Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version and bring your youngest brother to me. So your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And they did so. Berean Standard Bible Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented. Berean Literal Bible And you⁺ shall bring your⁺ youngest brother to me, and your⁺ words will be verified, and you⁺ shall not die.” And they did so. King James Bible But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. New King James Version And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And they did so. New American Standard Bible and bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified, and you will not die.” And they did so. NASB 1995 and bring your youngest brother to me, so your words may be verified, and you will not die.” And they did so. NASB 1977 and bring your youngest brother to me, so your words may be verified, and you will not die.” And they did so. Legacy Standard Bible and bring your youngest brother to me, so your words may be proven true, and you will not die.” And they did so. Amplified Bible but bring your youngest brother to me, so your words will be verified and you will not die.” And they did so. Berean Annotated Bible Then bring your⁺ youngest brother to me so that your⁺ words can be verified, that you may not die. And to this they consented. Christian Standard Bible Bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be confirmed; then you won’t die.” And they consented to this. Holman Christian Standard Bible Bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be confirmed; then you won’t die.” And they consented to this. American Standard Version and bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. Contemporary English Version But you must bring your youngest brother to me. Then I'll know that you are telling the truth, and you won't be put to death. Joseph's brothers agreed English Revised Version and bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. GOD'S WORD® Translation 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. Good News Translation Then you must bring your youngest brother to me. This will prove that you have been telling the truth, and I will not put you to death." They agreed to this International Standard Version Just be sure to bring your youngest brother back to me so what you've claimed can be verified. That way, you won't die." NET Bible But you must bring your youngest brother to me. Then your words will be verified and you will not die." They did as he said. New Heart English Bible But bring your youngest brother to me so that your words will be verified, and you won’t die. "To this they agreed. Webster's Bible Translation But bring your youngest brother to me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented. World English Bible Bring your youngest brother to me; so will your words be verified, and you won’t die.” They did so. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand you bring your young brother to me, and your words are established, and you do not die”; and they do so. Berean Literal Bible And you⁺ shall bring your⁺ youngest brother to me, and your⁺ words will be verified, and you⁺ shall not die.” And they did so. Young's Literal Translation and your young brother ye bring unto me, and your words are established, and ye die not;' and they do so. Smith's Literal Translation And ye shall bring your little brother to me, and your words shall be believed, and ye shall not die. And they will do so. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd bring your youngest brother to me, that I may find your words to be true, and you may not die. They did as he had said. Catholic Public Domain Version And bring your youngest brother to me, so that I may be able to test your words, and you may not die.” They did as he had said, New American Bible But you must bring me your youngest brother. Your words will thus be verified, and you will not die.” To this they agreed. New Revised Standard Version and bring your youngest brother to me. Thus your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And they agreed to do so. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut bring your youngest brother to me; so shall your words be verified, and you shall not die. And they did so. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And bring your little brother to me, and your words will be believed, and you shall not die”, and they did so. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die.' And they did so. Brenton Septuagint Translation And bring your younger brother to me, and your words shall be believed; but, if not, ye shall die. And they did so. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt…19If 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. 20Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented. 21Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.”… Cross References Then bring your youngest brother to me Genesis 44:23 But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’ Genesis 44:26 But we answered, ‘We cannot go down there unless our younger brother goes with us. So if our younger brother is not with us, we cannot see the man.’ Genesis 43:13 Take your brother as well, and return to the man at once. so that your words can be verified, Deuteronomy 19:15 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Matthew 18:16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” that you may not die.” Genesis 43:8 And Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me, and we will go at once, so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our children. Genesis 47:19 Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Purchase us and our land in exchange for food. Then we, along with our land, will be slaves to Pharaoh. Give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.” Psalm 118:17 I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. And to this they consented. Genesis 34:15 We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males. Exodus 19:8 And all the people answered together, “We will do everything that the LORD has spoken.” So Moses brought their words back to the LORD. Ezra 10:12 And the whole assembly responded in a loud voice: “Truly we must do as you say! Genesis 43:3-5 But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ / If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you. / But if you will not send him, we will not go; for the man told us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’” Genesis 37:21-22 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands. “Let us not take his life,” he said. / “Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this so that he could rescue Joseph from their hands and return him to his father. Genesis 37:26-28 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? / Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. / So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. Genesis 45:3-5 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence. / Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. Treasury of Scripture But bring your youngest brother to me; so shall your words be verified, and you shall not die. And they did so. bring. Genesis 42:15,34 Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither… Genesis 43:5,19 But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you… Genesis 44:23 And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more. And they. Genesis 42:26 And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence. Genesis 6:22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he. John 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. Jump to Previous Death Die Established Order Proceeded True. Verified Won't Words Young YoungestJump to Next Death Die Established Order Proceeded True. Verified Won't Words Young YoungestGenesis 42 1. Jacob sends his ten sons to buy grain in Egypt.16. They are imprisoned by Joseph as spies. 