The Bible does not state a specific reason; it simply records that Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.
Genesis 42:8 states the fact without explanation. Les Feldick points out that Joseph even gave hints, such as seating the brothers by age, yet they still had no idea who he was. Recognition did not come until the second visit, when Joseph said, 'I am Joseph.'
Genesis 42:8 — This verse states the core fact that answers the question: Joseph knew his brothers, but they knew not him.
Genesis 45:3 — Records the moment Joseph reveals himself, confirming that the brothers did not know him until later.
The Genesis account gives no reason for the brothers' failure to recognize Joseph. It simply records: 'And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him' (Genesis 42:8). The narrative moves from that fact to Joseph's later self-revelation: 'And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence' (Genesis 45:3). Stephen's sermon summarizes the timing: 'And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh' (Acts 7:13).
Les returns to this scene repeatedly because it is, in his words, exactly the lesson Stephen is driving home. He says that as soon as the ten brothers entered Joseph's presence, Joseph immediately knew who they were, but they did not know him. Les mentions that Joseph gave them hints, particularly arranging the banquet from oldest to youngest, and that 'it just blew their mind,' yet they still had no idea who Joseph was. He compares this with Israel's failure to recognize Jesus at His first coming. On the second visit, Joseph revealed himself. Les describes the reunion with weeping and joy, noting that Joseph had become their savior because his grain saved them from starvation.
According to Les, yes. Joseph put the brothers at the banquet table according to their age, from the eldest to the youngest. It 'blew their mind,' and they said, 'How does he know the eldest from the youngest?' Even after that hint, they had no idea who Joseph was.
Acts 7:13 says that 'at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren.' In Genesis 45:3, Joseph said, 'I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?' and his brothers could not answer him because they were troubled. Les adds that on the second visit Joseph revealed himself and there was weeping for joy, because Joseph had become their savior through the grain.
Les teaches that Joseph's unrecognized first visit parallels Israel's failure to recognize Jesus at His first coming. He says the Lord knew Israel from their very beginning and presented Himself in language that was clear as day, but they did not recognize Him. He also connects the second visit to the time when Joseph revealed himself and the brothers were reunited with joy.
Moses, the Ark, and the Second Coming: Unlocking the Prophetic Pattern
Now for those of you who may not have done a lot of Bible study or reading, Acts chapter 7 is merely the sermon of Stephen, who was one of the six deacons that were appointed back there in Acts chapter 6, you remember, a man full of the Holy Spirit.
First Visit Hints and Messiah Comparison
Les shows that Joseph's brothers did not recognize him even when he seated them by age, and he compares this to Israel's failure to recognize Jesus at His first coming.
Joseph Makes Himself Known
Les reads the moment when Joseph says, 'I am Joseph,' and the brothers are troubled, showing that recognition did not happen until the second visit.
Joseph Knew Them; They Did Not Know Him
Les emphasizes that Joseph recognized his brothers immediately while they remained unaware, and he calls this the lesson Stephen is driving home.
Why the Brothers Went to Egypt
Les explains that the brothers had to go to Egypt for grain because Joseph was in control of grain and the famine had hit Canaan.
Second-Time Revelation
Les points to Acts 7:13 to show that the revelation took place at the second time, not on the brothers' first trip.
Revealed on the Second Visit
Les describes the second visit as the moment Joseph revealed himself and the brothers were reunited with weeping, because Joseph had become their savior through the grain.
Joseph as a Type of Christ: The Hidden Prophecy in Genesis 37-46
And see, Joseph knew that, that in spite of all those horrible times he'd gone through, and yet the years of blessing, yet he said, Don't feel bad, because God did send me here ahead of time to preserve you. And had it not been for Joseph in Egypt, the twelve sons would have probably faded off the scene in the famine. They would have died. But God in His providence had prepared everything.
Genesis 42:8: And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
This is the verse that states the fact behind the question: Joseph recognized his brothers while they did not recognize him.
Genesis 45:3: And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
This is the moment of revelation, showing the brothers' stunned reaction when Joseph finally made himself known.
Acts 7:13: And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
Stephen's summary confirms that Joseph's identity was revealed on the second visit, not the first.
The Bible does not give a specific reason. Genesis 42:8 simply says Joseph knew his brothers, but they did not know him. Les Feldick points out that Joseph even gave hints, like seating them by age, but they remained unaware who he was until the second visit.
No. Acts 7:13 says it was at the second time that Joseph was made known to his brethren. On the first trip they came to buy grain and went home without recognizing Joseph.
Les teaches that it is a picture of Israel's failure to recognize Jesus at His first coming. The Lord knew Israel and presented Himself clearly, but they did not recognize Him. Les also connects the second visit to the joy of Joseph revealing himself to his brothers.
Watch the Teaching: Moses, the Ark, and the Second Coming: Unlocking the Prophetic Pattern