Genesis 43 10

Genesis 43:10 kjv

For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time.

Genesis 43:10 nkjv

For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time."

Genesis 43:10 niv

As it is, if we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned twice."

Genesis 43:10 esv

If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice."

Genesis 43:10 nlt

If we hadn't wasted all this time, we could have gone and returned twice by now."

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 10 meaning

Jacob expresses profound regret and exasperation over his prolonged hesitation in sending Benjamin to Egypt with his other sons. He recognizes that their reluctance to part with Benjamin has caused a significant delay in obtaining much-needed grain, implying that by this point, they could have completed two full journeys for provisions, thereby alleviating their suffering much sooner. This statement highlights the urgent and dire consequences of his earlier fear-driven decision, underscored by the continuing severe famine.

Genesis 43 10 Context

Genesis chapter 43 describes the dire situation faced by Jacob and his family due to the prolonged famine gripping the land of Canaan. The grain they brought from their first journey to Egypt had run out, and the family was starving. Jacob's sons relayed Joseph's demand from the first journey: they must bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them if they ever wished to buy grain again. Jacob initially resisted vehemently, clinging to Benjamin as the last remaining son of Rachel. However, with starvation imminent and Judah taking personal responsibility for Benjamin's safety, Jacob is finally compelled to yield. This verse (Gen 43:10) is Jacob's lament, revealing his deep regret and frustration over his past stubbornness and the lost time, as they embark on this second, critical journey. It underscores the severity of the famine and the desperate nature of their need, highlighting how circumstances eventually forced Jacob's hand to trust God's provision even in a difficult, humanly-caused delay.

Genesis 43 10 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): This conjunctive particle often means "for" or "because," but in this context, combined with 'if not', it introduces an emphatic assertion of fact, "surely," or "indeed." It reinforces Jacob's deep conviction about the truth of what he is saying.
• if (לוּלֵא - lule'): This is a conditional particle, expressing a contrary-to-fact or hypothetical past situation – "if it had not been for," or "had not." It clearly indicates that the "delay" did, in fact, occur.
• we had not delayed (הִתְמָהְמְהוּ - hitmahmehu): Derived from the root מָהַה (mahah), meaning "to tarry," "to linger," "to hesitate," or "to delay." The Hithpael stem intensifies the action, implying a persistent, deliberate, or even prolonged act of delaying. The verb is plural ("we delayed"), indicating that Jacob acknowledges the collective action, or more accurately, his own protracted resistance which impacted everyone. This "delay" was driven by Jacob's fear for Benjamin's safety, which ultimately amplified the suffering of his whole household.
• surely (כִּי עַתָּה - ki 'attah): A strong emphatic phrase, meaning "for now" or "indeed now." It strengthens the certainty of the consequence of their non-delay. Jacob is not guessing; he is certain of the lost opportunity.
• by now (עַתָּה - 'attah): Meaning "now" or "at this moment." It emphasizes the current time and highlights the immediacy of the missed opportunity. This serves as a lament for the lost present.
• we would have returned (שָׁבְנוּ - shavnu): From the root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to return," "to turn back." The verb here describes a completed action, suggesting a successful journey and safe return with the necessary provisions.
• twice (פַּעֲמַיִם - pa'amayim): This dual form of the word פַּעַם (pa'am), meaning "time" or "footstep," literally means "two times." The specificity of "twice" underscores the significant amount of time wasted due to the delay. It indicates not just one return trip, but enough time for two full round-trips to Egypt, implying either a complete second purchase of grain or the start of such. This illustrates the heavy cost of Jacob's earlier fear and reluctance.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "For if we had not delayed": This phrase expresses Jacob's deep, painful acknowledgment of the direct consequence of his past actions—specifically, his prolonged hesitation and refusal to send Benjamin. It carries a sense of regret and frustration, hinting at the weariness of a patriarch wrestling with a difficult decision while facing starvation. The plural "we" reflects either Jacob including his sons who were also involved in convincing him, or his recognition of shared suffering from his own decision.
• "surely by now we would have returned twice": This part of the verse vividly quantifies the cost of Jacob's delay. It highlights the missed opportunity to alleviate suffering much earlier. The idea of "returning twice" (either completing the second trip or having enough time for it) speaks to the severity and duration of the famine and the inefficiency imposed by Jacob's reluctance. It also implies a practical, tangible loss: they could have had twice the food by this time, which would have meant the survival of many more within the family and flocks. This demonstrates the material impact of a decision driven by emotional fear.

Genesis 43 10 Bonus section

• Jacob's statement in this verse marks a crucial turning point in his character arc. Previously stubborn and resistant due to fear, this expression of regret signifies a dawning recognition of the negative impact of his reluctance, propelling him toward a necessary step of faith and surrender, despite his anguish.
• The human tendency to delay difficult decisions, particularly those involving letting go of cherished attachments or confronting fears, is a timeless theme resonated in this verse. Jacob's struggle underscores that such procrastination often amplifies rather than diminishes the inevitable pain or cost.
• From a divine perspective, Jacob's delay, while borne of human frailty, was nonetheless woven into God's sovereign plan. Joseph's extended time in Egypt, his rise to power, and the circumstances surrounding his brothers' two trips were all orchestrating events to fulfill prophecies and preserve the nascent nation of Israel, showcasing how God works even through the detours of human choice.

Genesis 43 10 Commentary

Genesis 43:10 captures a pivotal moment of realization for Jacob. His words are not merely a complaint but a lament of regret, a desperate patriarch counting the cost of his delay and fear. Earlier, Jacob had vehemently refused to send Benjamin, driven by the lingering pain of losing Joseph and the belief that Benjamin was his last son from Rachel. However, the relentless grip of the famine has now forced his hand. His "if only" reflects a man brought to his knees by circumstance, admitting the folly of procrastination born of misplaced trust in his own ability to protect rather than yielding to God's guiding hand, which ultimately brought his whole family into Egypt under Joseph's provision. The emphasis on "returned twice" powerfully communicates the tangible impact of his resistance – extended suffering and jeopardized lives – making his eventual acquiescence to send Benjamin all the more poignant. This painful submission sets the stage for the dramatic revelation and reconciliation with Joseph.