20 But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.
20 But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die." This they proceeded to do.
20 and bring your youngest brother to me. So your words will be verified, and you shall not die." And they did so.
20 But you have to bring your youngest brother back to me, confirming the truth of your speech - and not one of you will die." They agreed.
20 And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die." And they did so.
20 But you must bring your youngest brother back to me. This will prove that you are telling the truth, and you will not die." To this they agreed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 42:20
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.