Genesis 42:18

18 Yosef said to them the third day, "Do this, and live, for I fear God.

Genesis 42:18 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:18

And Joseph said unto them the third day
His heart yearning towards them, though he put on such an appearance; finding they could not come to an agreement among themselves who should go on the errand, he thought fit to recede from his former order, and to give them another: this do, and live:
meaning what he was about to say to them, which if they punctually observed and performed, it would be the means of saving their lives: [for] I fear God;
and therefore would not do either an unjust or cruel thing. This might have given them an him who he was: but there being among the Gentiles, in all nations, some few that feared God, they took no further notice of it than this, that they might expect just and equitable dealings by him; since, though he was in such an high place, he knew and owned there was one higher than he, to whom he was accountable.

Genesis 42:18 In-Context

16 Send one of you, and let him get your brother, and you shall be bound, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you, or else by the life of Par`oh surely you are spies."

17 He put them all together into custody three days.

18 Yosef said to them the third day, "Do this, and live, for I fear God.

19 If you are honest men, then let one of your brothers be bound in your prison-house; but you go, carry grain for the famine of your houses.

20 Bring your youngest brother to me; so will your words be verified, and you won't die." They did so.