This verse, Genesis 42:10, is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers. After Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt, he rose to a position of power there. A famine struck the land, including the land of Canaan where Joseph's family lived. Joseph's brothers, unaware that the powerful official in charge of grain distribution was their long-lost brother, traveled to Egypt to buy food.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"They said to him, “No, my lord...": "They" refers to Joseph's brothers, who were speaking to Joseph (though they didn't recognize him). They are being polite and respectful to this powerful official, addressing him as "my lord." They're denying some implied accusation or question Joseph has posed, suggesting that he suspected they had other motives for being there.
"...but your servants have come to buy food.": This is the brothers' explanation for their presence in Egypt. They claim they're simply there as "servants" (a humble term) to purchase food, emphasizing their need and lack of any ulterior motive. They are trying to establish their innocence and explain their journey in a way that won't arouse suspicion.
In essence, the verse shows the brothers attempting to appear harmless and honest to Joseph, unaware of his true identity and the significance of their past actions toward him.
This verse, Genesis 42:10, is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers. After Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt, he rose to a position of power there. A famine struck the land, including the land of Canaan where Joseph's family lived. Joseph's brothers, unaware that the powerful official in charge of grain distribution was their long-lost brother, traveled to Egypt to buy food.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"They said to him, “No, my lord...": "They" refers to Joseph's brothers, who were speaking to Joseph (though they didn't recognize him). They are being polite and respectful to this powerful official, addressing him as "my lord." They're denying some implied accusation or question Joseph has posed, suggesting that he suspected they had other motives for being there.
"...but your servants have come to buy food.": This is the brothers' explanation for their presence in Egypt. They claim they're simply there as "servants" (a humble term) to purchase food, emphasizing their need and lack of any ulterior motive. They are trying to establish their innocence and explain their journey in a way that won't arouse suspicion.
In essence, the verse shows the brothers attempting to appear harmless and honest to Joseph, unaware of his true identity and the significance of their past actions toward him.