Genesis 42:17

KJV

And he put them all together into ward three days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he put them all together {H622} into ward {H4929} three {H7969} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he put all of them together in prison for three days.

Berean Standard Bible

So Joseph imprisoned them for three days,

American Standard Version

And he put them all together into ward three days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In a pivotal moment of the Genesis narrative, Joseph, now the powerful governor of Egypt, strategically confined his estranged brothers to "ward" for three days. This calculated act, following his accusation of espionage, served as a crucial test of their character, truthfulness, and remorse. It compelled them towards profound self-reflection, initiating a process that would ultimately facilitate the unfolding of God's sovereign plan to preserve Jacob's family and fulfill Joseph's prophetic dreams.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 42:17 is situated within the dramatic reunion narrative of Joseph and his brothers. Immediately preceding this verse, Joseph has recognized his brothers, who have come to Egypt seeking grain during a severe famine, but he chooses to conceal his identity. Instead, he accuses them of being spies, a fabrication designed to test their integrity and extract information about his family. Verses 9-16 detail Joseph's accusations and the brothers' desperate attempts to prove their innocence by recounting their family situation, including the mention of their youngest brother, Benjamin, and their father, Jacob. Joseph's decision to imprison them for three days is the direct consequence of this interaction, setting the stage for the subsequent trials and revelations that will unfold in the following chapters, leading to their eventual reconciliation and the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt during a widespread famine, a common and devastating natural disaster in the ancient Near East, often interpreted as divine judgment or a test. The role of a vizier or governor, like Joseph, was one of immense power and authority, including control over food distribution and the justice system. Imprisonment, or being placed "into ward," was a common practice for those accused of crimes or held for interrogation. The three-day period, while seemingly arbitrary, often carried symbolic weight in ancient cultures, signifying a period of intense trial, transition, or preparation for a significant event. The cultural emphasis on family lineage and the preservation of the household (Jacob's concern for Benjamin and his own survival) are also critical undercurrents shaping the brothers' actions and Joseph's strategic maneuvering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, showcasing how God orchestrates human actions—even those born of past sin and present deception—to achieve His ultimate purposes, as Joseph later articulates in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Words to His Brothers - God Meant It for Good"). The imprisonment serves as a crucial moment of **Testing and Revelation**, forcing the brothers to confront their past sins and revealing their changed character, particularly their concern for Benjamin and their father. This period of distress also highlights the **Consequences of Sin and the Call to Repentance**, as their suffering in "ward" directly leads to their self-reproach regarding their treatment of Joseph (cf. [Genesis 42:21](/genesis/42-21 "Genesis 42:21 - The Brothers' Remorse")). Ultimately, it is a key step in the journey towards **Reconciliation and Preservation** of God's chosen family, preparing them for the move to Egypt and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **put them all together (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** From H622, a primitive root meaning "to gather for any purpose." This word implies a deliberate act of collection or assembly. In this context, it signifies Joseph's intentional action of gathering his brothers and placing them under a unified confinement. It suggests a purposeful, rather than haphazard, detention, emphasizing Joseph's control over the situation and his strategic intent to keep them as a group for the duration of their imprisonment.
* **ward (Hebrew, _mishmâr'_):** From H4929, meaning "a guard (the man, the post or the prison)." This term denotes a place of custody, imprisonment, or detention. It is not merely a waiting room but a secure facility where individuals are held under guard. The use of "ward" here underscores the seriousness of their situation, signifying that they were under strict surveillance and control, stripped of their freedom, and subject to Joseph's authority.
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, referring to a literal day (from sunrise to sunset, or sunset to sunset) or a defined space of time. The addition of "three" (H7969, _shâlôwsh_) to "days" makes the duration specific. The "three days" is a significant temporal marker in biblical narratives, often preceding a major turning point, a revelation, or a deliverance. It is a period of intense waiting, testing, and often, transformation, preparing the way for a new phase or outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he put them all together":** This phrase highlights Joseph's active agency and control. He is not merely reacting but deliberately orchestrating the events. The act of "putting them all together" emphasizes that they were confined as a collective unit, preventing individual escape and fostering a shared experience of their predicament. This collective confinement was crucial for their joint reflection and eventual confession.
* **"into ward":** This specifies the nature of their confinement—a place of custody or prison. It implies a loss of freedom, a state of vulnerability, and subjection to authority. This "ward" was a tangible manifestation of Joseph's power over them and the seriousness of the accusation he had leveled. It was designed to create an environment of pressure and introspection.
* **"three days":** The duration of their imprisonment is precisely stated. This period is not arbitrary; it serves multiple strategic and symbolic purposes. Practically, it allowed Joseph time to observe their reactions, assess their character, and formulate the next steps in his elaborate test. Theologically and symbolically, "three days" often signifies a period of intense trial, purification, and preparation for a significant divine act or revelation, as seen in other biblical narratives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is evident in the "three days," a recurring motif in biblical literature that often precedes a major turning point, a divine intervention, or a resurrection/deliverance (e.g., Jonah in the fish, Christ's resurrection). Here, it symbolizes a period of intense trial and preparation for the brothers' spiritual transformation and the unfolding of God's plan. There is profound **Irony** in Joseph, whom his brothers had imprisoned and sold into slavery, now being the one to imprison them. This reversal of fortunes underscores divine justice and the outworking of God's sovereignty. Furthermore, the entire scenario functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the deeper truths of sin, suffering, repentance, and eventual reconciliation that will define the rest of the Joseph narrative and, ultimately, God's redemptive plan for humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's act of imprisoning his brothers for three days is a profound theological statement on God's sovereign use of difficult circumstances to bring about His purposes. This period of "ward" was a divinely orchestrated crucible, designed not for punishment alone, but for a deeper work of grace. It forced the brothers into a position of helplessness and introspection, compelling them to confront their past sin against Joseph, as evidenced by their subsequent confession in [Genesis 42:21](/genesis/42-21 "The Brothers' Self-Reproach"). This intense pressure served to humble them, test their integrity, and prepare their hearts for the reconciliation that God intended. It highlights that God often uses trials and discomfort to expose sin, cultivate repentance, and shape His people for His greater redemptive plans, demonstrating His faithfulness even through human suffering and sin.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God Tests Israel in the Wilderness")
* [Hosea 6:2](/hosea/6-2 "Hosea 6:2 - Raised Up on the Third Day")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The experience of Joseph's brothers in "ward" offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as they endured a period of uncertainty, discomfort, and forced introspection, we too may encounter "ward" moments in our lives—periods of confinement, challenge, or waiting that feel restrictive. These are not necessarily punishments, but often divinely appointed opportunities for self-examination, where we can honestly assess our past actions and their impact, leading to genuine repentance and growth. Such times can cultivate patience, humility, and a deeper reliance on God, preparing us for future revelations, reconciliations, or new roles within His sovereign plan. The silence and isolation of these "ward" seasons can be fertile ground for spiritual maturity, allowing us to hear God's voice more clearly and align our hearts with His will. Ultimately, [Genesis 42:17](/genesis/42-17 "Genesis 42:17 - Joseph Imprisons His Brothers") reminds us that even in moments of apparent hardship, God's purposeful hand is at work, guiding events toward His intended outcome for those who are called according to His purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ward" moments have you experienced in your life, and how did God use them for your growth or revelation?**
* **How does the brothers' self-reproach in prison challenge you to consider unconfessed sin in your own life?**
* **In what ways can a period of waiting or confinement be a divinely appointed opportunity for deeper reflection and spiritual preparation?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph imprison his brothers for three days?**

