Genesis 42:19
If 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.
If you are honest
This phrase challenges the integrity of Joseph's brothers. The Hebrew word for "honest" is "כֵּנִים" (kenim), which implies being truthful or upright. Joseph tests his brothers' honesty, a significant theme in the narrative, as it contrasts with their past deceit when they sold him into slavery. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for their moral and spiritual growth, encouraging readers to reflect on the importance of truthfulness in their own lives.

let one of your brothers stay here in prison
The Hebrew word for "prison" is "בֵּית הַסֹּהַר" (beit hasohar), which literally means "house of confinement." This phrase indicates a test of loyalty and sacrifice among the brothers. Joseph's demand serves as a mirror to their past actions, where they left him in a pit. It is a call for repentance and reconciliation, highlighting the biblical theme of justice and mercy. The act of leaving one brother behind also foreshadows the eventual redemption and unity of the family.

while the rest of you go
This part of the verse emphasizes action and responsibility. The brothers are given a task that requires them to prove their integrity. The Hebrew verb "לֵכוּ" (lechu) means "go," suggesting movement and purpose. This directive is a test of their commitment to their family and their willingness to rectify past wrongs. It serves as a reminder of the Christian call to act justly and love mercy, as seen in Micah 6:8.

and take grain back
The word "grain" in Hebrew is "שֶׁבֶר" (shever), which can also mean "provision" or "sustenance." This phrase underscores the physical and spiritual nourishment that is central to the story. The grain symbolizes God's provision and the sustenance needed for survival. It also represents the hope and restoration that comes through reconciliation and forgiveness, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.

to relieve the hunger of your households
The Hebrew word for "hunger" is "רָעָב" (ra'av), indicating a severe famine. This phrase highlights the dire circumstances faced by Jacob's family and the broader context of God's providence. The brothers' mission to relieve their family's hunger is a metaphor for the spiritual hunger that can only be satisfied through reconciliation with God and others. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian duty to care for one's family and community, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
- The governor of Egypt, who was once sold into slavery by his brothers. He is testing his brothers' honesty and integrity.

2. Joseph's Brothers
- The sons of Jacob who have come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. They are unaware that the governor is their brother Joseph.

3. Egypt
- The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain.

4. Prison
- The place where Joseph proposes to keep one brother as a test of the others' honesty.

5. Famine
- The severe shortage of food affecting the region, prompting Joseph's brothers to seek grain in Egypt.
Teaching Points
Integrity and Honesty
Joseph's test of his brothers highlights the importance of integrity. As believers, we are called to live honestly in all our dealings.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the brothers' past actions, God used the situation to fulfill His purposes. Trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem dire.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Joseph's account is a powerful example of forgiveness. We are encouraged to forgive those who have wronged us, following Joseph's example and Christ's command.

Provision in Times of Need
Just as Joseph provided for his family during the famine, God provides for us in our times of need. We should trust in His provision and care.

Testing and Growth
Trials and tests can lead to spiritual growth and maturity. Embrace them as opportunities for God to refine your character.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's test of his brothers in Genesis 42:19 reflect the importance of honesty and integrity in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the account of Joseph and his brothers, and how can this encourage us in our personal trials?

3. How does Joseph's eventual forgiveness of his brothers challenge us to forgive those who have wronged us, and what other scriptures support this teaching?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's provision for his family during the famine, and how can we apply these lessons to our trust in God's provision?

5. How can the testing of Joseph's brothers be seen as a parallel to the spiritual tests we face, and what scriptures can we turn to for encouragement during these times?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37
The account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, which sets the stage for the events in Genesis 42.

Genesis 45
Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, showing the fulfillment of his earlier dreams and God's providence.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus' teaching on loving your enemies, which can be related to Joseph's eventual forgiveness of his brothers.

Romans 12:17-21
Paul's exhortation to overcome evil with good, reflecting Joseph's actions towards his brothers.

Hebrews 12:11
The concept of discipline and testing leading to righteousness, akin to Joseph's testing of his brothers.
Providence Working in Men's LivesDean Stanley.Genesis 42:3-20
The First Journey of Jacob's Brethren into EgyptT. H. Leale.Genesis 42:3-20
The First Journey of Joseph's Brethren into EgyptF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 42:3-20
The Retributions of ProvidenceA. P. Watson.Genesis 42:3-20
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 42:19-20
God's Trials of His PeopleR.A. Redford Genesis 42
People
Benjamin, Jacob, Joseph, Pharaoh, Reuben, Simeon
Places
Canaan, Egypt
Topics
Bound, Brethren, Brothers, Carry, Confined, Corn, Families, Famine, Grain, Honest, Households, Houses, Hunger, Kept, Needs, Prison, Prison-house, Rest, Starving, Stay, Upright, Ward
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 42:16-19

     5460   prison

Library
Corn in Egypt
Now, there are very few minds that can make parables. The fact is, I do not know of but one good allegory in the English language, and that is, the "Pilgrim's Progress in Parables, pictures, and analogies are not so easy as some think; most men can understand them, but few can create them. Happy for us who are ministers of Christ, we have no great trouble about this matter; we have not to make parables; they are made for us. I believe that Old Testament history has for one of its designs the furnishing
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may
St. Augustine—Against Lying

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8.
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
They shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 I proceed now to the second part of the text. A promise annexed. They shall be filled'. A Christian fighting with sin is not like one that beats the air' (1 Corinthians 9:26), and his hungering after righteousness is not like one that sucks in only air, Blessed are they that hunger, for they shall be filled.' Those that hunger after righteousness shall be filled. God never bids us seek him in vain' (Isaiah 45:19). Here is an honeycomb dropping into the mouths of
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Letter Xliv Concerning the Maccabees but to whom Written is Unknown.
Concerning the Maccabees But to Whom Written is Unknown. [69] He relies to the question why the Church has decreed a festival to the Maccabees alone of all the righteous under the ancient law. 1. Fulk, Abbot of Epernay, had already written to ask me the same question as your charity has addressed to your humble servant by Brother Hescelin. I have put off replying to him, being desirous to find, if possible, some statement in the Fathers about this which was asked, which I might send to him, rather
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Genesis 42:19 NIV
Genesis 42:19 NLT
Genesis 42:19 ESV
Genesis 42:19 NASB
Genesis 42:19 KJV

Genesis 42:19 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 42:18
Top of Page
Top of Page