Verses 18-25 describe the second interview between Joseph and his brothers.

Do this and you will live: this looks ahead to the new instructions Joseph is about to give them. You will live is a positive way of saying “You won’t be executed [for being spies].”

For I fear God: this is said as the reason for giving the brothers the opportunity to prove their honesty. This expression may be translated “I am a person who honors [respects] God.” Bible en français courant says “I recognize the authority of God.” In some languages it will be more natural to place the reason before the command.

We may translate verse 18, for example, “Three days later Joseph ordered his brothers to be brought before him, and he said to them, ‘I am a man who honors God, so do as I will tell you and your lives will be spared.’ ”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .