Genesis 42:19 bbe — If you are true men, let one of you be kept in prison, while you go and take grain for the needs of your families;

Bible in Basic English

"If you are true men, let one of you be kept in prison, while you go and take grain for the needs of your families;"

— Genesis 42:19, Bible in Basic English

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Genesis 42:19 in Other Translations

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Genesis 42 — Context

16

Send one of your number to get your brother, and the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words may be tested to see if you are true; if not, by the life of Pharaoh, your purpose is certainly secret.

17

So he put them in prison for three days.

18

And on the third day Joseph said to them, Do this, if you would keep your lives: for I am a god-fearing man:

19

If you are true men, let one of you be kept in prison, while you go and take grain for the needs of your families;

20

And come back to me with your youngest brother, so that your words may be seen to be true, and you will not be put to death. This is what you are to do.

21

And they said to one another, Truly, we did wrong to our brother, for we saw his grief of mind, and we did not give ear to his prayers; that is why this trouble has come on us.

22

And Reuben said to them, Did I not say to you, Do the child no wrong? but you gave no attention; so now, punishment has come on us for his blood.

Genesis 42:19 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 42:19 say?
Genesis 42:19 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “If you are true men, let one of you be kept in prison, while you go and take grain for the needs of your families;”
Where is Genesis 42:19 in the Bible?
Genesis 42:19 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 42, verse 19.
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 42:19.
What translation should I read Genesis 42:19 in?
Genesis 42:19 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 42:19?
Genesis 42:19 reads (BBE): “If you are true men, let one of you be kept in prison, while you go and take grain for the needs of your families;” 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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