Genesis 42:30-34

GOD’S WORD Translation

³⁰ “The governor of that land spoke harshly to us and treated us like spies. ³¹ But we said to him, ‘We’re honest men, not spies. ³² We were 12 brothers, sons of the same father. One is no longer with us. The youngest brother stayed with our father in Canaan.’

³³ “Then the governor of that land said to us, ‘This is how I’ll know that you’re honest men: Leave one of your brothers with me. Take food for your starving families and go. ³⁴ But bring me your youngest brother. Then I’ll know that you’re not spies but honest men. I’ll give your brother back to you, and you’ll be able to move about freely in this country.’ ”