Genesis 42:32

KJV

We [be] twelve brethren, sons of our father; one [is] not, and the youngest [is] this day with our father in the land of Canaan.

KJV (with Strong's)

We be twelve {H6240}{H8147} brethren {H251}, sons {H1121} of our father {H1}; one {H259} is not, and the youngest {H6996} is this day {H3117} with our father {H1} in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}.

Complete Jewish Bible

we are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is gone, and the youngest stayed with our father in the land of Kena'an.'

Berean Standard Bible

We are twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in the land of Canaan.’

American Standard Version

we are twelve brethren, sons of our father; one is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 42:32 captures the brothers' deceptive explanation to Joseph, whom they do not recognize, regarding their family's composition. They reveal that they were originally twelve, one is "not" (referring to Joseph, whom they sold into slavery), and the youngest, Benjamin, remains with their father Jacob in Canaan. This statement, laden with unspoken guilt, sets the stage for Joseph's continued testing of his brothers and highlights the deep emotional scars left by their past sin.

### CONTEXT
This verse is spoken by Joseph's ten elder brothers to Joseph himself, the powerful governor of Egypt, during a severe famine. They have traveled from Canaan to buy grain, unaware that the governor is their long-lost brother. Joseph, recognizing them, accuses them of being spies and demands they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt as proof of their honesty. In this moment, the brothers are attempting to explain their family situation and the extreme difficulty of bringing Benjamin, emphasizing their father Jacob's profound attachment to him, especially after the presumed death of another son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

The brothers' declaration in [Genesis 42:32](/genesis/42-32 "The brothers explain their family situation to Joseph") is a pivotal moment, revealing their carefully constructed narrative and the underlying tension of their past actions. "We [be] twelve brethren, sons of our father" establishes their identity and highlights the complete family unit that once existed under Jacob. This statement sets up the subsequent, more difficult confession.

The phrase "one [is] not" (Hebrew: *'êynennû*, אֵינֶנּוּ) is a poignant euphemism. It delicately conveys the absence of Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery years prior, but whom their father Jacob believed to be dead. This phrasing allows the brothers to speak a partial truth without confessing their complicity in Joseph's disappearance. It subtly reflects their ongoing deception, both towards their father and now, unknowingly, towards Joseph himself. This hidden truth underscores the profound sorrow and void that Joseph's supposed death had left in Jacob's life, a grief vividly depicted in [Jacob's lament](/genesis/37-35 "Jacob's deep sorrow over Joseph").

The final part of their statement, "and the youngest [is] this day with our father in the land of Canaan," explains Benjamin's absence. Benjamin, being the only other son of Rachel, was uniquely precious to Jacob, especially after Joseph's presumed death. The brothers' reluctance to bring Benjamin to Egypt stems from their understanding of Jacob's deep attachment and fear of losing him as well. This detail is crucial for Joseph's plan, as he uses Benjamin's presence as a means to further test his brothers' character and observe if they have changed from the callous individuals who once sold him into bondage, an act detailed in [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold into slavery by his brothers"). The entire exchange is orchestrated by divine providence, pushing the brothers towards a confrontation with their past and a path to repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:** This verse illustrates how God's sovereign plan unfolds even through human sin and deception. The brothers' actions, though wicked, are being used by God to bring about His ultimate purposes for Israel's preservation.
* **The Weight and Consequences of Sin:** The brothers' present predicament in Egypt, and their carefully worded explanation, directly stem from their past sin against Joseph. It highlights how unconfessed and unaddressed sin can have far-reaching, painful consequences that affect families and generations.
* **God's Redemptive Purpose Amidst Suffering:** Despite the suffering caused by famine and the brothers' guilt, God is actively working to bring about reconciliation, transformation, and the preservation of His covenant people.
* **The Nature of Truth and Deception:** The brothers' partial truth reveals the difficulty and burden of living with deception. The narrative arc of Joseph's story emphasizes that true healing and restoration come only with the full revelation of truth and genuine repentance.
* **Family Dynamics and Reconciliation:** The brokenness of Jacob's family, caused by envy and sin, is a central theme. Joseph's actions are designed to test if his brothers have changed, paving the way for eventual reconciliation and the restoration of the family unit, as seen later in [Joseph's revelation](/genesis/45-4 "Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 42:32 serves as a powerful reminder that the consequences of our actions, especially those involving deception or harm to others, can linger and affect many lives, sometimes for decades. It challenges us to consider the hidden burdens we might carry due to unaddressed sin and encourages us to seek truth and reconciliation. Yet, even in the midst of human failings and the painful fallout of past choices, this passage offers profound hope. It demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, using even difficult circumstances and human brokenness to refine character, bring about repentance, and ultimately fulfill His purposes. We are called to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He can orchestrate good even from our gravest mistakes, leading us towards healing and restoration.

### FAQ

**Why did the brothers use the phrase "one [is] not" instead of saying Joseph was dead?**

Answer: The phrase "one [is] not" (Hebrew: *'êynennû*) is a euphemism. The brothers knew Joseph was not dead but had been sold into slavery by them. Using this vague phrase allowed them to maintain the lie they had told their father, Jacob, for years, while also avoiding a direct falsehood to the Egyptian governor (Joseph). It subtly reflects their guilt and ongoing deception.

**How does this verse contribute to Joseph's testing of his brothers?**

Answer: This verse provides Joseph with the exact information he needs to continue his test. By confirming that Benjamin is still with Jacob and that the family is aware of one brother's "absence," Joseph can then demand Benjamin's presence, forcing his brothers into a difficult situation that will reveal their character, their loyalty to their father, and their capacity for change and repentance.

**What is the significance of Benjamin being mentioned as "the youngest" and "with our father"?**

Answer: Benjamin was Jacob's youngest son and the only other son by his beloved wife Rachel, making him incredibly precious, especially after Joseph's supposed death. His being "with our father" highlights Jacob's deep attachment and fear of losing him, which makes Joseph's demand for Benjamin a significant test of the brothers' willingness to sacrifice for their family and their father.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, culminating in this moment of the brothers' partial confession, powerfully foreshadows Christ's redemptive work. Joseph, though rejected and sold by his own brothers, becomes the means of their salvation and the preservation of the covenant family of Israel, ultimately saving many nations from famine. Similarly, Christ, rejected and crucified by His own people, became the ultimate Savior of humanity. Just as Joseph's suffering led to reconciliation and life for his family, Christ's suffering and death on the cross bring about reconciliation between God and humanity, offering eternal life and spiritual sustenance. The brothers' journey from deception and guilt to eventual repentance and reconciliation with Joseph mirrors humanity's need for repentance and faith in Christ to be reconciled to God. God's sovereign hand, evident in orchestrating Joseph's life for His divine purposes, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the meticulously planned and executed salvation through Jesus 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.