18. They are set at liberty, on condition to bring Benjamin. 21. They have remorse for Joseph. 24. Simeon is kept for a pledge. 25. They return with grain, and their money. 29. Their relation to Jacob. 36. Jacob refuses to send Benjamin. Then bring your youngest brother to me Joseph, now a powerful figure in Egypt, demands that his brothers bring Benjamin, their youngest brother, to him. This request tests the brothers' honesty and integrity, as Joseph seeks to verify their story. Benjamin, the only other son of Rachel, holds a special place in Jacob's heart, similar to Joseph. This demand also serves as a test of the brothers' repentance and change of heart since they sold Joseph into slavery. The request foreshadows the eventual reunion and reconciliation of the family. so that your words can be verified that you may not die.” And to this they consented. Persons / Places / Events 1. Joseph- The governor of Egypt, who was once sold into slavery by his brothers. He is now in a position of power and is testing his brothers' integrity. 2. Joseph's Brothers - The sons of Jacob who have come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. They do not recognize Joseph and are unaware of his true identity. 3. Benjamin - The youngest brother, who is not present with the others in Egypt. Joseph demands his presence as a test of their honesty. 4. Egypt - The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to seek food during the famine. 5. Famine - A severe shortage of food that has affected the entire region, prompting Joseph's brothers to travel to Egypt. Teaching Points Integrity and HonestyJoseph's demand for Benjamin is a test of his brothers' integrity. In our lives, we should strive to be honest and trustworthy in all our dealings. Reconciliation and Forgiveness Joseph's interactions with his brothers highlight the importance of reconciliation. We should seek to mend broken relationships and offer forgiveness. God's Sovereignty Despite the brothers' past actions, God uses the situation for good. We can trust that God is in control and can bring good out of difficult circumstances. Testing and Growth Just as Joseph tested his brothers, God may allow tests in our lives to refine our character and grow our faith. Family and Responsibility The brothers' responsibility to bring Benjamin reflects the importance of family and caring for one another. We should prioritize our family relationships and responsibilities. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 42:20?2. How does Genesis 42:20 demonstrate Joseph's wisdom in testing his brothers' honesty? 3. Why is bringing Benjamin important for proving the brothers' truthfulness in Genesis 42:20? 4. What does Genesis 42:20 teach about accountability and reconciliation in family relationships? 5. How can we apply the principle of accountability from Genesis 42:20 today? 6. How does Genesis 42:20 connect to themes of repentance and forgiveness in the Bible? 7. How does Genesis 42:20 reflect God's justice and mercy in Joseph's story? 8. What does Genesis 42:20 reveal about the importance of truth and accountability? 9. How does Genesis 42:20 demonstrate the theme of reconciliation in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 42? 11. Is there a reason for everything? 12. Can Christians experience depression? 13. Proverbs 2:8 promises God will protect His faithful--why, then, do many devout people face injustice or calamity? 14. Luke 14:26: Why does Jesus command followers to 'hate' their family, contradicting the biblical admonition to honor parents (Exodus 20:12)? What Does Genesis 42:20 Mean Then bring your youngest brother to me• Joseph, still unrecognized by his brothers, demands proof of their honesty by having Benjamin, the only remaining son of Rachel, appear in Egypt (Genesis 42:15; 42:34). • The command is literal: if they truly are “honest men” (42:11), their actions must match their words—an early biblical picture of faith demonstrated through obedience (James 2:17). • By insisting on Benjamin’s presence, Joseph also tests whether his brothers have changed since selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:28; cf. 1 John 3:18). so that your words can be verified • Verification requires evidence (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1). Joseph’s condition sets a tangible standard: truth must be proven, not merely asserted. • The brothers’ past deception of Jacob with Joseph’s blood-stained robe (Genesis 37:31–33) stands in stark contrast; now they face a righteous ruler demanding transparency (Proverbs 12:19). • Spiritually, the scene foreshadows the gospel call to repentance—confession accompanied by changed behavior (Luke 3:8). that you may not die. • The stakes are life and death, underscoring Joseph’s real authority in famine-stricken Egypt (Genesis 41:40). • Scripture consistently links truth with life and deceit with judgment (Proverbs 19:5; Acts 5:1–5). • Joseph’s warning anticipates later covenant language: obedience brings life, disobedience invites death (Deuteronomy 30:19). And to this they consented. • Facing starvation and the threat of execution, the brothers agree, marking an initial step toward repentance (Genesis 42:21–24). • Their consent sets in motion a journey that will expose guilt, elicit confession, and ultimately lead to reconciliation (Genesis 44:16; 45:1–15). • The pattern reflects how God uses trials to bring sinners to acknowledgment and restoration (Hebrews 12:6–11; 1 Peter 1:6–7). summary Genesis 42:20 records Joseph’s firm but redemptive test: “Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” By demanding Benjamin’s appearance, Joseph seeks concrete proof of honesty, confronts past sins, and places life-or-death urgency on integrity. The brothers’ consent opens the door to repentance and reconciliation, illustrating that God’s loving purpose often works through stern providence to expose falsehood, confirm truth, and ultimately preserve life. (20) Bring your youngest brother.--Besides his desire to be re-united to his brother, Joseph reasonably felt that the possession of Benjamin would be the best means of inducing his father also to come to him. While substituting a much milder proposal for his former one, that nine should remain in prison, and the tenth go to fetch Benjamin, Joseph nevertheless takes care to make his brethren feel that he was in earnest.Hebrew Thenוְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case bring תָּבִ֣יאוּ (tā·ḇî·’ū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go your youngest הַקָּטֹן֙ (haq·qā·ṭōn) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant brother אֲחִיכֶ֤ם (’ă·ḥî·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 251: A brother, ) to me אֵלַ֔י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to so that your words דִבְרֵיכֶ֖ם (ḏiḇ·rê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause can be verified, וְיֵאָמְנ֥וּ (wə·yê·’ā·mə·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 539: To confirm, support that you may not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no die.” תָמ֑וּתוּ (ṯā·mū·ṯū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 4191: To die, to kill And to this כֵֽן׃ (ḵên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus they consented. וַיַּעֲשׂוּ־ (way·ya·‘ă·śū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6213: To do, make Links Genesis 42:20 NIVGenesis 42:20 NLT Genesis 42:20 ESV Genesis 42:20 NASB Genesis 42:20 KJV Genesis 42:20 BibleApps.com Genesis 42:20 Biblia Paralela Genesis 42:20 Chinese Bible Genesis 42:20 French Bible Genesis 42:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 42:20 Bring your youngest brother to me (Gen. 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