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◄ Genesis 42:19►

New International Version
If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households.

New Living Translation
If you really are honest men, choose one of your brothers to remain in prison. The rest of you may go home with grain for your starving families.

English Standard Version
if you are honest men, let one of your brothers remain confined where you are in custody, and let the rest go and carry grain for the famine of your households,

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
If yebe truemen, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:

New King James Version
If youare honestmen, let one of your brothers be confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the famine of your houses.

New American Standard Bible
if you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined in your prison; but as forthe rest of you, go, carry grain for the famine of your households,

NASB 1995
if you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined in your prison; but as for the rest of you, go, carry grain for the famine of your households,

NASB 1977
if you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined in your prison; but as forthe rest of you, go, carry grain for the famine of your households,

Legacy Standard Bible
if you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined in your prison; but as forthe rest of you, go, bring grain for the famine of your households,

Amplified Bible
if you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined in your [place here in] prison; but as forthe rest of you, go, carry grain for the famine in your households,

Christian Standard Bible
If you are honest, let one of you be confined to the guardhouse, while the rest of you go and take grain to relieve the hunger of your households.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If you are honest, let one of you be confined to the guardhouse, while the rest of you go and take grain to relieve the hunger of your households.

American Standard Version
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:

Contemporary English Version
If you are honest men, one of you must stay here in jail, and the rest of you can take the grain back to your starving families.

English Revised Version
if ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in your prison house; but go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If you are honest men, you will let one of your brothers stay here in prison. The rest of you will go and take grain back to your starving families.

Good News Translation
To prove that you are honest, one of you will stay in the prison where you have been kept; the rest of you may go and take back to your starving families the grain that you have bought.

International Standard Version
If you're honest men, leave one of your brothers here in custody, then the rest of you can leave and take some grain with you to alleviate the famine that's affecting your households.

NET Bible
If you are honest men, leave one of your brothers confined here in prison while the rest of you go and take grain back for your hungry families.

New Heart English Bible
If you are honest, then let one of your brothers remain confined in your prison; but you go and carry grain for the hunger of your households.

Webster's Bible Translation
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:

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
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.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
If you [are] right men, let one of your brothers be bound in the house of your confinement, and you, go, carry in grain [for] the famine of your houses,

Young's Literal Translation
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,

Smith's Literal Translation
If ye true, one of your brethren shall be bound in the house of your guard, and ye yourselves go carry the selling for the famine of your houses.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If you are peaceful, let one of your brothers be bound in prison. Then you may go away and carry the grain that you have bought to your houses.

New American Bible
If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined in this prison, while the rest of you go and take home grain for your starving families.

New Revised Standard Version
if you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here where you are imprisoned. The rest of you shall go and carry grain for the famine of your households,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
If you are pious men, let one of your brothers be bound in your prison; and the rest of you, go and carry grain for the famished who are in your household;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
If you are just, your one brother will be bound in your prison house, and you go bring out grain to the hungry that are in your house:

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
if ye be upright men, let one of your brethren be bound in your prison-house; but go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
If ye be peaceable, let one of your brethren be detained in prison; but go ye, and carry back the corn ye have purchased.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt
…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.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 44:33-34
Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers. / For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.”

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 45:1-5
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. / But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it. / 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. ...

Genesis 50:20
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

Exodus 1:8-11
Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” ...

Exodus 12:40-41
Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years. / At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt.

Acts 7:9-10
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Acts 7:13-14
On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. / Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all.

Hebrews 11:22
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.

Luke 6:36
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ...

Treasury of Scripture

If you be true men, let one of your brothers be bound in the house of your prison: go you, carry corn for the famine of your houses:

house.

Genesis 40:3
And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Josephwas bound.

Isaiah 42:7,22
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison,and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house…

Jeremiah 37:15
Wherefore the princes were wroth with Jeremiah, and smote him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe: for they had made that the prison.

carry corn.

Genesis 42:1,2,26
Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another? …

Genesis 41:56
And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

Genesis 43:1,2
And the faminewas sore in the land…

Jump to Previous

Bound Carry Confined Corn Families Famine Grain Honest House Households Houses Hunger Kept Needs Prison Prison-House Rest Right Starving True.Upright Ward

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Bound Carry Confined Corn Families Famine Grain Honest House Households Houses Hunger Kept Needs Prison Prison-House Rest Right Starving True.Upright Ward

Genesis 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.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

If you are honest,
This phrase challenges the integrity of Joseph's brothers. Honesty is a recurring biblical theme, emphasized in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16) and Proverbs (Proverbs 12:22). Joseph tests his brothers' truthfulness, reflecting God's desire for righteousness and integrity among His people.

leave one of your brothers in custody
Joseph's demand to leave a brother behind serves as a test of their sincerity and a parallel to his own experience of being sold into slavery. This act foreshadows the concept of substitutionary sacrifice, a theme fulfilled in Christ's atonement (Isaiah 53:5). It also highlights the importance of family unity and responsibility.

while the rest of you go
This instruction allows the brothers to return home, emphasizing the necessity of providing for their families. It reflects the biblical principle of stewardship and care for one's household, as seen in1 Timothy 5:8.

and take back grain
Grain was a staple food in ancient Egypt and Canaan, essential for survival. This reflects the historical context of the famine described inGenesis 41:54-57. The provision of grain symbolizes God's provision and sustenance, akin to the manna provided in the wilderness (Exodus 16).

to relieve the hunger of your households.
The famine's severity necessitates this action, underscoring the dire circumstances faced by Jacob's family. This situation parallels the spiritual hunger that only God can satisfy, as Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life" (John 6:35). The physical relief of hunger here points to the deeper spiritual nourishment found in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Joseph
- The governor of Egypt, who was once sold into slavery by his brothers. He is testing his brothers' honesty and integrity.

