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Genesis 42:24

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Joseph turned away from his brothers and cried; then he turned back to them and spoke with them. He took Simeon from among them and had him tied up right in front of them.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Joseph is overwhelmed with emotion seeing his brothers after so many years, but he hides his tears and continues testing them by keeping Simeon as a prisoner.

📚 Historical Context

In the book of Genesis, Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers, rises to power in Egypt and becomes the governor. Years later, during a famine, his brothers come to Egypt to buy grain and don't recognize him. Joseph tests them by accusing them of spying and decides to keep one brother as a hostage to ensure they return with their youngest brother, Benjamin.

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