42:9. And remembering the dreams, which formerly he had dreamed, he said to them: You are spies. You are come to view the weaker parts of the land.
You are spies… This he said by way of examining them, to see what they would answer.
42:10. But they said: It is not so, my lord; but thy servants are come to buy food.
42:11. We are all the sons of one man: we are come as peaceable men, neither do thy servants go about any evil.
42:12. And he answered them: It is otherwise: you are come to consider the unfenced parts of this land.
42:13. But they said: We thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Chanaan: the youngest is with our father, the other is not living.
42:14. He saith, This is it that I said: You are spies.
42:15. I shall now presently try what you are: by the health of Pharao, you shall not depart hence, until your youngest brother come.
42:16. Send one of you to fetch him: and you shall be in prison, till what you have said be proved, whether it be true or false: or else by the health of Pharao you are spies.
Or else by the health of Pharao you are spies… That is, if these things you say be proved false, you are to be held for spies for your lying, and shall be treated as such. Joseph dealt in this manner with his brethren, to bring them by the means of affliction to a sense of their former sin, and a sincere repentance for it.