11 We are all one man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies.
11 We are all the sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies."
11 We are all sons of one man. We are honest men. Your servants have never been spies."
11 We're all the sons of the same man; we're honest men; we'd never think of spying."
11 We are all one man's sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies."
11 We are all brothers-members of the same family. We are honest men, sir! We are not spies!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 42:11
Commentary on Genesis 42:7-20
(Read Genesis 42:7-20)
Joseph was hard upon his brethren, not from a spirit of revenge, but to bring them to repentance. Not seeing his brother Benjamin, he suspected that they had made away with him, and he gave them occasion to speak of their father and brother. God, in his providence, sometimes seems harsh with those he loves, and speaks roughly to those for whom yet he has great mercy in store. Joseph settled at last, that one of them should be left, and the rest go home and fetch Benjamin. It was a very encouraging word he said to them, "I fear God;" as if he had said, You may be assured I will do you no wrong; I dare not, for I know there is one higher than I. With those that fear God, we may expect fair dealing.