创42:8Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.

创42:9Then he remembered his dreams about them and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see where our land is unprotected."

创42:10No, my lord, they answered. "Your servants have come to buy food.

创42:11We are all the sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies."

创42:12No! he said to them. "You have come to see where our land is unprotected."

创42:13But they replied, "Your servants were twelve brothers, the sons of one man, who lives in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more."

创42:14Joseph said to them, "It is just as I told you: You are spies!

创42:15And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.

创42:16Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words may be tested to see if you are telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!"

创42:17And he put them all in custody for three days.

创42:18On the third day, Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God:

创42:19If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households.

创42:20But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die." This they proceeded to do.

创42:21They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us."

创42:22Reuben replied, "Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn't listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood."

创42:23They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter.

创42:24He turned away from them and began to weep, but then turned back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.

创42:25Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to put each man's silver back in his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them,

创42:26they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left.

创42:27At the place where they stopped for the night one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and he saw his silver in the mouth of his sack.