Definition: And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, [Is] your father yet alive? have ye [another] brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 43:7. It’s a really fascinating and dramatic story about betrayal! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joseph is imprisoned. Joseph was one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus and he was held captive by his brothers, who were jealous of his growing influence and talent. He asks probing questions. The brothers, fearing that Joseph might reveal their plan to kill him, relentlessly questioned him about his father – specifically, whether he had a brother. They answer with a chilling response. The brothers didn't just answer truthfully; they asked Joseph to ask him if his brother was alive. They were trying to find out if Joseph would reveal the location of his brother, which would be their plan to kill him. What it Means – A Bit More Insight: This verse is a key part of understanding the story of Joseph’s escape and how God worked in his life. Here's what it suggests: Jealousy & Betrayal: The brothers weren’t just curious; they were driven by intense jealousy and a desire to harm Joseph. They wanted to know if he had a brother to kill him. God's Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control of events, even when people are trying to manipulate him. He’s using their actions to test Joseph and ensure his survival. Joseph's Strength & Faith: The brothers’ questions were a desperate attempt to break Joseph. However, Joseph responded with incredible strength and faith – he didn’t give in to their malice. In essence, this verse highlights God’s ability to thwart evil plans and protect those who are trusted by him. It's a powerful example of how God uses adversity to reveal our true character and strengthen us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another passage? Dive deeper into the symbolism behind this story (like the imagery of betrayal)? Discuss the theological significance of this verse?