Genesis 43:13 kjv

Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man:

Genesis 43:13 nkjv

Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man.

Genesis 43:13 niv

Take your brother also and go back to the man at once.

Genesis 43:13 esv

Take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man.

Genesis 43:13 nlt

Then take your brother, and go back to the man.

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 13 Meaning

Genesis 43:13 captures Jacob's final, reluctant command to his sons to take his youngest and most beloved son, Benjamin, back to Egypt. This directive follows intense deliberation and desperation in the face of a severe famine, a foreign ruler's demand, and the capture of Simeon. It represents Jacob's profound struggle between deep paternal protection and the harsh reality of necessity for the survival of his family. His instruction, though born out of a perceived ultimate risk, reflects a pivotal moment of surrender to what he believes is the only path left, underpinned by a glimmer of hope that God's favor might rest upon them.

Genesis 43 13 Context

Genesis chapter 43 follows the initial journey of Jacob's sons to Egypt to buy grain due to a severe famine across the land. During this first trip, Joseph, their brother (whom they did not recognize as Egypt's second-in-command), accused them of being spies and demanded they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their innocence, holding Simeon as surety. Upon returning, Jacob fiercely resisted sending Benjamin, his last remaining son from Rachel, fearing a tragic loss. However, as the famine worsened and the family's provisions ran out, and with Judah courageously pledging his own life as security for Benjamin, Jacob finally consented. Verse 43:13 marks this crucial moment of concession, instructing them to take Benjamin, along with gifts and double the money, back to Egypt. This decision is driven by existential necessity and a desperate hope for divine mercy.

Genesis 43 13 Word analysis

• Take (Heb. Qeḥū - קְחוּ): This is an imperative plural form of the verb lāqaḥ (לָקַח), meaning "to take, fetch, get." It's a direct command, underscoring the necessity and urgency of the action. The plural form is directed at all his sons who are to embark on this perilous journey. It's a forceful instruction given the gravity of the situation.
• also (Heb. gam- - גַּם): This conjunction means "also, even, moreover." Its inclusion here emphasizes that Benjamin is to be included alongside the money and gifts they are already preparing to take. It highlights the addition of this precious and previously withheld asset.
• your brother (Heb. ʾaḥikem - אֲחִיכֶם): Refers specifically to Benjamin. The possessive plural suffix 'your' emphasizes the collective responsibility of the brothers towards Benjamin, as per Judah's guarantee (Gen 43:8-9). This phrasing contrasts with Jacob's deep personal attachment to Benjamin, signifying his delegation of Benjamin's safety to his sons.
• and arise (Heb. wĕqūmū - וְקוּמוּ֙): This is a compound of the conjunction 'and' (wĕ) and the imperative plural of qūm (קוּם), "to stand up, arise, get up." It's not merely a physical act of standing but signifies readiness to depart, to set out on a journey, implying decisive action and preparation. It conveys an immediacy and determination following the difficult decision.
• go (Heb. wĕlēḵū - וְלֵכוּ): Also a compound, from 'and' (wĕ) and the imperative plural of hālak (הָלַךְ), "to go, walk, proceed." This is the direct command to journey. Combined with "arise," it forms a common biblical idiom for setting out on a significant mission or journey.
• to the man (Heb. ʾel-hāʾîš - אֶל־הָאִֽישׁ): ʾel means "to" or "toward." hāʾîš (הָאִישׁ) means "the man" with the definite article, referring specifically to the Egyptian viceroy, Joseph, whom they still do not recognize. This refers to the specific, formidable authority figure who has made the demand. For Jacob and his sons, "the man" is an unknown, powerful figure who holds their fate and Simeon's release in his hands, adding a layer of dread and suspense.

Words-group analysis

• "Take also your brother": This phrase underlines the core requirement set by Joseph and the central conflict Jacob faced. It shows the costly and painful step Jacob had to take, involving the relinquishing of his most cherished son into a foreign, unknown situation, essentially risking all for the survival of the greater family. The "also" is critical, indicating that Benjamin is an additional "gift" or condition.
• "and arise, go to the man": These two imperative verbs convey urgency and immediate action following the painful decision. They represent a clear command for the sons to promptly undertake the journey to Egypt and present themselves and Benjamin before the intimidating Egyptian ruler. It signifies Jacob’s commitment to action despite his overwhelming fears, having entrusted Benjamin to his brothers' care and to God's providence.

Genesis 43 13 Bonus section

This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment in Jacob's spiritual journey, showcasing a painful yet faithful surrender. Historically, patriarchal narratives frequently depict such weighty decisions that carry long-term consequences for future generations. Jacob's yielding, born of necessity and Judah's solemn oath, moves the divine plan forward towards Joseph's revelation and the eventual relocation of the family to Egypt, which will later form the nation of Israel. It is an illustration of God's providence often working through human despair and seemingly impossible choices. Jacob's phrase in verse 14, "If I am bereaved, I am bereaved," illustrates his resignation and trust, signifying a deepened dependence on God's sovereignty. This readiness to risk Benjamin, a partial mirror to Abraham's readiness to sacrifice Isaac, showcases a growth in faith from his earlier fears and manipulations.

Genesis 43 13 Commentary

Genesis 43:13 represents Jacob's agonizing acquiescence to circumstances beyond his control. After initially refusing, Jacob's ultimate instruction to take Benjamin to Egypt reveals his pragmatic leadership driven by desperation. This decision, though filled with trepidation, embodies a profound shift from anxious resistance (Gen 42:36) to a painful but necessary act of trust—both in his sons, especially Judah, and in the unrevealed hand of God. His fear for Benjamin is palpable, reflecting deep parental love, yet the severity of the famine compels him to send his beloved son into the very situation he dreaded most. The "man" remains an enigmatic, formidable figure from Jacob's perspective, representing the immediate human authority over their lives. Yet, through this very act of "sending," a hidden divine plan of reconciliation and preservation is about to unfold, setting the stage for one of the most poignant family reunions in scripture.