Genesis 42:10

KJV

And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559} unto him, Nay, my lord {H113}, but to buy {H7666} food {H400} are thy servants {H5650} come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"No, my lord,"they replied, "your servants have come to buy food.

Berean Standard Bible

“Not so, my lord,” they replied. “Your servants have come to buy food.

American Standard Version

And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In [Genesis 42:10](/genesis/42-10 "The brothers respond to Joseph's accusation"), Joseph's brothers, standing before the powerful governor of Egypt whom they do not recognize as their own brother, vehemently deny his accusation that they are spies. Their urgent and respectful plea, "Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come," underscores their desperate situation and highlights the unfolding drama of God's sovereign plan within the Joseph narrative.

### CONTEXT
This verse is a pivotal moment in the unfolding story of Joseph and his brothers. A severe famine has gripped the land of Canaan, compelling [Jacob's ten elder sons to travel to Egypt](/genesis/42-1 "Jacob sends his sons to Egypt for food"), where they hear grain is available. Upon their arrival, they bow before Joseph, who instantly recognizes them but chooses to conceal his identity. Remembering [his prophetic dreams from his youth](/genesis/37-5 "Joseph's dreams of his family bowing"), Joseph tests his brothers by [accusing them of being spies](/genesis/42-9 "Joseph accuses his brothers of being spies") sent to discover the land's weaknesses. Their response in this verse is an earnest denial, emphasizing their sole purpose: to purchase sustenance for their starving families back home.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The brothers' emphatic declaration, "Nay, my lord," serves as an immediate and strong refutation of Joseph's serious accusation. The term "my lord" (Hebrew: אֲדֹנִי, **adonai**) is a highly respectful form of address, acknowledging Joseph's elevated position and authority as the governor of Egypt. This is particularly significant given that these are the same brothers who once scorned Joseph and refused to acknowledge his youthful dreams of superiority. Their current posture of humility and respectful address speaks volumes about the reversal of their fortunes and Joseph's elevated status, fulfilling aspects of his earlier dreams. Their subsequent statement, "but to buy food are thy servants come," clearly articulates their singular, desperate purpose. Their families are starving, and their very survival depends on acquiring food. This direct and earnest plea underscores the critical nature of their mission and their complete dependence on Joseph's mercy, even though they are unaware of his true identity. Joseph's actions, while seemingly harsh, are part of a divine test designed to bring his brothers to repentance and prepare them for future reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence:** This encounter, though filled with tension and misunderstanding, is a clear demonstration of God's overarching plan. He orchestrated events, including [the famine that spread across the earth](/genesis/41-56 "The famine spreads over all the earth"), to bring Joseph's brothers to him, ultimately leading to the preservation of Jacob's family and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
* **Humility and Subservience:** The brothers' address "my lord" signifies their complete submission to Joseph's authority, a stark contrast to their former arrogance towards their younger brother. This forced humility is a necessary step in their spiritual transformation.
* **Testing and Redemption:** Joseph's seemingly harsh actions are part of a divine test designed to bring his brothers to repentance and prepare them for future reconciliation, as seen later when [Joseph reveals himself to his brothers](/genesis/45-4 "Joseph reveals himself to his brothers"). This process reveals God's patient work in bringing about true change and restoration.
* **Desperation and Dependence:** The brothers' immediate and emphatic denial highlights the critical nature of their mission. Their families are starving, and their very survival depends on acquiring food, illustrating humanity's dependence on divine provision.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Joseph and his brothers, encapsulated in moments like this verse, offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even through famine, false accusations, and family estrangement, God is meticulously working out His plan for good. We are encouraged to trust that God can use challenging circumstances to accomplish His purposes and bring about ultimate restoration. The story also emphasizes the process of facing past wrongs, even if unknowingly, and the humility required for true reconciliation, as Joseph's testing ultimately led his brothers to confront [their guilt regarding him](/genesis/42-21 "Joseph's brothers confess their guilt").

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph accuse his brothers of being spies?**

Answer: Joseph accused his brothers of being spies as a test. He recognized them immediately, but they did not recognize him. This accusation served multiple purposes: it allowed him to assess their character and repentance, to bring Benjamin to Egypt, and to orchestrate events that would ultimately lead to their full reconciliation and the preservation of the entire family in Egypt, fulfilling his earlier prophetic dreams.

**What is the significance of the brothers addressing Joseph as "my lord"?**

Answer: The address "my lord" (Hebrew: *adonai*) signifies their complete submission and respect for Joseph's authority as the governor of Egypt. This is highly significant because these are the same brothers who once scorned Joseph and refused to acknowledge his youthful dreams of superiority. Their humble address demonstrates a dramatic reversal of their positions and a fulfillment of Joseph's prophetic dreams where his brothers would bow before him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's story, particularly his suffering, testing of his brothers, and ultimate role as a deliverer, serves as a profound type of Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was rejected by His own (John 1:11), endured suffering and false accusations, and was exalted to a position of ultimate authority (Philippians 2:9-11). Just as Joseph's brothers, unaware of his true identity, came to him in their desperation for sustenance and found salvation, so too do all people, in their spiritual famine, come to Christ, the true "Lord," finding in Him the ultimate provision and reconciliation with God. Joseph's testing of his brothers led to their repentance and the preservation of God's chosen family, prefiguring Christ's work in bringing humanity to repentance and securing eternal salvation for His spiritual family.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.