Book of Genesis - Chapter 42 - Verse 7

When Joseph saw his brothers in Egypt seeking to buy food during the famine, he recognized them but chose to act as a stranger to them. Despite knowing their true identity, he decided to test them by speaking roughly and questioning their origins. This interaction reveals Joseph's complex emotions towards his brothers, as he balances his desire to reconnect with them after years of separation with his lingering feelings of betrayal and hurt from when they sold him into slavery. By pretending not to recognize them immediately, Joseph sets the stage for a series of events that will ultimately lead to a reconciliation and emotional healing within his family. This moment also highlights the theme of forgiveness and redemption that runs throughout the story of Joseph and his brothers in the Book of Genesis.

One possible theological interpretation of the verse where Joseph sees his brothers but pretends not to know them is that it reflects the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation. Despite the betrayal and mistreatment he suffered at the hands of his brothers, Joseph ultimately forgives them and reconciles with them. This act of pretending to be a stranger and speaking roughly to them could be seen as a test to determine if his brothers have truly changed and if they feel remorse for their past actions. By testing their character in this way, Joseph is able to eventually reveal his true identity to them and demonstrate the power of forgiveness.

Additionally, a word study of the phrase "spake roughly unto them" could reveal the deeper meaning behind Joseph's actions. The Hebrew word used here for "roughly" can also be translated as "harshly" or "severely." This could indicate that Joseph's initial coldness towards his brothers was a deliberate choice to challenge them and prompt them to reflect on their past behavior. By addressing them in this manner, Joseph sets the stage for the emotional reunion and reconciliation that will later take place.