Genesis 42:19
Genesis 42:19 in Multiple Translations
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 ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:
if ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in your prison-house; but go ye, carry grain for the famine of your houses:
If you are true men, let one of you be kept in prison, while you go and take grain for the needs of your families;
If you're truly honest, choose one of your brothers to stay here in prison. The rest of you can go back home with grain for your hungry families.
If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bounde in your prison house, and goe ye, carie foode for the famine of your houses:
if ye [are] right men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your ward, and ye, go, carry in corn [for] the famine of your houses,
If you are honest men, then let one of your brothers be bound in your prison; but you go, carry grain for the famine of your houses.
If ye are true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:
If you be peaceable men, let one of your brethren be bound in prison: and go ye your ways and carry the corn that you have bought, unto your houses.
If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, and the rest of you can take some grain back to your families who are very hungry because of the famine.
Then Joseph said to them, “You told me that you are good men, and you don’t tell lies. So listen, this is what you have to do. Pick one man from your mob, and I will keep that man here in jail. The rest of you mob, you can go back to your home country. You can take food with you, and you can give that food to your families, because they are really hungry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 42:19
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 42:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
כֵּנִ֣ים
אַתֶּ֔ם
אֲחִי/כֶ֣ם
אֶחָ֔ד
יֵאָסֵ֖ר
בְּ/בֵ֣ית
מִשְׁמַרְ/כֶ֑ם
וְ/אַתֶּם֙
לְכ֣וּ
הָבִ֔יאוּ
שֶׁ֖בֶר
רַעֲב֥וֹן
בָּתֵּי/כֶֽם
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
כֵּנִ֣ים
kên
H3651
right
Adj
אַתֶּ֔ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אֲחִי/כֶ֣ם
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
אֶחָ֔ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
יֵאָסֵ֖ר
ʼâçar
H631
to bind
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
מִשְׁמַרְ/כֶ֑ם
mishmâr
H4929
custody
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אַתֶּם֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
לְכ֣וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
הָבִ֔יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
שֶׁ֖בֶר
sheber
H7668
grain
N-ms
רַעֲב֥וֹן
rᵉʻâbôwn
H7459
famine
N-ms
בָּתֵּי/כֶֽם
bayith
H1004
place
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 42:19
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
כֵּנִ֣ים
kên
H3651
"right"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
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.
אֲחִי/כֶ֣ם
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אֶחָ֔ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
יֵאָסֵ֖ר
ʼâçar
H631
"to bind"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.
בְּ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִשְׁמַרְ/כֶ֑ם
mishmâr
H4929
"custody"
N-ms | Suff
Mishmar refers to a place of confinement or a guard. It can be a prison, guard post, or a watch, and is about keeping something or someone safe.
Definition: 1) place of confinement, prison, guard, jail, guard post, watch, observance 1a) jail, prison, guard-house 1b) guard, guard post, act of guarding 1c) observances
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 40:3; Nehemiah 4:16; Proverbs 4:23.
וְ/אַתֶּם֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | 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.
לְכ֣וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
הָבִ֔יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Impv-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.
שֶׁ֖בֶר
sheber
H7668
"grain"
N-ms
Grain or corn, like wheat or barley, is what this word refers to, as a food source in ancient Israel, broken into kernels for eating.
Definition: grain, corn (as foodstuff)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: corn, victuals. See also: Genesis 42:1; Genesis 43:2; Amos 8:5.
רַעֲב֥וֹן
rᵉʻâbôwn
H7459
"famine"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a severe lack of food, often used to describe a famine. It appears in the Bible to describe times of hunger and scarcity. In the KJV, it is translated as famine.
Definition: hunger, lack of food, famine
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: famine. See also: Genesis 42:19; Genesis 42:33; Psalms 37:19.
בָּתֵּי/כֶֽם
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — Genesis 42:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 42:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:19
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 42:19
- Sermons on Genesis 42:19
Context — Joseph’s Brothers Sent to Egypt
17So Joseph imprisoned them for three days,
18and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live:
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
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 45:23 | And he sent to his father the following: ten donkeys loaded with the best of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and provisions for his father’s journey. |
| 2 | Isaiah 42:7 | to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. |
| 3 | Genesis 40:3 | and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined. |
| 4 | Genesis 41:56 | When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. |
| 5 | Genesis 43:1–2 | Now the famine was still severe in the land. So when Jacob’s sons had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.” |
| 6 | Genesis 42:1–2 | When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?” “Look,” he added, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 37:15 | The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. |
| 8 | Isaiah 42:22 | But this is a people plundered and looted, all trapped in caves or imprisoned in dungeons. They have become plunder with no one to rescue them, and loot with no one to say, “Send them back!” |
| 9 | Genesis 42:26 | and they loaded the grain on their donkeys and departed. |
Genesis 42:19 Summary
In Genesis 42:19, Joseph is testing his brothers' honesty and integrity by asking them to leave one brother in custody while the rest go back to their families. This is a way for Joseph to see if they will tell the truth and take care of each other, just like God wants us to take care of each other (as seen in Galatians 6:2). Joseph's actions show us that God is in control, even when things seem difficult or confusing, and that He uses our experiences to help us grow and learn to trust Him (as seen in Romans 8:28). By trusting God and being honest with Him and with others, we can demonstrate our love and faithfulness, just like Joseph's brothers were called to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Joseph mean by 'If you are honest' in Genesis 42:19?
Joseph is testing the brothers' integrity, wanting to see if they will tell the truth about their family and their intentions, as he himself had been honest with his brothers about his dreams in Genesis 37:5-11.
Why does Joseph ask them to leave one brother in custody?
Joseph asks them to leave one brother in custody as a way to ensure their return, as well as to test their love and concern for one another, similar to how God tests our faith and trust in Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-3.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it sets in motion the events that will ultimately lead to the reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers, and the fulfillment of God's plan to provide for His people, as seen in Genesis 45:5-8 and Genesis 50:20.
What can we learn from Joseph's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Joseph's actions that God is sovereign and in control, even in difficult circumstances, and that He uses our experiences to test our faith and refine our character, as seen in Romans 8:28-30 and James 1:2-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has tested my faith and integrity in my own life, and how have I responded?
- How can I demonstrate my love and concern for my family and friends, just as Joseph's brothers were called to do in this verse?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty and provision, just as Joseph's brothers had to trust God's plan for their lives?
- How can I use my experiences, both difficult and joyful, to refine my character and grow in my faith, just as Joseph did in his journey?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 42:19
If ye [be] true [men],.... As you say you are: let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison; agree among yourselves which of you (for one of you must) remain in prison where you are:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 42:19
And he put them all together into ward three days. Put them all together into ward three days. Their confinement had been designed to bring them to salutary reflection.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 42:19
Your prison, in which you are now imprisoned, and are still like to be so, if you accept not this condition.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 42:19
Genesis 42:19 If ye [be] true [men], let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:Ver. 19. Let one of your brethren be bound.] By binding Simeon, he brought down Benjamin to himself. So doth God, by chastening our bodies, save our souls.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 42:19
19. let one of your brethren] Joseph’s previous sentence in Genesis 42:16, by which one brother should be sent back, while the remainder should be kept in prison, is here reversed. The three days’ interval had moderated Joseph’s threat and his first appearance of indignation. The change to a more generous treatment is part of his whole policy: see note on Genesis 42:6.
Sermons on Genesis 42:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Let Go and Let God by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the discovery of atomic power and energy, which poses a threat to civilization but also promises abundance for all. He highlights the simple |
|
Returning to God in Enemy Territory by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher invites the congregation to come forward and receive freedom and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that anyone who wants to be free from |
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Rev. 3:8. the Church's Little Strength, and the Lord's Great Love by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the tender love and gracious character of Christ as depicted in Revelation 3:8, where He acknowledges the Church's little strength while offering an open |
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The Blind Child by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of a mother whose child is declared blind, illustrating the deep sorrow and anguish that accompanies such a loss. He emphasizes that while physic |
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The Storehouses Opened by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the story of Joseph in Genesis, highlighting the various emotions and experiences depicted in Joseph's life that resonate with believers of all ages. He empha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 43:1-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dramatic section of the book of Genesis where Benjamin appears before Joseph. The famine in the land forces Jacob to send his sons back |
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Corn in Egypt by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying solely on the sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross for salvation. He encourages the listeners to believe in Jes |