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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 42:15 And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/42-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/01_Gen_42_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 42:15 - Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/42-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/42-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/42.htm">Chapter 42</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/42-14.htm" title="Genesis 42:14">◄</a> Genesis 42:15 <a href="/genesis/42-16.htm" title="Genesis 42:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/42.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/42.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/42.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This is how I will test your story. I swear by the life of Pharaoh that you will never leave Egypt unless your youngest brother comes here!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/42.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />By this you shall be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/42.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/42.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/42.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />In this <i>manner</i> you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/42.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />by this you will be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/42.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />by this you will be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/42.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />by this you will be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/42.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />by this you will be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/42.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />In this way you shall be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/42.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/42.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/42.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />hereby ye shall be proved: by the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/42.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and I'm going to find out the truth. I swear by the life of the king that you won't leave this place until your youngest brother comes here. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/42.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />hereby ye shall be proved: by the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/42.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This is how you'll be tested: I solemnly swear, as surely as Pharaoh lives, that you won't leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/42.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />This is how you will be tested: I swear by the name of the king that you will never leave unless your youngest brother comes here. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/42.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So here's how we'll test you. You can bet the life of Pharaoh that you're not leaving here until your youngest brother comes here! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/42.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/42.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You will be tested in this way: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not depart from this place unless your youngest brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/42.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />This is how you will be tested. By the life of Pharaoh, you will not leave from here until your youngest brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/42.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />By this ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother shall come hither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/42.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By this you shall be tested. By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go out from here, unless your youngest brother comes here. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/42.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />by this you are proved: [as] Pharaoh lives, if you go out from this—except by your young brother coming here;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/42.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> by this ye are proved: Pharaoh liveth! if ye go out from this -- except by your young brother coming hither;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/42.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In this ye shall be proved; Pharaoh living, if ye shall go forth from here except in the coming of your brother, the little one hither.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/42.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I shall now presently try what you are: by the health of Pharao you shall not depart hence, until your youngest brother come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/42.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I will now continue to put you to the test. By the health of Pharaoh, you will not depart from here, until your youngest brother arrives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/42.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This is how you shall be tested: I swear by the life of Pharaoh that you shall not leave here unless your youngest brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/42.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Here is how you shall be tested: as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/42.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />By this you shall be proved; by the life of Pharaoh you shall not go forth from this place, except your younger brother comes here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/42.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />In this you will be proven; by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go out from here unless your little brother comes here.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/42.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Hereby ye shall be proved, as Pharaoh liveth, ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/42.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />herein shall ye be manifested; by the health of Pharao, ye shall not depart hence, unless your younger brother come hither.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/42-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=10872" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/42.htm">Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>Then Joseph declared, “Just as I said, you are spies! <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: bə·zōṯ (Prep-b:: Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">And this is how</a> <a href="/hebrew/974.htm" title="974: tib·bā·ḥê·nū (V-Nifal-Imperf-2mp) -- To examine, try. A primitive root; to test; generally and figuratively, to investigate.">you will be tested:</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: p̄ar·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">As surely as Pharaoh</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥê (N-msc) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">lives,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">you shall not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: tê·ṣə·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: miz·zeh (Prep-m:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">place unless</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/6996.htm" title="6996: haq·qā·ṭōn (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Small, young, unimportant. Or qaton; from quwt; abbreviated, i.e. Diminutive, literally or figuratively.">your youngest</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ă·ḥî·ḵem (N-msc:: 2mp) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bə·ḇō·w (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">comes</a> <a href="/hebrew/2008.htm" title="2008: hên·nāh (Adv) -- Hither. From hen; hither or thither.">here.