Genesis 42:20

KJV

But 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)

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 42:20 captures Joseph's pivotal demand for his brothers to bring their youngest sibling, Benjamin, to Egypt as proof of their integrity, thereby verifying their claims and averting their death. This command, met with immediate and fearful obedience, was a strategic move by Joseph to test his brothers' character and set the stage for a profound family reconciliation, all orchestrated under God's sovereign hand.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Joseph, who, having risen to become Egypt's powerful governor ([Genesis 41:40](/genesis/41-40 "Joseph's Rise to Power")), encounters his ten older brothers who have traveled from Canaan to purchase grain during a severe famine. Unrecognized by them, Joseph conceals his identity, treating them harshly and accusing them of espionage. His demand to bring Benjamin, Jacob's most cherished son after Joseph, is a calculated test to ascertain if their hearts have changed since they cruelly sold him into slavery many years prior ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph Sold into Slavery")), revealing their current integrity and compassion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of Genesis 42:20, "But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so," encapsulates Joseph's calculated strategy and the brothers' immediate, fearful compliance. Joseph's primary objective was to test the veracity of his brothers' claims that they were "true men" with a living father and a younger brother at home. The phrase "so shall your words be verified" employs the Hebrew word נָכֹון (**nakhon**), meaning to be established, confirmed, or proven true. This signifies that their assertions would move from mere statements to undeniable facts, substantiated by the physical presence of Benjamin.

Joseph's ultimatum carried the weight of life and death, underscoring the severity of their predicament and the power he wielded. Their lives depended on their obedience to this seemingly arbitrary demand. For the brothers, this command would have stirred deep anxieties, forcing them to confront their father Jacob with the request to part with Benjamin, the last remaining son of Rachel, and a constant reminder of Joseph's presumed death. The simple, stark declaration "And they did so" highlights the immediate and absolute nature of their submission. Faced with the threat of death and the overwhelming authority of the Egyptian governor, they had no choice but to comply, setting in motion the next phase of Joseph's intricate plan for reconciliation and divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** Joseph's actions, though seemingly harsh, are part of God's overarching plan to preserve Jacob's family and fulfill Joseph's prophetic dreams ([Genesis 37:7](/genesis/37-7 "Joseph's Prophetic Dreams")). This intricate situation exemplifies divine providence, where God uses human actions and difficult circumstances to achieve His ultimate good ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose")).
* **Testing and Verification:** Joseph's command serves as a direct test of his brothers' honesty and character. It highlights God's use of trials to reveal the true condition of hearts and to bring about spiritual growth and transformation.
* **Consequences of Sin and Path to Redemption:** The brothers' fear and forced obedience are direct consequences of their past sin against Joseph. This situation initiates a painful but necessary process of repentance, self-reflection, and ultimately, the long-awaited reconciliation within the family.
* **The Importance of Integrity:** The demand for "verification" underscores the biblical emphasis on truthfulness and integrity, demonstrating that genuine character is proven by actions that align with one's words.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 42:20 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that even in confusing or challenging circumstances, God is often working behind the scenes to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Like Joseph's brothers, we are called to trust in God's unseen hand and His ultimate plan, even when the immediate events are difficult to comprehend, knowing that He works all things for good for those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")). This verse also stresses the importance of integrity, demonstrating that our character is proven by our deeds, not merely our claims. Furthermore, it illustrates how past wrongs can lead to difficult consequences, yet these trials can also become opportunities for profound personal growth, repentance, and ultimately, reconciliation, mirroring the redemptive journey of Joseph and his brothers.

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph specifically demand Benjamin's presence?**

Answer: Joseph demanded Benjamin's presence for several reasons. Primarily, it was a test to see if his brothers had changed. Their willingness to endanger Benjamin, Jacob's youngest and most beloved son (after Joseph himself), would reveal if they still harbored the same jealousy and disregard for their father's affections that led them to sell Joseph into slavery. Secondly, it was a strategic move to bring Benjamin to Egypt, fulfilling a part of Joseph's prophetic dreams and setting the stage for the entire family to eventually relocate to Egypt, thus preserving them from the famine.

**What does "so shall your words be verified" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "so shall your words be verified" means that the brothers' claims of being honest men with a living father and a younger brother would be proven true. Joseph was demanding tangible, undeniable evidence—the physical presence of Benjamin—to confirm their story, rather than simply taking their word for it. This was a crucial step in Joseph's plan to ascertain their sincerity and test their character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, particularly his testing of his brothers and subsequent reconciliation, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Joseph, though innocent, suffered immensely at the hands of his brothers, yet through his suffering and exaltation, he became the means of salvation and preservation for his family, just as Christ, the innocent Son, suffered and was exalted to bring salvation to humanity. Joseph's hidden identity and eventual revelation to his brothers, leading to their repentance and reconciliation, foreshadows Christ's future revelation to Israel and the world, bringing about ultimate redemption and restoration. This verse, with its demand for verification and the brothers' fearful obedience, points to the sovereign authority of God's plan, which, through seemingly harsh circumstances, orchestrates the path to reconciliation and the fulfillment of divine promises, ultimately culminating in the saving work of Christ.

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.