Genesis 42:9
Genesis 42:9 in Multiple Translations
Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, “You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.”
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.
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.
Then the memory of his dreams about them came back to Joseph, and he said to them, You have come secretly to see how poor the land is.
Joseph thought back to the dreams he'd had about them, and told them, “No! You're spies! You've come to discover our country's weaknesses!”
And Ioseph remembred the dreames, which he dreamed of them) and he sayde vnto them, Ye are spies, and are come to see the weaknesse of the land.
and Joseph remembereth the dreams which he dreamed of them, and saith unto them, 'Ye [are] spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye have come.'
Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land.”
And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said to them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land have ye come.
And remembering the dreams, which formerly he had dreamed, he said to them: You are spies. You are come to view the weaker parts of the land.
And then Joseph remembered what he had dreamed about them many years previously. But he decided not to tell them yet that he was their younger brother. He said to them, “You are spies! You have come to find out whether we will be able to defend ourselves if you attack us!”
Then Joseph remembered those dreams that he had a long time before. Those dreams showed that one day, Joseph’s brothers will all bend down in front of him, to show him respect. Joseph kept on pretending that he didn’t know them. He said to his brothers, “I reckon you mob are lying to me. I reckon you are my enemies. You came here to find out about our country, so that your people can attack us.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 42:9
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 42:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּזְכֹּ֣ר
יוֹסֵ֔ף
אֵ֚ת
הַ/חֲלֹמ֔וֹת
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
חָלַ֖ם
לָ/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֲלֵ/הֶם֙
מְרַגְּלִ֣ים
אַתֶּ֔ם
לִ/רְא֛וֹת
אֶת
עֶרְוַ֥ת
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
בָּאתֶֽם
וַ/יִּזְכֹּ֣ר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹסֵ֔ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/חֲלֹמ֔וֹת
chălôwm
H2472
dream
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
חָלַ֖ם
châlam
H2492
be healthy
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶם֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מְרַגְּלִ֣ים
râgal
H7270
to spy
V-Piel
אַתֶּ֔ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
לִ/רְא֛וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֶרְוַ֥ת
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
בָּאתֶֽם
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 42:9
וַ/יִּזְכֹּ֣ר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
יוֹסֵ֔ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
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.
הַ/חֲלֹמ֔וֹת
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
חָלַ֖ם
châlam
H2492
"be healthy"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to dream, like in Genesis 37:5-10 where Joseph dreams about his future. It can also mean to recover or be in good health, as in Psalm 73:4.
Definition: 1) to be healthy, be strong 1a) (Qal) to be healthy 1b) (Hiphil) to restore to health
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) dream(-er), be in good liking, recover. See also: Genesis 28:12; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 126:1.
לָ/הֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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/הֶם֙
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.
מְרַגְּלִ֣ים
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.
אַתֶּ֔ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
לִ/רְא֛וֹת
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
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.
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.
בָּאתֶֽם
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 42:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 42:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 42:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 42:9
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 42:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 42:9
- Sermons on Genesis 42:9
Context — Joseph’s Brothers Sent to Egypt
7And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.”
8Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.
9Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, “You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.”
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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:5–9 | Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” “Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements. Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” |
| 2 | Exodus 32:35 | And the LORD sent a plague on the people because of what they had done with the calf that Aaron had made. |
| 3 | Joshua 2:1 | Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. |
| 4 | Joshua 6:23 | So the young spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother and brothers, and all who belonged to her. They brought out her whole family and settled them outside the camp of Israel. |
| 5 | Luke 20:20 | So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. |
| 6 | 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.’” |
| 7 | Hebrews 11:31 | By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 26:4 | David sent out spies to verify that Saul had arrived. |
| 9 | Numbers 13:2 | “Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each of their fathers’ tribes send one man who is a leader among them.” |
| 10 | Numbers 13:16–20 | These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua. When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he told them, “Go up through the Negev and into the hill country. See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many. Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous, and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) |
Genesis 42:9 Summary
In this verse, Joseph remembers his dreams about his brothers and uses that memory to test their intentions and character. He accuses them of being spies to see how they will react and to determine if they have changed since their past actions towards him. This shows that Joseph is still trying to understand God's plans and purposes for his life, as seen in Genesis 37:5-11 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's sovereignty and using his experiences to inform his decisions, Joseph is able to navigate this difficult situation and ultimately bring about a positive outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph accuse his brothers of being spies?
Joseph accused his brothers of being spies because he remembered his dreams about them, as recorded in Genesis 37:5-11, and he wanted to test their intentions and see if they had changed since their past actions towards him.
What was Joseph trying to accomplish by speaking harshly to his brothers?
By speaking harshly to his brothers, Joseph was trying to conceal his identity and see how they would react to adversity, as well as to test their character and determine if they were still the same people who had sold him into slavery, as seen in Genesis 37:23-28.
How did Joseph's dreams influence his actions in this verse?
Joseph's dreams, which he had many years earlier, as recorded in Genesis 37:5-11, influenced his actions in this verse by making him wary of his brothers' intentions and causing him to test them to see if they would bow down to him, as his dreams had foretold.