Answer: Joseph imprisoned his brothers for three days as a strategic and multi-faceted test, not out of malice, but as part of God's providential plan. First, it was to test their honesty and character after he accused them of being spies. He needed to ascertain if they had truly changed from the cruel young men who sold him into slavery. Second, this period of intense pressure and anxiety was designed to force them into deep introspection, which directly led them to reflect on and confess their past sin against him, as recorded in [Genesis 42:21](/genesis/42-21 "The Brothers' Self-Reproach"). Third, the three-day period allowed Joseph sufficient time to observe their reactions, assess their current family situation (particularly regarding his father Jacob and full brother Benjamin), and formulate the next steps in his elaborate plan, which included demanding that they bring Benjamin to Egypt. This entire ordeal was a crucial step in God's larger providential plan to humble them, prepare them for genuine reconciliation, and ultimately preserve the family of Jacob, leading to their eventual settlement in Egypt and the growth of the nation of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, particularly his "three days" of testing his brothers, powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Joseph, though innocent of any wrongdoing against his family, suffered at the hands of his brothers, being sold into slavery and effectively "imprisoned" in a pit and then in Egypt. Yet, through his suffering and subsequent exaltation to power, he became the savior of his family, preserving them from famine and death. This mirrors Christ, the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who, though sinless, suffered immensely at the hands of humanity. Just as the brothers' three days in "ward" led to their conviction of sin and eventual reconciliation with Joseph, Christ's three days in the grave culminated in His glorious resurrection, offering humanity the ultimate reconciliation with God. His bodily resurrection [on the third day](/1_corinthians/15-4 "1 Corinthians 15:4 - Christ's Resurrection on the Third Day") broke the power of sin and death. Through His death and resurrection, Christ, like Joseph, became the means of salvation, not just for a family, but for all who believe, leading them from spiritual famine and condemnation to abundant life and eternal [reconciliation with the Father](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18 - The Ministry of Reconciliation"). The "ward" experience for the brothers was a necessary precursor to their freedom and restoration, just as Christ's "ward" in the tomb was the necessary precursor to our spiritual freedom and new life.

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 40:4

And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

Genesis 40:7

And he asked Pharaoh's officers that [were] with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye [so] sadly to day?

Genesis 41:10

Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, [both] me and the chief baker:

Acts 5:18

And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

Isaiah 24:22

And they shall be gathered together, [as] prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.

Psalms 119:65

¶ TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.

Leviticus 24:12

And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them.