In verse 7 nothing is said about the brothers recognizing Joseph. However, it is made clear in this verse that they do not know him. Note that Good News Translation begins verse 8 with a concession: “Although Joseph recognized…, they did not recognize him.” This may serve translators as a good model.

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 .