What can we learn from Joseph's example in this verse?
We can learn from Joseph's example in this verse that God is sovereign over all things, even our difficult circumstances, and that He can use them to bring about His plans and purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with difficult circumstances or unexpected challenges, and what can I learn from Joseph's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty over my life, even when things seem uncertain or unclear, as Joseph did in this verse?
- How can I use my experiences, both positive and negative, to inform my decisions and actions, as Joseph did when he remembered his dreams about his brothers?
- What are some ways that I can test the character and intentions of those around me, as Joseph did with his brothers in this verse?
- How can I balance wisdom and discernment with trust and faith in God's plans and purposes, as Joseph did in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:9
And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them,.... Their bowing and prostrating themselves before him brought to his remembrance his dreams of their sheaves making obeisance to his, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:9
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:9
This he saith, not because they were so, or he thought them to be so, but that he might search out the truth of their affair, speaking too much like a courtier or politician. The nakedness of the land, i.e. the weak parts of it, and where it may be best assaulted or surprised.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:9
Genesis 42:9 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.Ver. 9. And Joseph remembered the dreams.] Event is the best interpreter of divine oracles The disciples understood not many things at first that our Saviour said to them; as that. John 2:22; John 12:16 So John Baptist’ s preaching wrought not for some years after it was delivered, and then it did. The spouse either heard not, or heeded not that speech of her beloved, "Open unto me, my sister, my spouse," till some while after he was gone. Ye are spies.] This, Joseph speaks not, assertive, but tentative; not seriously, but by a covert counsel; not as himself thought, but as the Egyptians suspected; or not absolutely, but conditionally; "ye are spies," unless you prove what ye have spoken. Exploratores deputo homini merito mendacii vestri. - Aug.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 42:9
(9) Ye are spies.—This is the suspicion under which every traveller labours in the East; but in those days the whole Semitic race was especially looked upon in Egypt with distrust, and, as we saw in Genesis 12:15. a chain of fortresses had been built to protect the land from their incursions. Such an arrival, therefore, as that of Joseph’s brethren would be a matter of state, worthy of the attention of the highest officials; and probably they had themselves come prepared to be assailed with the accusation of having political objects in view in their visit. The nakedness of the land.—That is, its defenceless condition, from the want of fortresses and garrisons. Egypt was chiefly assailable on the side of Palestine, and was often at war with the Hittites there. So also the Hyksos, who subdued Egypt, were Semites from Palestine, and thus there was reason for looking closely at visitors from that quarter.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 42:9
Verse 9. Ye are spies] מרגלים אתם meraggelim attem, ye are footmen, trampers about, footpads, vagabonds, lying in wait for the property of others; persons who, under the pretence of wishing to buy corn, desire only to find out whether the land be so defenceless that the tribes to which ye belong (see Genesis 42:11) may attack it successfully, drive out the inhabitants, and settle in it themselves; or, having plundered it, retire to their deserts. This is a frequent custom among the Arabs to the present day. Thus Joseph spake roughly to them merely to cover that warmth of affection which he felt towards them; and that being thus brought, apparently, into straits and dangerous circumstances, their consciences might be awakened to reflect on and abhor their own wickedness.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 42:9
9. Ye are spies] The pretext for this sudden accusation lies in the constant exposure of the Egyptians, on their eastern border, to raids and attacks from nomad hordes of Asiatics. Joseph’s words are therefore quite natural. LXX κατάσκοποι, Lat. exploratores. the nakedness of the land] Referring not to the desolation produced by the famine (as Targum of Onkelos), but to the weak and unprotected parts of the frontier: so the Lat. infirmiora terrae: the LXX τὰἴχνητῆςχώρας = “the tracks (?) of the country,” is perplexing. Symm. τὰκρυπτά.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 42:9
9. Remembered the dreams — How strangely but clearly fulfilled! They had thought to put him out of their way, and said, “We shall see what will become of his dreams.” Genesis 37:20. Now, behold, what comes of his dreams!
Sermons on Genesis 42:9
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:7-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dreams of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph had two dreams where his family members, including his parents and brothers, bowed dow |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 37th chapter of the book of Genesis, which introduces the story of Joseph. The preacher explains that there is more emphasis on Joseph t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:12-39:10 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding Joseph's perspective in the story. He highlights Joseph's refusal to engage in wickedness, even though it may |
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Emblems From the Story of Joseph by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the life of Joseph as a profound example of faith and suffering, drawing parallels between Joseph's experiences and those of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes Josep |
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(Exodus) Exodus 32:15-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the golden calf from the Bible. The people of Israel, feeling abandoned by Moses, turned to idol worship and created a |
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Sermon on the Mount: Blesseded Meek by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the leadership of Moses and his strength in leading the Israelites out of slavery. The speaker emphasizes that Moses had to be strong in order |
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When Someone Decides to Pray by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's presence in times of spiritual crisis. It highlights the need to remove pride and false worship, and to earnestly |