2.Joseph's Brothers
- The sons of Jacob who have come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. They are unaware that the governor is their brother Joseph.

3.Egypt
- The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain.

4.Prison
- The place where Joseph proposes to keep one brother as a test of the others' honesty.

5.Famine
- The severe shortage of food affecting the region, prompting Joseph's brothers to seek grain in Egypt.

Teaching Points

Integrity and Honesty
Joseph's test of his brothers highlights the importance of integrity. As believers, we are called to live honestly in all our dealings.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the brothers' past actions, God used the situation to fulfill His purposes. Trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem dire.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Joseph's account is a powerful example of forgiveness. We are encouraged to forgive those who have wronged us, following Joseph's example and Christ's command.

Provision in Times of Need
Just as Joseph provided for his family during the famine, God provides for us in our times of need. We should trust in His provision and care.

Testing and Growth
Trials and tests can lead to spiritual growth and maturity. Embrace them as opportunities for God to refine your character.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Genesis 42:19?

2.How does Genesis 42:19 demonstrate Joseph's wisdom in testing his brothers' honesty?

3.What does "one of you must bring your brother" reveal about accountability?

4.How can we apply Joseph's strategy in Genesis 42:19 to resolve conflicts today?

5.How does Genesis 42:19 connect to themes of repentance and reconciliation in Scripture?

6.What lessons on trust and integrity can we learn from Genesis 42:19?

7.How does Genesis 42:19 reflect God's justice and mercy in Joseph's story?

8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 42:19?

9.How does Genesis 42:19 illustrate the theme of repentance and forgiveness?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 42?

11.How do the events in Genesis 44 fit coherently with earlier chapters in Genesis, given the discrepancies in character motivations and the sudden moral tension introduced by Joseph's actions?

12.Why would the governor of Egypt personally handle these seemingly minor food transactions without delegation (Genesis 42:6)?

13.How could Joseph's brothers fail to recognize him after only about two decades (Genesis 42:7-8)?

14.How does the narrative reconcile with earlier promises of prosperity to Jacob's family (Genesis 28:10-15) when they face such dire circumstances (Genesis 42)?

What Does Genesis 42:19 Mean

If you are honest

– Joseph, still unrecognized by his brothers, places the entire encounter on the footing of honesty (Genesis 42:15-16).

– Scripture consistently links honesty with covenant faithfulness: “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:22); see alsoColossians 3:9.

– Joseph’s challenge exposes past deceit – their earlier lie about his own disappearance (Genesis 37:31-33). The test invites repentance and truthfulness.

– God often confronts His people with situations that bring concealed sin into the light (Joshua 7:19;Psalm 51:6).

leave one of your brothers in custody

– By detaining Simeon (Genesis 42:24), Joseph mirrors what they once did to him (Genesis 37:23-28) and measures their loyalty.

– Custody is both discipline and mercy: only one is held, not all. This foreshadows substitutionary themes later fulfilled when one suffers so others may go free (Isaiah 53:5;John 18:8-9).

– The brothers must now decide whether to abandon Simeon as they did Joseph, or return for him, demonstrating changed hearts.

while the rest of you go

– Joseph grants freedom to the majority, showing compassionate leadership rather than vengeance (Genesis 45:5-7).

– Allowing them to travel home keeps the covenant family alive, preserving the line through which God promised blessing (Genesis 12:3).

– His patience reflects God’s longsuffering toward sinners, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

and take back grain

– Joseph uses Egypt’s stores, prepared under God’s direction (Genesis 41:48-49, 56), to sustain those who once harmed him.

– This models returning good for evil (Romans 12:20-21) and prefigures Christ, who provides bread of life for those who rejected Him (John 6:35).

– Physical provision is tied to spiritual awakening; the brothers’ need for food opens the door to reconciliation.

to relieve the hunger of your households

– Joseph’s concern extends to the innocent family members back in Canaan – elderly Jacob, the children, the servants (Genesis 42:33).

– Scripture charges believers to care for their own: “If anyone does not provide for his own… he has denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8).

– God repeatedly supplies in famine (1 Kings 17:14-16;Psalm 37:19), underscoring His faithfulness to sustain His covenant people.

summary

Genesis 42:19 reveals a purposeful test: Joseph confronts his brothers with their past deceit, demands tangible proof of honesty, yet mercifully provides for their families. One brother’s detention exposes the others’ hearts; the journey home with grain keeps the covenant line alive. The verse blends justice, mercy, and providence, pointing ahead to the greater Substitute who suffers so His brethren may go free and be fed with living bread.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

If
אִם־(’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

you
אַתֶּ֔ם(’at·tem)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you

are honest,
כֵּנִ֣ים(kê·nîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3651:So -- thus

leave one
אֶחָ֔ד(’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, first

of your brothers in custody
יֵאָסֵ֖ר(yê·’ā·sêr)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 631:To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle

while the rest of you
וְאַתֶּם֙(wə·’at·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you

go
לְכ֣וּ(lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walk

and take back
הָבִ֔יאוּ(hā·ḇî·’ū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, go

grain
שֶׁ֖בֶר(še·ḇer)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7668:Corn, grain

to relieve the hunger
רַעֲב֥וֹן(ra·‘ă·ḇō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7459:Hunger, lack of food, famine

of your households.
בָּתֵּיכֶֽם׃(bāt·tê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1004:A house

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OT Law: Genesis 42:19 If you are honest men then let (Gen. Ge Gn)