Genesis 42:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Driven by necessity and eager to gain his favor, they declare, “We, your servants, are twelve brothers.” What a puzzling statement! Included in their count is the one they themselves sold to the traders. They do not clarify, “There were twelve of us, and now there are twelve. Indeed, the youngest is with our father.” This was precisely what Joseph was keen to learn—whether they had subjected their younger brother to the same fate he endured. “The youngest is now with our father, and the other is lost.” They do not explicitly mention the reason for his absence, merely stating, “has not become.”

We are a family of a dozen, united in our lineage and in our multitude. Our presence is recognized far and wide; and look, one of us is with our Father today, and there is no other. They were filled with reverence and responded in fear, saying, "Do not speak this way, dear sir; we are all siblings, children of one righteous Father. Once, we numbered twelve, but one was taken by a wicked creature. He was lovely and deeply cherished by his Father, who mourns for him to this day. Yet our other brother now stands with our Father in the land of Canaan, offering him comfort."

We, your servants, are twelve siblings, indicating that we do not serve any empire or nation; we are part of a singular, humble tribe. How could we possibly pose a threat to Egypt? Yet, one is missing. This sentiment is shared among us and appears to stem from a troubled conscience. The sons of Jacob are reluctant to admit that their brother suffered at their hands, and they cannot bring themselves to claim that he is deceased.