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be confined so that the truth of your words may be tested. If they are untrue, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/44-17.htm">Genesis 44:17</a></span><br />But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Genesis 43:3-5</a></span><br />But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ / If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you. / But if you will not send him, we will not go; for the man told us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Genesis 44:9-10</a></span><br />If any of your servants is found to have it, he must die, and the rest will become slaves of my lord.” / “As you say,” replied the steward. “But only the one who is found with the cup will be my slave, and the rest of you shall be free of blame.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23</a></span><br />But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31-34</a></span><br />sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. / Indeed, your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father, saying, ‘If I do not return him to you, I will bear the guilt before you, my father, all my life.’ / Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-1.htm">Genesis 45:1-3</a></span><br />Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. / But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it. / Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a></span><br />As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-8.htm">Exodus 1:8-10</a></span><br />Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a></span><br />You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/32-23.htm">Numbers 32:23</a></span><br />But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a></span><br />A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">1 Kings 3:16-28</a></span><br />At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-25.htm">2 Kings 5:25-27</a></span><br />When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. / But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? / Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Proverbs 12:19</a></span><br />Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-3.htm">Isaiah 11:3-4</a></span><br />And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, / but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Hereby you shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh you shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come here.</p><p class="hdg">By the life.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-7.htm">Genesis 42:7,12,16,30</a></b></br> And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/6-13.htm">Deuteronomy 6:13</a></b></br> Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-26.htm">1 Samuel 1:26</a></b></br> And she said, Oh my lord, <i>as</i> thy soul liveth, my lord, I <i>am</i> the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">except.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-20.htm">Genesis 42:20,34</a></b></br> But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Genesis 43:3</a></b></br> And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother <i>be</i> with you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/44-20.htm">Genesis 44:20-34</a></b></br> And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/39-9.htm">Except</a> <a href="/genesis/41-47.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/genesis/37-17.htm">Hence</a> <a href="/genesis/41-41.htm">Hereby</a> <a href="/genesis/15-16.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Life</a> <a href="/genesis/41-55.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/1_john/5-2.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-9.htm">Proved</a> <a href="/genesis/41-32.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/genesis/22-1.htm">Test</a> <a href="/genesis/22-1.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/genesis/32-26.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/genesis/41-43.htm">Way</a> <a href="/genesis/42-13.htm">Young</a> <a href="/genesis/42-13.htm">Youngest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Except</a> <a href="/genesis/45-2.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/genesis/50-25.htm">Hence</a> <a href="/genesis/42-33.htm">Hereby</a> <a href="/genesis/45-5.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/genesis/42-16.htm">Life</a> <a href="/genesis/42-16.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/genesis/42-16.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/genesis/42-16.htm">Proved</a> <a href="/genesis/42-16.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/16-4.htm">Test</a> <a href="/genesis/42-16.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/genesis/42-25.htm">Way</a> <a href="/genesis/42-20.htm">Young</a> <a href="/genesis/42-20.htm">Youngest</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 42</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-1.htm">Jacob sends his ten sons to buy grain in Egypt.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-16.htm">They are imprisoned by Joseph as spies.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-18.htm">They are set at liberty, on condition to bring Benjamin.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">They have remorse for Joseph.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-24.htm">Simeon is kept for a pledge.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-25.htm">They return with grain, and their money.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-29.htm">Their relation to Jacob.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-36.htm">Jacob refuses to send Benjamin.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/42.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/42.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And this is how you will be tested:</b><br>Joseph, now a powerful figure in Egypt, is speaking to his brothers who do not recognize him. The concept of testing is significant in the Bible, often used by God to reveal the true character of individuals (e.g., Abraham in <a href="/genesis/22.htm">Genesis 22</a>). Joseph's test is designed to discern his brothers' honesty and repentance for their past actions against him.<p><b>As surely as Pharaoh lives:</b><br>This phrase is an oath, invoking the life of Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler in Egypt. It underscores the seriousness of Joseph's words. Oaths were common in ancient cultures to affirm truthfulness, similar to swearing on something sacred. This reflects Joseph's integration into Egyptian society, yet he remains faithful to his Hebrew roots.<p><b>you shall not leave this place:</b><br>Joseph's authority is evident here, as he controls their fate. This echoes the earlier narrative where Joseph was confined by his brothers, now reversed as they are at his mercy. The theme of captivity and freedom is prevalent throughout the Bible, often symbolizing spiritual bondage and liberation.<p><b>unless your youngest brother comes here:</b><br>Joseph's demand to see Benjamin serves multiple purposes. It tests his brothers' truthfulness and loyalty to their family, particularly to Rachel's other son. It also fulfills Joseph's desire to see his full brother, whom he deeply loves. This requirement foreshadows the eventual reconciliation and restoration of the family, a recurring theme in biblical narratives. Benjamin's presence is crucial for the unfolding of God's plan for Israel, as the twelve tribes are united through these events.