What does Genesis 42:8 Mean?

Context Summary

The true interpretation of Joseph's treatment of his brethren is to be found in the supposition that he repeated toward them, as nearly as possible, the behavior that they had shown to himself at the pit's mouth, and this with no thought of retaliation, but that their consciences might be awakened, and that he might discover if they would deal differently with Benjamin than they had dealt with him. He needed to be sure of their repentance before he could trust himself to them again. His purpose therefore was in part secured when he heard them saying to each other in the dear old home-tongue, which they never expected him to understand, "We are verily guilty because of our brother." So God deals with us. The east wind blows bitterly in our faces, the famine is behind and the harsh governor before. All these things are hard to bear; but behind them is the tenderest love, which struggles with its tears and is only eager to get us right before entrusting itself to us. [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 42

¹  Jacob sends his ten sons to buy grain in Egypt
¹⁶  They are imprisoned by Joseph as spies
¹⁸  They are set at liberty, on condition to bring Benjamin
²¹  They have remorse for Joseph
²⁴  Simeon is kept for a pledge
²⁵  They return with grain, and their money
²⁹  Their relation to Jacob
³⁶  Jacob refuses to send Benjamin