Genesis 44:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider Joseph's reaction upon hearing this news: ‘He has been forsaken by his mother, and his father holds him dear.’ Why does he remain here, claiming ‘his brother is no more,’ after they had sold him to the merchants? This is because they had deceived their father into believing that Joseph had met his end at the hands of wild animals. Furthermore, they presumed that he had perished from the hardships of slavery among foreigners; thus, he states, ‘his brother is no more.’

You inquired of us, your servants, asking whether we have a father or a brother.