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>- Once sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph has risen to become the governor of Egypt. He is the one speaking in this verse, testing his brothers who have come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a></b><br>- They have traveled from Canaan to Egypt to buy food. Unbeknownst to them, the Egyptian official they are dealing with is their brother Joseph, whom they sold into slavery years earlier.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>- The ruler of Egypt, under whose authority Joseph operates. Joseph invokes Pharaoh's name to emphasize the seriousness of his test.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>- The land where Joseph has become a powerful leader. It is currently experiencing a famine, as is much of the surrounding region.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a></b><br>- The youngest brother, who has remained in Canaan with their father Jacob. Joseph demands his presence as a test of his brothers' honesty.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/testing_and_trust.htm">Testing and Trust</a></b><br>Joseph's test of his brothers highlights the importance of trust and integrity. In our lives, God may allow tests to refine our character and reveal our true intentions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_reconciliation.htm">Repentance and Reconciliation</a></b><br>Joseph's interactions with his brothers set the stage for repentance and eventual reconciliation. We are called to seek reconciliation in our relationships, following the example of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the brothers' past actions, God's sovereign plan is at work. This reminds us that God can use even our mistakes for His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_family.htm">The Importance of Family</a></b><br>Joseph's insistence on seeing Benjamin underscores the value of family unity and the lengths we should go to preserve it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/honesty_and_integrity.htm">Honesty and Integrity</a></b><br>Joseph's demand for Benjamin's presence is a test of his brothers' honesty. We are reminded of the importance of living with integrity in all our dealings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_42.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 42</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_joseph_and_imhotep_linked.htm">Are Joseph and Imhotep historically connected?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_genesis_44_align_with_earlier_chapters.htm">How do the events in Genesis 44 fit coherently with earlier chapters in Genesis, given the discrepancies in character motivations and the sudden moral tension introduced by Joseph’s actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_egypt's_governor_handle_food_sales.htm">Why would the governor of Egypt personally handle these seemingly minor food transactions without delegation (Genesis 42:6)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_joseph_use_deception_in_genesis_44.htm">How does the elaborate scheme in Genesis 44:6-13 align with ethical principles, and why would a righteous figure like Joseph resort to deception rather than straightforward communication?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/42.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">By the life of Pharaoh.</span>--It was common in ancient times to swear by the king's life (see <a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm" title="And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As your soul lives, O king, I cannot tell.">1Samuel 17:55</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/14-19.htm" title="And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with you in all this? And the woman answered and said, As your soul lives, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king has spoken: for your servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of your handmaid:">2Samuel 14:19</a> ), and even by the life of Jehovah (<a href="/2_samuel/15-21.htm" title="And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will your servant be.">2Samuel 15:21</a>; <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm" title="And Elijah said to Elisha, Tarry here, I pray you; for the LORD has sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said to him, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went down to Bethel.">2Kings 2:2</a>; <a href="/2_kings/2-4.htm" title="And Elijah said to him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray you; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they came to Jericho.">2Kings 2:4</a>; <a href="/2_kings/2-6.htm" title="And Elijah said to him, Tarry, I pray you, here; for the LORD has sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. And they two went on.">2Kings 2:6</a>). It is only in the stricter morality of the Gospel that such oaths are forbidden (<a href="/context/matthew/5-33.htm" title="Again, you have heard that it has been said by them of old time, You shall not forswear yourself, but shall perform to the Lord your oaths:">Matthew 5:33-37</a>). . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/42-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And this is how</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּזֹ֖את</span> <span class="translit">(bə·zōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will be tested:</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּבָּחֵ֑נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(tib·bā·ḥê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_974.htm">Strong's 974: </a> </span><span class="str2">To test, to investigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">As surely as Pharaoh</span><br /><span class="heb">פַרְעֹה֙</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ar·‘ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lives,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you shall not</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">leave</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּצְא֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(tê·ṣə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזֶּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(miz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">place unless</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֧י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your youngest</span><br /><span class="heb">הַקָּטֹ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(haq·qā·ṭōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6996.htm">Strong's 6996: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small, young, unimportant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brother</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחִיכֶ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥî·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">comes</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּב֛וֹא</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḇō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">here.</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵֽנָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hên·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2008.htm">Strong's 2008: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hither, thither</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/42-15.htm">OT Law: Genesis 42:15 By this you shall be tested (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/42-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 42:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 42:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/42-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 42:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 42:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>