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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 42:9 Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, "You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/42-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/01_Gen_42_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 42:9 - Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, You are spies! 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You have come to see where our land is unprotected.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/42.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And he remembered the dreams he’d had about them many years before. He said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see how vulnerable our land has become.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/42.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them. And he said to them, “You are spies; you have come to see the nakedness of the land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/42.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, “You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/42.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye <i>are</i> spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/42.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, “You <i>are</i> spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/42.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and he said to them, “You are spies; you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/42.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and said to them, &#8220You are spies; you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/42.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and said to them, “You are spies; you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/42.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them and said to them, “You are spies; you have come to look at the nakedness of the land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/42.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Joseph remembered the dreams he had dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies; you have come [with a malicious purpose] to observe the undefended parts of our land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/42.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said to them, “You are spies. You have come to see the weakness of the land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/42.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said to them, &#8220You are spies. You have come to see the weakness of the land."&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/42.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/42.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Joseph remembered what he had dreamed about them and said, "You're spies! You've come here to find out where our country is weak." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/42.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/42.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then he remembered the dreams he once had about them. "You're spies!" he said to them, "And you've come to find out where our country is unprotected."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/42.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He remembered the dreams he had dreamed about them and said, "You are spies; you have come to find out where our country is weak." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/42.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Furthermore, Joseph remembered the dreams that he had about them. So he accused them, "You're spies! You've come here to spy on our undefended territories!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/42.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, ?You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/42.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Joseph remembered the dreams he had dreamed about them, and he said to them, "You are spies; you have come to see if our land is vulnerable!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/42.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed about them, and said to them, "You are spies. You have come to look for the vulnerabilities of the country."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/42.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said to them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land have ye come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/42.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land.” <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 remembers the dreams which he dreamed of them and says to them, “You [are] spies; you have come to see the nakedness of the land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/42.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Joseph remembereth the dreams which he dreamed of them, and saith unto them, 'Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye have come.'<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 remember the dreams which he dreamed concerning them, and he will say to them, Ye spying; to see the naked places of the land ye came.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/42.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And remembering the dreams, which formerly he had dreamed, he said to them: You are spies. You are come to view the weaker parts of the land. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/42.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And remembering the dreams, which he had seen in another time, he said to them: “You are scouts. You have come in order to see which parts of the land are weaker.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/42.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />he was reminded of the dreams he had about them. He said to them: “You are spies. You have come to see the weak points of the land.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/42.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Joseph also remembered the dreams that he had dreamed about them. He said to them, “You are spies; you have come to see the nakedness of the land!”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/42.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, You are spies; you have come to get a report about the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/42.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yoseph remembered the dream that he dreamt of them and said to them, “You are spies and you have come to notice the report of the land.”<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 remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them: 'Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/42.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Joseph remembered his dream, which he saw; and he said to them, Ye are spies; to observe the marks of the land are ye come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/42-9.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=10832" 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">8</span>Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><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.">Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2142.htm" title="2142: way·yiz·kōr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Remember. A primitive root; properly, to mark, i.e. To remember; by implication, to mention; also to be male.">remembered</a> <a href="/hebrew/2472.htm" title="2472: ha·ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ (Art:: N-mp) -- A dream. Or chalom; from chalam; a dream.">his dreams</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2492.htm" title="2492: ḥā·lam (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To bind firmly, to be, plump, to dream. A primitive root; properly, to bind firmly, i.e. to be plump; also to dream."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">about them</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.