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Genesis 42:18 and on the third day he said to them, "I fear God. So do this and you will live:
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If you do as I say, you will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/42.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/42.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/42.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; <i>for</i> I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/42.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this and live, <i>for</i> I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/42.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Joseph said to them on the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/42.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Joseph said to them on the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/42.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Joseph said to them on the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/42.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Joseph said to them on the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/42.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Joseph said to them on the third day, “Do this and [you may] live, for I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/42.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />On the third day Joseph said to them, “I fear God —do this and you will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/42.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />On the third day Joseph said to them, “I fear God—do this and you will live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/42.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live: for I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/42.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />before saying to them: Since I respect God, I'll give you a chance to save your lives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/42.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/42.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />On the third day Joseph said to them, "Do this, and you will live. I, too, fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/42.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />On the third day Joseph said to them, "I am a God-fearing man, and I will spare your lives on one condition. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/42.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Three days later, Joseph told them, "I fear God, so do this and you'll live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/42.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and on the third day he said to them, ?I fear God. So do this and you will live:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/42.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />On the third day Joseph said to them, "Do as I say and you will live, for I fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/42.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Joseph said to them the third day, "Do what I say, and live, for I fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/42.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Joseph said to them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/42.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this, and live, for I fear God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/42.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joseph says to them on the third day, “Do this and live; I fear God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/42.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Joseph saith unto them on the third day, 'This do and live; God I fear!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/42.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Joseph will say to them in the third day, This do ye, and live, I fearing God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/42.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the third day he brought them out of prison, and said: Do as I have said, and you shall live: for I fear God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/42.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, on the third day, he brought them out of prison, and he said: “Do as I have said, and you will live. For I fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/42.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />On the third day Joseph said to them: “Do this, and you shall live; for I am a God-fearing man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/42.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/42.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And on the third day Joseph said to them, Do this, and live; for I worship God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/42.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yoseph said to them on the third day, “Do this and live; I worship God:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/42.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Joseph said unto them the third day. 'This do, and live; for I fear God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/42.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said to them on the third day, This do, and ye shall live, for I fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/42-18.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=10897" 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">17</span>So Joseph imprisoned them for three days, <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7992.htm" title="7992: haš·šə·lî·šî (Art:: Number-oms) -- Ordinal from shalowsh; third; feminine a third; by extension, a third; specifically, a third-story cell).">and on the third</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yō·wm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">“I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3373.htm" title="3373: yā·rê (Adj-ms) -- Fearing, reverent. From yare'; fearing; morally, reverent.">fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">So do</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: zōṯ (Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: wiḥ·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">and you will live:</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>If you are honest, leave one of your brothers in custody while the rest of you go and take back grain to relieve the hunger of your households.…<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/20-11.htm">Genesis 20:11</a></span><br />Abraham replied, “I thought to myself, ‘Surely there is no fear of God in this place. They will kill me on account of my wife.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17</a></span><br />The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21</a></span><br />Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-43.htm">Leviticus 25:43</a></span><br />You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15</a></span><br />The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people. But I did not do this, because of my fear of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/1-1.htm">Job 1:1</a></span><br />There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></span><br />And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-13.htm">Proverbs 8:13</a></span><br />To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13</a></span><br />When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-3.htm">Isaiah 11:3</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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-6.htm">Isaiah 33:6</a></span><br />He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Acts 9:31</a></span><br />Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Joseph said to them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:</p><p class="hdg">I fear God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-11.htm">Genesis 20:11</a></b></br> And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God <i>is</i> not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/25-43.htm">Leviticus 25:43</a></b></br> Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/5-9.htm">Nehemiah 5:9,15</a></b></br> Also I said, It <i>is</i> not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/42-4.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/22-12.htm">God-Fearing</a> <a href="/genesis/42-14.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/42-2.htm">Live</a> <a href="/genesis/40-20.htm">Third</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/42-28.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-2.htm">God-Fearing</a> <a href="/genesis/42-23.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/43-8.htm">Live</a> <a href="/genesis/50-23.htm">Third</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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 on the third day</b><br>The third day is often significant in biblical narratives, symbolizing completion and divine intervention. In the context of Joseph's story, the third day marks a turning point, reflecting themes of resurrection and deliverance seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as Jonah's deliverance from the fish and Jesus' resurrection.