Genesis 42:20

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.

Complete Jewish Bible:

But bring your youngest brother to me. In this way your statements will be verified, and you won't die." So they did it.

Berean Standard Bible:

Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented.

American Standard Version:

and bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But bring^{H935} your youngest^{H6996} brother^{H251} unto me; so shall your words^{H1697} be verified^{H539}, and ye shall not die^{H4191}. And they did^{H6213} so.

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Commentary for Genesis 42:20

Genesis 42:20 is a part of the narrative involving Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis. The historical context of this verse is set during a severe famine in the ancient Near East. Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob (also known as Israel), had been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers years earlier and eventually rose to become a powerful figure in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, due to his ability to interpret dreams and manage resources effectively.

The themes present in this verse include:

1. **Family Dynamics and Reconciliation**: The tension between Joseph and his brothers is a central theme. Joseph's request for his youngest brother, Benjamin, to be brought to him is a pivotal moment in their complex relationship, setting the stage for their eventual reconciliation.

2. **Divine Providence**: The narrative suggests that God's plan is unfolding through these events, guiding Joseph's rise to power and the subsequent interactions with his brothers.

3. **Testing and Trust**: Joseph tests his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery. He wants to verify their words and actions to determine if they are trustworthy and whether they have any remorse for their past deeds.

4. **Famine and Provision**: The broader context includes the famine that affects both Egypt and the land of Canaan, where Jacob's family resides. Joseph's role in Egypt is crucial for the survival of his family and many others.

5. **Identity and Recognition**: The story explores the theme of hidden identity, as Joseph's brothers do not recognize him in his Egyptian attire and position of power.

In this verse, Joseph is leveraging his position to compel his brothers to bring Benjamin to Egypt, which will ultimately lead to a heartfelt reunion and the fulfillment of a larger divine plan that affects the future of the Israelite people. The brothers' compliance with Joseph's demand indicates their willingness to face the consequences of their past actions and their commitment to protecting their family, setting the stage for a powerful resolution to the family's estrangement.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H935
   There are 2307 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בּוֹא
   Transliteration: bôwʼ
   Pronunciation: bo
   Description: a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications); 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.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6996
   There are 100 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָטָן
   Transliteration: qâṭân
   Pronunciation: kaw-tawn'
   Description: or קָטֹן; from קוּט; abbreviated, i.e. diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance); least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est).
   
3. Strong's Number: H251
   There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָח
   Transliteration: ʼâch
   Pronunciation: awkh
   Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.
   
5. Strong's Number: H539
   There are 176 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַן
   Transliteration: ʼâman
   Pronunciation: aw-man'
   Description: a primitive root; (Isaiah 30:21; interchangeable with אָמַן, to go to the right hand); properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain; hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4191
   There are 694 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּת
   Transliteration: mûwth
   Pronunciation: mooth
   Description: a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise.
   
7. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.