Definition: And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye [so] ill with me, [as] to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 43:6. It's a really important and dramatic passage about betrayal. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Long ago, Joseph was sold into slavery to Egypt by his father. He became a trusted man for the Pharaoh, and eventually, he becomes a powerful leader. However, he overhears that his brothers have plotted against him! They think he's cursed them and plan to kill them. What happened next? Joseph, feeling deeply hurt and betrayed, confronts his brothers. He asks, “Wherefore dealt ye [so] ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?” Let’s unpack that: “Wherefore” : This word means "why." It's a question of reason behind the action. “So” : This is an intensifier – it emphasizes how badly they treated him. “As to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?” : This is the core of the problem. They wanted to know if he had a sibling! They were trying to cause trouble and harm him. The Meaning & Significance: This verse shows several things: Betrayal: Joseph was betrayed by his brothers. They weren’t just being friendly; they were actively plotting against him. Deep Pain: He was deeply hurt and humiliated because his brothers had thought of harming him. It speaks to a significant emotional loss for him. Justice (Implied): While not explicitly stated, the verse implies that God is watching and ensuring justice is done. The brothers' actions were wrong and deserved a consequence. In short: Joseph is expressing profound anger and sadness because his brothers betrayed him by thinking of hurting him, causing him great distress. Important Note: This passage is a key moment in the story of Joseph’s life and highlights the importance of trust, loyalty, and the consequences of betrayal. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects further? For example: Would you like me to explain the historical context of this story? Are you curious about how this verse relates to other stories in the Bible?