Definition: And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye [are] no spies, but [that] ye [are] true [men: so] will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 42:34. It’s a really important passage about a man named Joseph and his incredible plan to save his brother. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joseph was a servant of Egypt. He was incredibly clever and skilled, working for the Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Jacob (later called Israel) had two sons: Joseph and his brother Benjamin. A famine struck Egypt. People were starving, and the Pharaoh was desperate to find a way to save them. Joseph was put in charge of the wine stores. He was tasked with protecting the food supply for the whole country. What happened next? The brothers plotted against Joseph. They thought he might steal their inheritance! They tricked Joseph into leading them to a pot of clay. This is where the verse comes in. They trapped Joseph and threw him into a pit. They hoped to kill him, but instead, they made a plan. What does this verse say? “And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye [are] no spies, but [that] ye [are] true [men: so] will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And bring your youngest brother unto me…” This means Joseph is being asked to take care of his younger brother. “…then shall I know that ye [are] no spies, but [that] ye [are] true [men: so] will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land.” This is a really clever instruction. It means Joseph needs to prove he’s not trying to trick anyone or be part of a conspiracy. He needs to show that he's trustworthy and honest. The phrase "true men" suggests he has integrity. So, what does it all mean? Joseph is being asked to act as a protector and safeguard his brother. It’s a test of his character – if he can prove he's loyal and selfless, the Pharaoh will let him free his brother. He’s being told to show that he is a true man - someone who values their family and does what is right. Why is this important? This story teaches us about: Trustworthiness: Joseph's plan highlights the importance of trust – it's better to be trusted than to be tricked. Loyalty: It shows that loyalty and protecting those you care about are essential. Sacrifice: Joseph’s willingness to put himself at risk is a powerful example of sacrifice for the good of others. In short, this verse is a story about a man who uses his cleverness to protect his family and ultimately demonstrates his inherent goodness. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example: Would you like me to explain the symbolism behind it? Are you curious about its connection to other stories in the Bible?