Genesis 42:15 - By this you shall be tested. By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go out from here, unless your youngest brother comes here.
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What does "Genesis 42:15" mean?
This verse is part of a larger story in Genesis 42 where Joseph, now a powerful official in Egypt, is dealing with his brothers who don't recognize him. Years before, they had sold him into slavery. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"By this you shall be tested.": Joseph is setting a condition to prove their honesty. He suspects they are spies and not really just a group of brothers.
"By the life of Pharaoh": This is a common oath in ancient Egypt. Invoking the Pharaoh's life was a serious matter, similar to swearing by a king. Joseph is emphasizing the seriousness of the test and the penalty for failing it.
"you shall not go out from here": Joseph is holding them prisoner. They will not be allowed to leave Egypt.
"unless your youngest brother comes here": This is the key condition. Joseph wants them to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to him in Egypt. This is likely for a few reasons:
To verify their story of having a family
To see Benjamin, who is his full brother (same mother), and whom he has not seen in many years.
Potentially to ensure their well-being and loyalty.
In essence, Joseph is using his power to force his brothers to prove their sincerity and bring Benjamin to Egypt. This is a crucial step in the unfolding narrative that eventually leads to Joseph revealing his true identity and reconciliation with his family. He wants to know if they are still as selfish and uncaring as they were when they sold him into slavery. Bringing Benjamin would prove that they are a family and that they care for one another.
Genesis 42:15 - By this you shall be tested. By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go out from here, unless your youngest brother comes here.
What does "Genesis 42:15" mean?
This verse is part of a larger story in Genesis 42 where Joseph, now a powerful official in Egypt, is dealing with his brothers who don't recognize him. Years before, they had sold him into slavery. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"By this you shall be tested.": Joseph is setting a condition to prove their honesty. He suspects they are spies and not really just a group of brothers.
"By the life of Pharaoh": This is a common oath in ancient Egypt. Invoking the Pharaoh's life was a serious matter, similar to swearing by a king. Joseph is emphasizing the seriousness of the test and the penalty for failing it.
"you shall not go out from here": Joseph is holding them prisoner. They will not be allowed to leave Egypt.
"unless your youngest brother comes here": This is the key condition. Joseph wants them to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to him in Egypt. This is likely for a few reasons:
To verify their story of having a family
To see Benjamin, who is his full brother (same mother), and whom he has not seen in many years.
Potentially to ensure their well-being and loyalty.
In essence, Joseph is using his power to force his brothers to prove their sincerity and bring Benjamin to Egypt. This is a crucial step in the unfolding narrative that eventually leads to Joseph revealing his true identity and reconciliation with his family. He wants to know if they are still as selfish and uncaring as they were when they sold him into slavery. Bringing Benjamin would prove that they are a family and that they care for one another.