Old Testament
Genesis 42:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They responded, "Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is currently at home with our father, and one is no longer alive."
Compare translations
And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.
What Genesis 42:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph's brothers are explaining their family situation to him, not realizing they are speaking to their brother whom they sold into slavery. They mention that they are twelve brothers, all sons of one father in Canaan. They highlight that the youngest brother is still at home with their father, Jacob, while one brother is no longer alive, referring to Joseph himself. This statement reveals their family dynamics and the loss they have experienced. The mention of the youngest brother indicates their father's favoritism towards him, which is a significant theme in their family history. The brothers' response shows their concern for their family and hints at the guilt they carry for their past actions against Joseph. This moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for the unfolding of Joseph's plan to test his brothers and ultimately reconcile with them.
How to apply Genesis 42:13 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of family and the complexities that come with it. It encourages us to reflect on our relationships and the impact of our past actions. We should strive for honesty and reconciliation in our families, acknowledging our mistakes and seeking to mend broken relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: His Brothers Bow Down (Genesis 42:1–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 42:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 42:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 42:13 mean?
Genesis 42:13 describes Joseph's brothers explaining their family situation to him, unaware they are speaking to Joseph himself. They mention being twelve brothers, with the youngest at home and one brother no longer alive, indicating their past actions and family dynamics.
What is the significance of the youngest brother in Genesis 42:13?
The mention of the youngest brother highlights Jacob's favoritism, which is a recurring theme in their family history. It also emphasizes the brothers' concern for their family and their guilt over Joseph's fate.
What does the phrase 'one is no longer alive' refer to in Genesis 42:13?
In Genesis 42:13, the phrase 'one is no longer alive' refers to Joseph, whom the brothers sold into slavery and believed to be dead. This statement reveals their guilt and the impact of their past actions.
How does Genesis 42:13 relate to themes of reconciliation?
Genesis 42:13 sets the stage for reconciliation by showing the brothers' acknowledgment of their family ties and past mistakes. Their conversation reveals their emotional burden and foreshadows Joseph's plan to test and ultimately reconcile with them.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.