Genesis 43:3 kjv

And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

Genesis 43:3 nkjv

But Judah spoke to him, saying, "The man solemnly warned us, saying, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.'

Genesis 43:3 niv

But Judah said to him, "The man warned us solemnly, 'You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.'

Genesis 43:3 esv

But Judah said to him, "The man solemnly warned us, saying, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.'

Genesis 43:3 nlt

But Judah said, "The man was serious when he warned us, 'You won't see my face again unless your brother is with you.'

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 3 Meaning

Genesis 43:3 describes Judah's direct and firm reminder to his father Jacob regarding the Egyptian viceroy's (Joseph's) non-negotiable demand. For them to be allowed to buy food again and to secure the release of Simeon, their youngest full brother Benjamin absolutely had to accompany them back to Egypt. Joseph had issued this command as a solemn oath, making it a binding condition.

Genesis 43 3 Context

Genesis chapter 43 takes place amidst a severe famine that grips both Canaan and Egypt. Jacob's family, running out of the grain they previously acquired from Egypt, is facing starvation. This chapter follows the harrowing events of chapter 42, where Jacob's ten eldest sons had journeyed to Egypt to buy food and encountered Joseph, now the powerful governor. Joseph, recognizing them but remaining unrecognized himself, accused them of being spies, held Simeon as a hostage, and demanded that they bring their youngest brother Benjamin to him to prove their honesty. Upon their return, Jacob adamantly refused to send Benjamin, fearing his loss as he had "lost" Joseph. Judah, however, steps forward in this verse, boldly reminding Jacob of Joseph's unyielding condition and the grave necessity of complying for their family's survival, ultimately offering himself as surety for Benjamin.

Genesis 43 3 Word analysis

• And Judah spoke unto him:

  • Judah: A son of Jacob and Leah. His proactive leadership emerges here, a significant shift from his previous role in selling Joseph into slavery (Gen 37:26-27). This action foreshadows Judah's prominence among his brothers and the tribe of Judah from which kings, including David and ultimately the Messiah, would descend (Gen 49:10). His assumption of responsibility contrasts with Reuben's earlier failure to convince Jacob (Gen 42:37-38).
  • spoke: Hebrew vayyomer (וַיֹּאמֶר), a common verb for speaking. Here, it denotes a direct, forceful declaration, carrying the weight of urgency and desperation within the family.

• saying:

  • Hebrew lemor (לֵאמֹר). This particle often introduces direct speech. In this context, it emphasizes that Judah is quoting Joseph directly, lending authority to his words and highlighting the exactness of the Egyptian ruler's demand.

• Thou didst solemnly protest unto us:

  • solemnly protest: The Hebrew is from the verb ʿûd (עוּד), in the Hiphil stem, he'id (הֵעִד). This means "to testify," "to warn," "to admonish solemnly," "to charge." It is a much stronger term than merely "protest." It implies Joseph laid a formal, binding oath or stipulation upon them. This was not a suggestion but a serious and unyielding requirement, reinforced with an oath on Pharaoh's life (Gen 42:15). It indicates the critical nature of the condition, almost legally binding, imposed by the authority of the Egyptian viceroy.
  • unto us: The reference to the ten brothers who previously journeyed to Egypt, affirming their collective understanding of the gravity of Joseph's warning.

• saying:

  • Again lemor (לֵאמֹר). Its repetition serves to emphasize the precision of Joseph's quoted words.

• Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you:

  • Ye shall not see my face: This is a powerful expression. To "see the face" (פָּנִים - panim) of a ruler meant to have audience, access, and favor. Denying this meant complete refusal of aid, justice, or relationship. Joseph's statement underscored his absolute authority and the non-negotiable nature of his terms. Without Benjamin, all access to Egyptian grain, and Simeon's release, was definitively blocked.
  • except: Hebrew bilti (בִּלְתִּי), meaning "without," "unless," "except for." It sets up an indispensable condition.
  • your brother be with you: The core, non-negotiable condition. "Your brother" explicitly refers to Benjamin. This condition was Joseph's ultimate test for his brothers—to see if their hearts had changed towards Benjamin, the youngest, Rachel's other son, similar to how they had once abandoned him, the previous youngest son of Rachel. This was a crucial part of God's redemptive plan to bring the entire family to Egypt, setting the stage for their future as a nation.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "And Judah spoke unto him, saying, Thou didst solemnly protest unto us, saying...": This phrasing establishes Judah as the reliable reporter of Joseph's demand. He reminds Jacob not of his own interpretation, but of the specific, severe, and sworn condition that Joseph imposed. Judah presents an unvarnished truth, underscoring the brothers' vulnerability and Joseph's strictness.
  • "Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you": This sentence forms the absolute ultimatum. It conveys Joseph's unyielding resolve and the brothers' lack of leverage. It's a statement of ultimate authority and power dynamics—access to life-sustaining provisions hinges entirely on fulfilling this specific condition. This sets the stage for the dramatic resolution of the family's division and reconciliation.

Genesis 43 3 Bonus section

The Hebrew word he'id (solemnly protest) for "solemnly protest" carries legal weight, suggesting a formal testimony or declaration akin to taking an oath or swearing one in. Joseph wasn't simply saying "I don't want to see you," but rather, "I put you on oath, with my highest authority, you are forbidden access unless Benjamin comes." This made the command virtually unbreakable from the brothers' perspective, elevating the gravity of the situation for Jacob. This divine orchestration, where Joseph unknowingly acts as God's instrument, reflects the profound truth of God working through human choices and difficult circumstances to bring about His perfect will, ultimately preserving His covenant family (Gen 50:20).

Genesis 43 3 Commentary

Genesis 43:3 is a pivotal verse, encapsulating the dramatic tension within Jacob's family during the severe famine. Judah, in his nascent role as a leader, articulates the desperate reality. His use of "solemnly protest" highlights Joseph's serious and unbending declaration, emphasizing that this was not a casual request but a condition reinforced by an oath, possibly even a death threat to the brothers if not fulfilled (Gen 42:20). Joseph, unbeknownst to them, was orchestrating a profound test of their character, particularly their change of heart concerning Benjamin, who now held a similar position as a younger, favored son of Rachel. This forced confrontation revealed their changed attitude toward Jacob and their concern for Benjamin, unlike their past actions toward Joseph.

Jacob's reluctance is palpable; he feared losing Benjamin as he had lost Joseph. Yet, Judah's stark reminder leaves no room for evasion. The words "Ye shall not see my face" powerfully conveyed Joseph's authoritative position, the severe implications of his decree, and the complete blockage of provisions without Benjamin. This impasse drives the narrative towards its climax, forcing Jacob to release Benjamin, entrusting his youngest to his brothers. This difficult decision underscores God's providential hand guiding the entire family, through famine and human trials, towards reconciliation and ultimately, to Egypt, in fulfillment of God's covenantal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their offspring becoming a great nation.

• Example: Just as Joseph, an authority figure, demanded a non-negotiable condition, God often presents His people with conditions for receiving His full blessings, such as obedience to His commands or faithfulness in trials.
• Example: Judah's stepping up here shows a changed heart and leadership, reflecting how adversity can reveal or forge qualities of responsibility and care for family and community.