Genesis 42:8

And Ioseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
- American Standard Version (1901)

Now though Joseph saw that these were his brothers, they had no idea who he was.
- Basic English Bible

And Joseph knew his brethren, but they did not know him.
- Darby Bible

And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
- Webster's Bible

Joseph recognized his brothers, but they didn't recognize him.
- World English Bible

And Joseph discerneth his brethren, but they have not discerned him,
- Youngs Literal Bible

And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew him not.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for Genesis 42:8

42:7 We may well wonder that Joseph, during the twenty years he had been in Egypt, especially during the last seven years that he had been in power there, never sent to his father to acquaint him with his circumstances; nay, 'tis strange that he who so oft went throughout all the land of Egypt, never made a step to Canaan, to visit his aged father. When he was in the borders of Egypt that lay next to Canaan, perhaps it would not have been above three or four days journey for him in his chariot. 'Tis a probable conjecture, that his whole management of himself in this affair was by special direction from heaven, that the purpose of God, concerning Jacob and his family, might be accomplished. When Joseph's brethren came, he knew them by many a good token, but they knew not him, little thinking to find him there.

42:9 He remembered the dreams, but they had forgot them. The laying up of God's oracles in our hearts will be of excellent use to us in all our conduct. Joseph had an eye to his dreams, which he knew to be divine, in his carriage towards his brethren, and aimed at the accomplishment of them, and the bringing his brethren to repentance; and both those points were gained. He shewed himself harsh with them: the very manner of his speaking, considering the post he was in, was enough to frighten them, for he spake roughly to them - He charged them with ill designs against the government, treated them as dangerous persons, ye are spies, protesting by the life of Pharaoh that they were so. Some make that an oath, others make it no more but a vehement asseveration; however, it was more than yea, yea, and nay, nay, and therefore came of evil. They hereupon were very submissive; they spoke to him with all respect; nay, my lord. They modestly deny the charge, we are no spies; they tell him their business, they came to buy food, they give a particular account of themselves and their family, #Ge 42:13|, and that was it he wanted. He clapt them all up in prison three days. He concluded with them at last, that one of them should be left as a hostage, and the rest should go home and fetch Benjamin. It was a very encouraging word he said, I fear God; q.d. You may assure yourselves, I will do you no wrong, I dare not, for I know that as high as I am, there is one higher than I. With those that fear God we have reason to expect fair dealing: the fear of God will be a check upon those that are in power, to restrain them from abusing their power to oppression and tyranny: