Old Testament
Genesis 42:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Joseph, who is now a powerful leader in Egypt, is speaking to his brothers who came to buy grain during a famine.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"But you must bring your youngest brother to me. This will confirm your story, and you will not be put to death." They agreed to this.
But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph, who is now a powerful leader in Egypt, is speaking to his brothers who came to buy grain during a famine. He demands that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to him as proof of their honesty. This request serves two purposes: it tests their integrity and ensures that they are telling the truth about their family. Joseph's statement that their words will be verified indicates that he is seeking confirmation of their story about their family dynamics. The brothers agree to this condition, showing their willingness to comply with Joseph's demands, even though they are unaware of his true identity. This moment highlights themes of trust, family loyalty, and the unfolding of God's plan in their lives, as Joseph is ultimately working to reunite his family while also testing their character.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 42:20 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships. Just as Joseph sought confirmation of his brothers' story, we should strive to be truthful in our dealings with others. Additionally, it reminds us that challenges can lead to growth and reconciliation within families.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 42:20 mean?
Genesis 42:20 shows Joseph asking his brothers to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to him as proof of their honesty. This request serves to verify their story about their family and tests their integrity.
What is the significance of bringing Benjamin in Genesis 42:20?
Bringing Benjamin is significant because it confirms the brothers' honesty and reveals their family dynamics. It also sets the stage for Joseph's plan to reunite with his family.
What themes are present in Genesis 42:20?
Genesis 42:20 highlights themes of trust, family loyalty, testing character, and truthfulness. It illustrates how challenges can lead to growth and reconciliation within families.
Why did Joseph want to verify his brothers' story in Genesis 42:20?
Joseph wanted to verify his brothers' story to ensure they were telling the truth about their family and to test their integrity. This was part of his larger plan to reunite with them.

The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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