Genesis 42:16 web — Send one of you, and let him get your brother, and you shall be bound, that your words may be tested, whether there is…

World English Bible

"Send one of you, and let him get your brother, and you shall be bound, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you, or else by the life of Pharaoh surely you are spies.""

— Genesis 42:16, World English Bible

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Genesis 42:16 in Other Translations

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Genesis 42 — Context

13

They said, "We, your servants, are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is no more."

14

Joseph said to them, "It is like I told you, saying, 'You are spies!'

15

By this you shall be tested. By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go forth from here, unless your youngest brother comes here.

16

Send one of you, and let him get your brother, and you shall be bound, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you, or else by the life of Pharaoh surely you are spies."

17

He put them all together into custody for three days.

18

Joseph said to them the third day, "Do this, and live, for I fear God.

19

If you are honest men, then let one of your brothers be bound in your prison; but you go, carry grain for the famine of your houses.

Genesis 42:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 42:16 say?
Genesis 42:16 in the World English Bible reads: “Send one of you, and let him get your brother, and you shall be bound, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you, or else by the life of Pharaoh surely you are spies."”
Where is Genesis 42:16 in the Bible?
Genesis 42:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 42, verse 16.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 42:16.
What translation should I read Genesis 42:16 in?
Genesis 42:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 42:16?
Genesis 42:16 reads (WEB): “Send one of you, and let him get your brother, and you shall be bound, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you, or else by the life of Pharaoh surely you are spies."” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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