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Genesis 42:16
ESV Send one of you, and let him bring your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you. Or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies."
NIV Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words may be tested to see if you are telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!"
NASB Send one of you and have him get your brother, while you remain confined, so that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you. But if not, by the life of Pharaoh, you are certainly spies!'
CSB Send one from among you to get your brother. The rest of you will be imprisoned so that your words can be tested to see if they are true. If they are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!"
NLT One of you must go and get your brother. I’ll keep the rest of you here in prison. Then we’ll find out whether or not your story is true. By the life of Pharaoh, if it turns out that you don’t have a younger brother, then I’ll know you are spies.'
KJV Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies.
NKJV Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!”

What does Genesis 42:16 mean?

Joseph has used a false accusation against his ten older half-brothers to provoke them into telling him about their family back home. Of course, as the governor of Egypt, Joseph alone knows the men are no threat, and that they're in no danger themselves. His intimidation and harshness (Genesis 42:6–14) are partly meant to maintain his secret and prepare a test. He has learned that both his father, Jacob, and only full brother, Benjamin, are both alive. Joseph decides, seemingly on the spot, that he desperately wants to see Benjamin again (Genesis 42:15).

Still speaking as an Egyptian ruler, Joseph will hold all the brothers in captivity until one of them returns with the youngest brother as evidence they are truthful. If they cannot do this, Joseph will conclude they are indeed spies. In swearing by Pharaoh, Joseph's brothers would have understood him to be deadly serious.
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