Genesis 42:20

20 But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do.

Genesis 42:20 in Other Translations

20 But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.

20 and bring your youngest brother to me. So your words will be verified, and you shall not die." And they did so.

20 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.

20 But you have to bring your youngest brother back to me, confirming the truth of your speech - and not one of you will die." They agreed.

20 and bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.

20 But you must bring me your youngest brother. This will show that you've been telling the truth. Then you won't die." So they agreed.

20 Bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be confirmed; then you won't die." And they consented to this.

20 "But you must bring your youngest brother to me. That will prove that your words are true. Then you won't die." So they did what he said.

Genesis 42:20 Meaning and Commentary

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 corn: and ye shall not die;
as spies, which they were otherwise threatened with; and as it is customary in all nations to put such to death when found out: and they did so;
they left one of their brethren behind; they carried corn to their houses or families in Canaan, and brought their brother Benjamin with them when they returned to Egypt.

Genesis 42:20 In-Context

18 On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God:

19 If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households.

20 But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do.

21 They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.”

22 Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.”

Cross References

• 1. S ver 15; ver 15,34; Genesis 43:5; Genesis 44:23