<p><b>he said to them</b><br>Joseph, speaking to his brothers, is in a position of authority. This moment is pivotal as it begins the process of reconciliation and testing. Joseph's communication is direct and authoritative, reflecting his role as a leader in Egypt and foreshadowing his eventual revelation to his brothers.<p><b>I fear God</b><br>Joseph's declaration of fearing God indicates his reverence and obedience to the God of Israel, despite his Egyptian surroundings. This fear of God is a central theme in wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, and sets Joseph apart as a righteous leader. It also reassures his brothers of his integrity, contrasting with their past actions.<p><b>So do this and you will live</b><br>Joseph's command is both a test and a promise. It echoes the covenantal language found throughout the Bible, where obedience to God's commands leads to life and blessing. This phrase also prefigures the New Testament message of life through obedience to Christ, who is the ultimate source of life.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>The son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. In this passage, he is 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>The sons of Jacob who have traveled to Egypt to buy grain. They do not recognize Joseph, whom they sold into slavery years earlier.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain due to a severe famine in Canaan.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_third_day.htm">The Third Day</a></b><br>A significant time marker in the Bible often associated with divine intervention or revelation. Here, it marks the day Joseph decides to reveal part of his plan to his brothers.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_god.htm">Fear of God</a></b><br>Joseph's declaration of his reverence for God, which influences his actions and decisions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_fear.htm">The Importance of Godly Fear</a></b><br>Joseph's fear of God is central to his character and decision-making. It serves as a model for believers to prioritize reverence for God in all aspects of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_leadership.htm">Integrity in Leadership</a></b><br>Joseph's leadership is marked by integrity and wisdom, rooted in his fear of God. This teaches us that true leadership is grounded in moral and spiritual principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_timing_and_patience.htm">Divine Timing and Patience</a></b><br>The mention of "the third day" reminds us of God's perfect timing. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and be patient for His plans to unfold.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_forgiveness.htm">Reconciliation and Forgiveness</a></b><br>Joseph's interaction with his brothers sets the stage for eventual reconciliation. It highlights the importance of forgiveness and the healing of broken relationships.<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/what_does_'bible_thumper'_mean.htm">What is the image of the invisible God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_mount_horeb's_biblical_role.htm">How should young Christians live according to their faith?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_matthew_6_31-33_teach.htm">Can we unknowingly entertain angels?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_we_affect_the_end_times'_timing.htm">Has the righteous ever been forsaken?</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>(18) <span class= "bld">I fear God (Elohim).</span>--By the use of the name Elohim they would understand that he worshipped the same God as they did. For though he may himself have used the Egyptian word for the supreme Deity, yet doubtless he would take care that the interpreter used the word Elohim.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/42.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 18-20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Joseph</span> (whose bowels of mercy were already yearning towards them) <span class="cmt_word">said unto them the third day, This do, and live</span>; - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> this do that ye may live (<span class="accented">vide</span> Gesenius, 'Grammar,' 130, 2; Ewald's 'Hebrew Syntax,' 348b) - <span class="cmt_word">for I fear God</span> - literally, <span class="accented">the Elohim I fear</span>; the term Elohim being employed, since to have said Jehovah would have been to divulge, if not his Hebrew origin, at least his acquaintance with the Hebrew faith (Hengstenberg). At the same time its use would arrest them more than the preceding adjuration, By the life of Pharaoh! and, whether or not it implied that the true God was not yet unknown in Egypt (Murphy), was clearly designed to show that he was a religious and conscientious person, who would on no account condemn them on mere suspicion (Lange). <span class="cmt_word">If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison.</span> Joseph's first proposal, that one should go for Benjamin while nine remained as hostages for their good faith, is now reversed, and only one is required to be detained while the other nine return. If the severity of the first proposal filled them with consternation, the singular clemency of the second could not fail to impress them. Not only were the nine to be released, but their original demand for grain to carry home to Palestine was to be complied with, the grand vizier adding, to their undoubted amazement, <span class="accented">As for the rest of you, <span class="cmt_word"></span>go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses.</span> "How differently had they acted towards their brother, whom they had intended to leave in the pit to starve" (Keil). The Egyptian governor feels compassion for their famishing households, only he will not abandon his proposition that they must return with Benjamin. <span class="cmt_word">But bring your youngest brother unto me</span> - or, more emphatically, and your brother, the little one, ye shall cause to come to me. That Joseph should have insisted on this stipulation, which he must have known would cause his aged father much anxiety and deep distress, is not to be explained as "almost designed" by Joseph as a chastisement on Jacob for his undue predilection in favor of Benjamin (Kalisch), but must be ascribed either to the intensity of his longing to see his brother (Murphy), or to a desire on his part to ascertain how his brethren were affected towards Benjamin (Lawson), or to a secret belief that the best mode of persuading his father to go down to him in Egypt was to bring Benjamin thither ('Speaker's Commentary'), or to an inward conviction that the temporary concern which Benjamin's absence might inflict on Jacob would be more than compensated for by the ultimate good which would thereby be secured to the whole family (Kurtz), or to the fact that God, under whose guidance throughout he acted, was unconsciously leading him in such a way as to secure the fulfillment of his dreams, which required the presence of both Benjamin and Jacob in Egypt (Wordsworth, ' Speaker's Commentary). The reason which Joseph himself gave to his brethren was that Benjamin's presence was indispensable as a corroboration of their veracity. <span class="cmt_word">So</span> (literally, and) <span class="cmt_word">shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die</span> (the death due to spies): <span class="cmt_word">And they did</span> <span class="cmt_word">so</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> they consented to Joseph's proposal. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/42-18.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 on the third</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šə·lî·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7992.htm">Strong's 7992: </a> </span><span class="str2">Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּיּ֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(bay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[he]</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסֵף֙</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·sêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֨אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלֵהֶ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Do</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשׂ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">זֹ֥את</span> <span class="translit">(zōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">and you will live,</span><br /><span class="heb">וִֽחְי֑וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wiḥ·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, to revive</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[for] I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fear</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרֵֽא׃</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/42-18.htm">OT Law: Genesis 42:18 Joseph said to them the third day (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/42-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 42:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 42:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/42-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 42:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 42:19" /></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>