Genesis 42:33 Meaning and Explanation
“And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men; leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food for the famine of your households, and be gone:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The governor sets his condition: leave one brother as a hostage; take grain home and return with the youngest.
The Context of Genesis 42:33
The governor's demand explained: one hostage, return with youngest or lose him.
What Does Genesis 42:33 Mean?
The brothers explain Joseph's demand to Jacob. The governor has insisted on a hostage—one brother will remain in Egypt as security. In exchange, nine can return with grain to feed the family. The implicit promise is that if they return with the youngest brother, the hostage will be released.
For Jacob, this is a nearly impossible choice. Release one son to Egypt's captivity, or risk losing all of them and watching his family starve. And the demand to bring Benjamin—his youngest, the child of Rachel, the one surviving symbol of his beloved wife—is asking him to surrender what he most treasures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 42:33
What does Genesis 42:33 mean?
The governor sets his condition: leave one brother as a hostage; take grain home and return with the youngest.
What is the context of Genesis 42:33?
The governor's demand explained: one hostage, return with youngest or lose him.