Genesis 43:17-20

New International Version

¹⁷ The man did as Joseph told him and took the men to Joseph’s house.^{(A) 18} Now the men were frightened^(B) when they were taken to his house.^(C) They thought, “We were brought here because of the silver that was put back into our sacks^(D) the first time. He wants to attack us^(E) and overpower us and seize us as slaves^(F) and take our donkeys.^(G)”

¹⁹ So they went up to Joseph’s steward^(H) and spoke to him at the entrance to the house. ²⁰ “We beg your pardon, our lord,” they said, “we came down here the first time to buy food.^(I)