²⁰ Joseph’s master took him and threw him into the prison,^[a] the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. So he was there in the prison.^[b]

¹⁶ One of you must go and get^[a] your brother, while^[b] the rest of you remain in prison.^[c] In this way your words may be tested to see if^[d] you are telling the truth.^[e] If not, then, as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!” ¹⁷ He imprisoned^[f] them all for three days. ¹⁸ On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do as I say^[g] and you will live,^[h] for I fear God.^{[i] 19} If you are honest men, leave one of your brothers confined here in prison^[j] while the rest of you go^[k] and take grain back for your hungry families.^[l]

¹² So they placed him in custody until they were able^[a] to make a clear legal decision for themselves based on words from the mouth of the Lord.^[b]

³⁴ They put him in custody, because there was no clear instruction about what should be done to him.

²⁶ Everyone who does not observe both the law of your God and the law of the king will be completely^[a] liable to the appropriate penalty, whether it is death or banishment or confiscation of property or detainment in prison.”