Genesis 42:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The brothers explain they are twelve sons, with the youngest at home and one absent.
The Context of Genesis 42:13
The brothers reveal their family structure: twelve sons, youngest at home, one absent.
What Does Genesis 42:13 Mean?
Under pressure, they offer more details to prove their story. They reveal their family structure: twelve brothers total, the youngest with their father, and one missing. This disclosure is the turning point—the missing brother is Joseph himself. They unknowingly stand in the presence of the very person they are confessing about.
Their admission that one brother is not with them is both truthful and guilt-laden. They do not name him as dead or lost, only 'not' present. The incomplete narrative hides the depth of their sin, yet the truth is there in their words.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 42:13
What does Genesis 42:13 mean?
The brothers explain they are twelve sons, with the youngest at home and one absent.
What is the context of Genesis 42:13?
The brothers reveal their family structure: twelve sons, youngest at home, one absent.