If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:
If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here as a prisoner while the rest of you go back and take grain to feed your starving families.
Joseph is testing his brothers' honesty by keeping one as a hostage while sending the others home with food for their hungry families.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Genesis, Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers, had risen to become the powerful vizier of Egypt under Pharaoh, managing the country's resources during a widespread famine. When his brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain, unaware of his identity, Joseph tested their honesty by accusing them of being spies. This verse reflects his strategy to verify their character while allowing them to address their family's needs back home.
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