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, Joseph's brothers, standing before the powerful Egyptian governor whom they do not recognize as their own sibling, 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 due to the widespread famine and highlights the unfolding drama of God's sovereign plan within the complex Joseph narrative, moving His chosen family towards preservation and reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point within the broader narrative of Joseph and his brothers, specifically following Joseph's initial, seemingly harsh accusation that they are spies. The preceding verses detail the brothers' journey from famine-stricken Canaan to Egypt, their bowing before Joseph (unbeknownst to them, fulfilling his youthful dreams), and Joseph's immediate recognition of them despite his concealed identity. Their response in [Genesis 42:10](/genesis/42-10 "The brothers respond to Joseph's accusation") is an earnest and desperate denial, setting the stage for Joseph's subsequent tests—imprisoning them, demanding Benjamin's presence, and planting the silver cup—all designed to gauge their character, repentance, and the extent of their transformation since they sold him into slavery. This exchange is pivotal, moving the plot from initial encounter to deeper engagement with Joseph's redemptive plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was highly susceptible to famine, making Egypt, with its Nile-fed agriculture and vast grain stores, a vital source of sustenance during such crises. The title "my lord" (`adonai`) was a common and essential form of respectful address for a superior or high-ranking official, demonstrating appropriate deference to authority, especially when seeking favor or mercy. Accusations of being a "spy" (מרגלים, *meraglim*) were extremely serious, carrying potential penalties of imprisonment or death, as spies could gather intelligence for invading armies or subversive activities. The brothers' immediate and emphatic denial reflects the gravity of the charge and their genuine fear, highlighting the cultural understanding of such an accusation and the desperate measures people would take to survive a famine.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the Joseph narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly random or adverse events—like the severe famine described in [Genesis 41:56](/genesis/41-56 "The famine spreads over all the earth")—to fulfill His purposes and preserve His covenant people. The brothers' forced humility and respectful address to Joseph underscore the theme of **Reversal of Fortune** and **Humility**, contrasting sharply with their earlier arrogance and cruelty towards their younger brother. Furthermore, Joseph's actions, including this accusation, initiate a period of **Testing and Redemption**, designed to bring his brothers to repentance and prepare them for a profound reconciliation, a process that culminates powerfully when [Joseph reveals his identity](/genesis/45-4 "Joseph reveals himself to his brothers") and offers forgiveness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From an unused root meaning "to rule," this term signifies a sovereign, controller, master, or owner, applicable to both human and divine authority. In this context, the brothers' use of "my lord" (אֲדֹנִי, *adonai*) is a profound acknowledgment of Joseph's elevated position and authority as the governor of Egypt, a stark contrast to their past disdain for his claims of superiority.
* **food (Hebrew, _ʼôkel'_):** Derived from the root "to eat," this word broadly refers to sustenance, meal, meat, or victuals. Its presence in the brothers' plea highlights the dire circumstances of the famine and the fundamental, life-sustaining purpose of their journey. Their singular focus on acquiring "food" underscores their vulnerability and dependence.
* **servants (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From the root "to serve" or "to work," this term denotes a servant, bondman, or bond-servant. The brothers' self-identification as "thy servants" further emphasizes their posture of humility, subservience, and dependence before Joseph, aligning with the fulfillment of Joseph's dreams where his family would bow before him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto him, Nay, my lord,"**: This opening clause captures the immediate and emphatic denial by Joseph's brothers. The "Nay" (לֹא, *lo*) is a strong negation, reflecting their genuine fear and desperation in the face of a life-threatening accusation. The respectful address "my lord" (אֲדֹנִי, *adonai*) is highly significant, indicating their complete submission and deference to the powerful Egyptian official. This form of address, from those who once scorned Joseph, subtly foreshadows the fulfillment of Joseph's prophetic dreams where his family would bow before him.
* **"but to buy food"**: This phrase succinctly states the singular, urgent purpose of their journey. It emphasizes the severity of the famine in Canaan and their families' desperate need for sustenance. The act of "buying" (שָׁבַר, *shabar*, to deal in grain) highlights the economic necessity driving their hazardous trip to a foreign land. Their focus is solely on survival, contrasting sharply with Joseph's hidden agenda of testing and reconciliation.
* **"are thy servants come."**: This concluding clause reiterates their identity and their mission. By referring to themselves as "thy servants" (עֲבָדֶיךָ, *avadeykha*), they reinforce their humble posture and dependence on Joseph's authority and mercy. Their "coming" (בּוֹא, *bo*, to go or come) is presented as a direct consequence of their need, underscoring their vulnerability and the truth of their intentions, even as Joseph continues his elaborate test.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and dramatic impact. **Irony** is profoundly present, as the brothers, in their desperate plea to "my lord," are unknowingly bowing before the very brother they betrayed and sold into slavery. This situational irony heightens the dramatic tension and underscores the reversal of fortunes. There is also **Dramatic Foreshadowing**, as the brothers' humble posture and address implicitly point towards the eventual fulfillment of Joseph's prophetic dreams from [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Joseph's Dreams and His Brothers' Jealousy"), where his family would bow before him. Finally, **Contrast** is evident between the brothers' current deference and their past arrogance and cruelty towards Joseph, highlighting their changed circumstances and the long process of their transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in the Joseph narrative serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous and unwavering **Divine Providence**. Even amidst human betrayal, famine, and misunderstanding, God is actively orchestrating events to bring about His perfect will, preserving His covenant people and fulfilling His ancient promises. The brothers' desperate journey and their unwitting encounter with Joseph are not coincidental but divinely appointed steps towards the salvation of Jacob's household and the eventual growth of the nation of Israel. This intricate tapestry of events reveals God's sovereignty over all circumstances, demonstrating His ability to use even human sin and suffering for redemptive purposes.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's declaration of God's purpose")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good")
* [Psalm 105:16-17](/psalms/105-16-17 "God calls for a famine and sends Joseph ahead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Genesis 42:10 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God's sovereign hand is at work even in our most confusing, desperate, or seemingly unjust circumstances. Just as Joseph's brothers, in their ignorance and need, were brought before the one who could save them, we too are often led through trials that, unbeknownst to us, are part of God's larger, redemptive plan. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on God, recognizing His ultimate authority and provision, even when His methods seem harsh or unclear. It challenges us to trust that God can use challenging circumstances—whether personal "famines" or relational "accusations"—to accomplish His purposes, bring about transformation, and lead us to deeper reconciliation, both with Him and with others. The brothers' eventual confession of their guilt regarding Joseph in [Genesis 42:21](/genesis/42-21 "Joseph's brothers confess their guilt") highlights the process of confronting past wrongs and the humility required for true spiritual and relational restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge your understanding of God's providence in difficult or confusing life circumstances?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly negative situations in your life to bring about a greater good or to reveal hidden truths?**
* **What does the brothers' posture of humility and dependence teach us about approaching God in our own times of need?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Joseph accused his brothers of being spies as a strategic test, not out of genuine belief or malice. He recognized them immediately, but they did not recognize him. This accusation served multiple purposes: it allowed him to assess their character, particularly whether they had repented of their past cruelty towards him; it created a situation that would compel them to bring Benjamin to Egypt, thus ensuring the safety of his full brother; and it orchestrated a series of events that would ultimately lead to their full reconciliation and the preservation of the entire family in Egypt, thereby fulfilling his earlier prophetic dreams of his family bowing before him, as seen in [Genesis 37:5-10](/genesis/37-5-10 "Joseph's dreams").

