Definition: And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 42:7. It’s a really important passage about Joseph’s cunning and his role in protecting his brothers. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joseph is watching his brothers. He’s observing them, which is pretty typical for a powerful man like him. He becomes uncomfortable with them. He starts to feel uneasy about the way his brothers are behaving – they’re restless and seem to be moving towards the land of Canaan (which was a distant place). He talks badly to them. He begins to criticize and speak harshly to his brothers, saying "Where have you come from?" This is a really uncomfortable moment for him. He says he's strange to them. He’s essentially saying, “I’m not like you; I’m acting differently.” What it’s about – It’s about a test: The verse suggests that Joseph is testing his brothers. God has set him up in this situation so he can see how they react to difficult situations and whether they'll cooperate with him. It's like a puzzle where he needs to understand their responses. Key Takeaway: It’s about Joseph’s strategic manipulation – using his ability to observe and influence others to achieve a goal. He is essentially playing a game of power and control, but it’s also about his deep care for his brothers. --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What's your current understanding of this passage? (Do you know what the story is about?) Are there any specific questions you have about it? (e.g., "Why does he say he’s strange?" or “What’s the significance of Canaan?”)