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">“You</a> <a href="/hebrew/7270.htm" title="7270: mə·rag·gə·lîm (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer; also to lead about.">are spies!</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā·ṯem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">You have come</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: lir·’ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">to see</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/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">if our land</a> <a href="/hebrew/6172.htm" title="6172: ‘er·waṯ (N-fsc) -- Nakedness. From arah; nudity, literally or figuratively.">is vulnerable.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>“Not so, my lord,” they replied. “Your servants have come to buy food.…<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/37-5.htm">Genesis 37:5-11</a></span><br />Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. / He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: / We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-19.htm">Genesis 37:19-20</a></span><br />“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Genesis 41:9-13</a></span><br />Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures. / Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. / One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. ...<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="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9-10</a></span><br />Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-16.htm">Psalm 105:16-22</a></span><br />He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. / He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-18.htm">Matthew 27:18</a></span><br />For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47-53</a></span><br />Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-23.htm">Acts 2:23</a></span><br />He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-17.htm">Acts 3:17-18</a></span><br />And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. / But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">1 Peter 1:20</a></span><br />He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4-8</a></span><br />Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. / For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a></span><br />So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said to them, You are spies; to see the nakedness of the land you are come.</p><p class="hdg">remembered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Genesis 37:5-9</a></b></br> And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told <i>it</i> his brethren: and they hated him yet the more… </p><p class="hdg">Ye are spies.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9,16,30,31,34</a></b></br> And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye <i>are</i> spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/13-2.htm">Numbers 13:2,16-20</a></b></br> Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/2-1.htm">Joshua 2:1</a></b></br> And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.</p><p class="hdg">nakedness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/32-35.htm">Exodus 32:35</a></b></br> And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/41-15.htm">Dreamed</a> <a href="/genesis/41-26.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/genesis/41-15.htm">Dreamt</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-33.htm">Exposed</a> <a href="/genesis/42-8.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/41-51.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/genesis/9-23.htm">Nakedness</a> <a href="/genesis/17-11.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/genesis/41-56.htm">Places</a> <a href="/genesis/41-31.htm">Remembered</a> <a href="/genesis/31-27.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/james/2-25.htm">Spies</a> <a href="/genesis/42-12.htm">Undefended</a> <a href="/genesis/42-12.htm">Unprotected</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm">Weakness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/7-13.htm">Dreamed</a> <a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/genesis/37-6.htm">Dreamt</a> <a href="/genesis/42-12.htm">Exposed</a> <a href="/genesis/42-14.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/exodus/13-3.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/genesis/42-12.htm">Nakedness</a> <a href="/genesis/42-12.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/genesis/42-12.htm">Places</a> <a href="/exodus/2-24.htm">Remembered</a> <a href="/numbers/5-13.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/genesis/42-11.htm">Spies</a> <a href="/genesis/42-12.htm">Undefended</a> <a href="/genesis/42-12.htm">Unprotected</a> <a href="/genesis/42-12.htm">Weakness</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>Joseph remembered his dreams about them</b><br>Joseph's dreams, recorded in <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Genesis 37:5-11</a>, foretold his future rise to power and his brothers bowing down to him. This moment in <a href="/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9</a> is the fulfillment of those dreams, as his brothers come to Egypt seeking grain during the famine. The dreams were a divine revelation, indicating God's sovereign plan for Joseph's life and the preservation of Israel. Joseph's remembrance signifies the unfolding of God's providence and the accuracy of prophetic dreams in biblical narratives.<p><b>and said, “You are spies!</b><br>Joseph's accusation of his brothers as spies serves multiple purposes. It tests their character and sincerity, as well as creates a scenario where Joseph can gather information about his family back in Canaan. In the ancient Near East, espionage was a common concern, especially during times of famine and political instability. Joseph's harsh approach may also reflect his internal struggle and desire to see if his brothers have changed since they sold him into slavery.<p><b>You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.”</b><br>This accusation reflects the geopolitical realities of the time. Egypt, as a powerful nation, would have been concerned about potential threats from neighboring regions. The phrase highlights the strategic importance of Egypt's grain supplies during the famine. Joseph's words also serve to heighten the tension in the narrative, setting the stage for the brothers' eventual recognition of Joseph and the reconciliation that follows. This moment foreshadows the testing and eventual redemption of Joseph's brothers, aligning with themes of repentance and forgiveness found throughout scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>The son of Jacob and Rachel, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. In this verse, he is confronting 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 sold Joseph into slavery. They have come to Egypt seeking food due to a severe famine in Canaan.<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.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/dreams.htm">Dreams</a></b><br>Joseph's earlier dreams, which he shared with his brothers, predicted that they would bow down to him. These dreams are recalled in this verse as they begin to be fulfilled.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine</a></b><br>A severe famine affecting the region, prompting Joseph's brothers to travel to Egypt for food.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_fulfillment_of_promises.htm">God's Sovereignty in Fulfillment of Promises</a></b><br>Joseph's remembrance of his dreams signifies the unfolding of God's plan. Believers can trust that God's promises will come to pass in His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_memory_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Memory in God's Plan</a></b><br>Joseph's recollection of his dreams serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness. Reflecting on past experiences can strengthen our faith in God's ongoing work in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/testing_and_discernment.htm">Testing and Discernment</a></b><br>Joseph's accusation of his brothers as spies is a test of their character and intentions. Believers should seek discernment in their interactions and be wise in understanding others' motives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_reconciliation.htm">Forgiveness and Reconciliation</a></b><br>Although not explicit in this verse, Joseph's journey with his brothers ultimately leads to forgiveness and reconciliation. Christians are called to pursue peace and forgiveness, even when wronged.