Genesis 42:7-20

7When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger to them and spoke to them harshly. He asked, “Where do you come from?” They answered, “From the land of Canaan, to buy grain for food.”

8Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.

9Then Joseph remembered the dreams he had dreamed about them, and he said to them, “You are spies; you have come to see if our land is vulnerable!”

10But they exclaimed, “No, my lord! Your servants have come to buy grain for food!

11We are all the sons of one man; we are honest men! Your servants are not spies.”

12“No,” he insisted, “but you have come to see if our land is vulnerable.”

13They replied, “Your servants are from a family of twelve brothers. We are the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is with our father at this time, and one is no longer alive.”

14But Joseph told them, “It is just as I said to you: You are spies!

15You will be tested in this way: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not depart from this place unless your youngest brother comes here.

16One of you must go and get your brother, while the rest of you remain in prison. In this way your words may be tested to see if you are telling the truth. If not, then, as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!”

17He imprisoned them all for three days.

18On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do as I say and you will live, for I fear God.

19If you are honest men, leave one of your brothers confined here in prison while the rest of you go and take grain back for your hungry families.

20But you must bring your youngest brother to me. Then your words will be verified and you will not die.” They did as he said.