Bible Strands
Genesis 42:10
“Not so, my lord,” they replied. “Your servants have come to buy food.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The brothers address Joseph, who is operating as an Egyptian administrator, immediately following his accusation that they are spies sent to scout the land.
The words — The Hebrew לֹא (loʾ) translates literally as "no," and אֲדֹנִי (ʾăḏōnî) means "my lord," establishing a formal denial paired with deferential address.
The thread — The clash between professed loyalty and actual subordination recurs in Genesis 37:8 and Genesis 27:29, where familial claims of unity repeatedly fracture under the pressure of power and servitude.
Why it lands — The text states a direct denial of espionage followed by a claim of commercial purpose, requiring the reader to assess how formal language can simultaneously conceal vulnerability and assert innocence.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.
Cross-references
- Genesis 37:8 “Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements.
- Genesis 27:29 May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.”
- Genesis 27:37 But Isaac answered Esau: “Look, I have made him your master and given him all his relatives as servants; I have sustained him with grain and new wine. What is left that I can do for you, my son?”
- Genesis 44:9 If any of your servants is found to have it, he must die, and the rest will become slaves of my lord.”
- 1 Samuel 26:17 Then Saul recognized David’s voice and asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” “It is my voice, my lord and king,” David said.
- 1 Kings 18:7 Now as Obadiah went on his way, Elijah suddenly met him. When Obadiah recognized him, he fell facedown and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?”