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/providence_in_adversity.htm">Providence in Adversity</a></b><br>The famine and Joseph's rise to power illustrate God's providence in difficult circumstances. Trusting God during trials can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities for His glory.<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/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_trust_joseph_with_dream_interpretation.htm">Why would a prisoner like Joseph be entrusted with interpreting dreams for high-ranking officials (Genesis 40:5-8)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_foreigners_grain_in_famine.htm">Why would Egyptian officials allow foreign travelers to buy grain amid a severe famine with no documented restrictions (Genesis 42:1-5)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_joseph_rise_to_power_in_egypt.htm">How did Joseph rise to power in Egypt?</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>(9) <span class= "bld">Ye are spies.</span>--This is the suspicion under which every traveller labours in the East; but in those days the whole Semitic race was especially looked upon in Egypt with distrust, and, as we saw in <a href="/genesis/12-15.htm" title="The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.">Genesis 12:15</a>. a chain of fortresses had been built to protect the land from their incursions. Such an arrival, therefore, as that of Joseph's brethren would be a matter of state, worthy of the attention of the highest officials; and probably they had themselves come prepared to be assailed with the accusation of having political objects in view in their visit.<p><span class= "bld">The nakedness of the land.</span>--That is, its defenceless condition, from the want of fortresses and garrisons. Egypt was chiefly assailable on the side of Palestine, and was often at war with the Hittites there. So also the Hyksos, who subdued Egypt, were Semites from Palestine, and thus there was reason for looking closely at visitors from that quarter.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/42.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Joseph remembered</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> the sight of his brethren prostrating themselves before him recalled to his mind) <span class="cmt_word">the dreams which he dreamed</span> (or had dreamed) <span class="cmt_word">of them</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Genesis 37:5</a>) <span class="cmt_word">and said unto them, Ye are spies</span> (literally, <span class="accented">ye are spying</span>, or going about, so as to find out, the verb <span class="hebrew">רָגַל</span> signifying to move the feet); <span class="cmt_word">to see the nakedness of the land</span> - not its present impoverishment from the famine (Murphy), but is unprotected and unfortified state (Keil). Cf. <span class="accented">urbs nuda praesidio</span> (Cic., 'Att.,' 7:13); <span class="accented">taurus nudatus defensoribus</span> (Caes., 'Bell. Gall.,' 2:6); <span class="greek">τεῖχος ἐυμνώθη</span> (Homer, 'Iliad,' 12:399) - <span class="cmt_word">ye are come</span>. The Egyptians were characteristically distrustful of strangers, - <span class="accented">AEgyptii prae</span> <span class="accented">aliis gentibus diffi-dere solebant peregrinis</span> (Rosenmüller), - whom they prevented, when possible, from penetrating into the interior of their country (Wilkinson's 'Ancient Egyptians,' vol 1.p. 328, ed. 1878). In particular Joseph's suspicion of his Canaanitish brethren was perfectly natural, since Egypt was peculiarly open to attacks from Palestine (Herodotus, 3:5). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verss. 10-12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And they said unto him. Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come</span>. "They were not filled with resentment at the imputation" cast upon them by Joseph; "or, ff they were angry, their pride was swallowed up by fear" (Lawson). <span class="cmt_word">We are all one man's sons; we are true men</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> upright, honest, <span class="accented">viri bonae fidei</span> (Rosenmüller), rather than <span class="greek">εἰρηνικοὶ</span> (LXX.), <span class="accented">pacifici</span> (Vulgate) - <span class="cmt_word">thy servants are no spies</span>. It was altogether improbable that one man should send ten sons at the same time and to the same place on the perilous business of a spy, hence the simple mention of the fact that they were ten brethren was sufficient to establish their sincerity. Yet Joseph affected still to doubt them. <span class="cmt_word">And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come</span> - assuming a harsh and almost violent demeanor hot out of heartless cruelty (Kalisch), but in order to hide the growing weakness of his heart (Candlish). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/42-9.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">Joseph</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסֵ֔ף</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">remembered</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּזְכֹּ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiz·kōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2142.htm">Strong's 2142: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his dreams</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֲלֹמ֔וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2472.htm">Strong's 2472: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dream</span><br /><br /><span class="word">about them</span><br /><span class="heb">לָהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</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">“You</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתֶּ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are spies!</span><br /><span class="heb">מְרַגְּלִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·rag·gə·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7270.htm">Strong's 7270: </a> </span><span class="str2">To walk along, to reconnoiter, to be a, tale-bearer, to lead about</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You have come</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאתֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ṯem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural<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">to see</span><br /><span class="heb">לִרְא֛וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lir·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if our land</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָ֖רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] vulnerable.”</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶרְוַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(‘er·waṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6172.htm">Strong's 6172: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nakedness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/42-9.htm">Genesis 42:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/42-9.htm">OT Law: Genesis 42:9 Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/42-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 42:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 42:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/42-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 42:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 42:10" /></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>