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

Answer: The address "my lord" (Hebrew: *adonai*) is profoundly significant. It signifies their complete submission, respect, and acknowledgment of Joseph's supreme authority as the governor of Egypt. This is a dramatic and ironic reversal of their positions, as these are the same brothers who once scorned Joseph's youthful dreams of superiority and refused to acknowledge any authority he might have. Their humble address demonstrates a powerful fulfillment of Joseph's prophetic dreams (e.g., [Genesis 37:7](/genesis/37-7 "Joseph's dream of his brothers' sheaves bowing")), where his brothers' sheaves bowed down to his sheaf, symbolizing their future submission to him. It highlights their desperate need and their complete dependence on Joseph's mercy, even though they remain unaware of his true identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, particularly his suffering, his testing of his brothers, and his ultimate role as a deliverer, serves as a profound and multifaceted type of Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was rejected by His own people, as highlighted in [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him"). He endured immense suffering, false accusations, and betrayal, yet He was ultimately exalted to a position of supreme authority and power, as affirmed in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name"). Just as Joseph's brothers, unaware of his true identity, came to him in their desperation for physical sustenance and found salvation from famine, so too do all people, in their spiritual famine and sin, come to Christ, the true "Lord" and "master." In Him, they find the ultimate provision for their souls and reconciliation with God, as declared in [2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ"). Joseph's rigorous testing of his brothers led them to a place of repentance and ultimately secured the preservation of God's chosen family, powerfully prefiguring Christ's work in bringing humanity to repentance and securing eternal salvation for His spiritual family, the Church, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, as described in [Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us").

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.

Cross-References

Genesis 37:8

And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

1 Samuel 26:17

And Saul knew David's voice, and said, [Is] this thy voice, my son David? And David said, [It is] my voice, my lord, O king.

Genesis 44:9

With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen.

Genesis 27:37

And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?

Genesis 27:29

Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed [be] every one that curseth thee, and blessed [be] he that blesseth thee.

1 Kings 18:7

And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, [Art] thou that my lord Elijah?