Definition: And they said one to another, We [are] verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 42:21. It’s a really important and complex passage about betrayal and punishment. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joseph’s Situation: The verse tells us that Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, was accused of betraying his brother, Benjamin. Seeing Benjamin’s Distress: The key part is that Joseph witnessed Benjamin’s agonizing distress – he was begging and pleading for help. He was desperately trying to get someone to listen to him. Their Response: Joseph's brothers, seeing this, were upset and angry. They said, "We are guilty concerning our brother!" What it Means in Plain Language: This verse is saying that the brothers were responsible for what happened to Benjamin. It’s not about Joseph being directly involved in the betrayal – he wasn't. It’s a consequence of their actions, specifically their selfishness and lack of empathy. The "Why" Behind it - A Bit More Depth: Betrayal is Wrong: The verse highlights that betrayal is wrong because it causes pain to someone else. It emphasizes the importance of compassion and helping those in need. Lack of Listening: The brothers’ words suggest they weren't listening to Joseph’s plea. They prioritized their own desires over caring for his brother. Divine Punishment: The phrase "is this distress come upon us" suggests that God is punishing this behavior – it’s a consequence of their choices. It implies that God sees their actions as harmful and deserving of a judgment. In essence, the verse is a reminder that selfishness and ignoring others' suffering can have serious consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific biblical story (like Joseph’s life)? Discuss the broader meaning of the verse within the context of the Bible?