This verse is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. Joseph, now a powerful official in Egypt, recognizes his brothers who come to buy grain during a famine. However, they don't recognize him. Suspicious, Joseph accuses them of being spies and sets them a test to prove their innocence.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"Bring your youngest brother to me." Joseph insists that the brothers must bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt as proof of their identity and to verify that they are indeed a family. Benjamin was Joseph's full brother and the only other son of Rachel. Joseph wants to see him and perhaps confirm the family story.
"Then I will know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men." Joseph says bringing Benjamin will convince him they are not spies trying to weaken Egypt. He believes honest men wouldn't lie about their family and would be willing to prove their integrity.
"So I will deliver your brother to you." If they bring Benjamin and he is satisfied with their explanation, Joseph promises to release the brother he has already imprisoned (Simeon) and allow them to return home with him.
"and you shall trade in the land." This is the final part of the deal. If they prove their honesty, Joseph will allow them to freely trade and buy grain in Egypt, which is crucial for their survival during the famine.
In summary, the verse is a conditional test set by Joseph to determine the honesty of his brothers and to see his younger brother Benjamin. It promises freedom and trade if they comply, but implies punishment if they fail to do so.
This verse is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. Joseph, now a powerful official in Egypt, recognizes his brothers who come to buy grain during a famine. However, they don't recognize him. Suspicious, Joseph accuses them of being spies and sets them a test to prove their innocence.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"Bring your youngest brother to me." Joseph insists that the brothers must bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt as proof of their identity and to verify that they are indeed a family. Benjamin was Joseph's full brother and the only other son of Rachel. Joseph wants to see him and perhaps confirm the family story.
"Then I will know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men." Joseph says bringing Benjamin will convince him they are not spies trying to weaken Egypt. He believes honest men wouldn't lie about their family and would be willing to prove their integrity.
"So I will deliver your brother to you." If they bring Benjamin and he is satisfied with their explanation, Joseph promises to release the brother he has already imprisoned (Simeon) and allow them to return home with him.
"and you shall trade in the land." This is the final part of the deal. If they prove their honesty, Joseph will allow them to freely trade and buy grain in Egypt, which is crucial for their survival during the famine.
In summary, the verse is a conditional test set by Joseph to determine the honesty of his brothers and to see his younger brother Benjamin. It promises freedom and trade if they comply, but implies punishment if they fail to do so.