?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:31
And we said unto him, we [are] true [men],.... Honest, upright men, not given to treacherous and treasonable practices, either in the country where they lived, or any other; they came to Egypt with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:31
And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:31
Genesis 42:31 And we said unto him, We [are] true [men]; we are no spies: Ver. 31. See Genesis 42:9; Genesis 42:11; Genesis 42:13; Genesis 42:19, &c