Genesis 43:4 kjv

If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food:

Genesis 43:4 nkjv

If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food.

Genesis 43:4 niv

If you will send our brother along with us, we will go down and buy food for you.

Genesis 43:4 esv

If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food.

Genesis 43:4 nlt

If you send Benjamin with us, we will go down and buy more food.

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 4 Meaning

This verse expresses the essential condition for Jacob's sons to obtain more food from Egypt: the absolute necessity of Benjamin accompanying them. It highlights their dire situation, acknowledging Joseph's unwavering demand to see Benjamin as a prerequisite for any further sustenance, emphasizing that their very survival depended on Jacob's agreement to release his youngest son. It underscores the severity of the famine and the brothers' understanding that this was the only way to avoid starvation.

Genesis 43 4 Context

Genesis chapter 43 follows immediately from chapter 42, where Joseph, the governor of Egypt, had demanded that his brothers bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, back with them to Egypt to prove their honesty. Upon their return to Canaan, the brothers explained this impossible demand to their aged father, Jacob, who was distraught and adamantly refused to let Benjamin go, believing him to be his last surviving son from Rachel, having already grieved the supposed death of Joseph. The famine, however, worsened, forcing Jacob and his family into a desperate situation where their very survival hinged on returning to Egypt for more provisions. This verse (43:4) encapsulates the brothers' desperate plea, communicating that the condition for their ability to acquire food and thus live was Benjamin's accompaniment. Historically, famines were devastating, and Egypt, with its control over the Nile, often served as a vital food source. Jacob's family was caught in God's unfolding plan, unknowingly being led towards reconciliation and preservation in Egypt through these difficult trials.

Genesis 43 4 Word analysis

• If (Hebrew: אִם, 'im): This conjunction introduces a strong condition. It signifies a crucial "either/or" choice and emphasizes that the action (going to buy food) is entirely dependent on Jacob's decision to release Benjamin. It highlights the non-negotiable nature of Joseph's demand and the brothers' understanding of it.
• thou wilt send (Hebrew: תְּשַׁלַּח, t'shalaḥ from the root שָׁלַח, shalach): This verb means to send, let go, dismiss. It places the agency squarely on Jacob. The brothers are not asking Jacob for permission to take Benjamin; rather, they are expressing the necessity of Jacob sending him, acknowledging his patriarchal authority and control over his sons. It implies a reluctant release, emphasizing the weighty decision Jacob must make.
• our brother (Hebrew: אָחִינוּ, 'achinu): Refers specifically to Benjamin. The term "brother" highlights the close familial bond, though strained by past events, and underscores the specific identity required by Joseph. The emphasis is on Benjamin as part of their collective family, but distinct from the rest who are going to Egypt.
• with us (Hebrew: אִתָּנוּ, 'ittanu): Denotes companionship and shared journey. It implies Benjamin's safety under their protection and also signifies that the demand was for Benjamin to be physically present with them during their trip and encounter with Joseph, not merely to be given over to messengers. This emphasizes collective responsibility.
• we will go down (Hebrew: נֵרֵד, nered from the root יָרַד, yarad): To descend. This is a standard biblical idiom for traveling to Egypt from Canaan, which is topographically higher. It signifies the practical action they are prepared to take.
• and buy thee food (Hebrew: וְנִשְׁבְּרָה לָּנוּ אֹכֶל, v'nishaverah lanu okhel): The verb שָׁבַר (shavar) in this context means "to buy grain/provision," particularly implying the act of "breaking" (buying) provision or literally breaking grain for consumption. The phrase explicitly states the purpose of their journey: to acquire sustenance for the whole family ("thee" meaning the household of Jacob, not just Jacob himself). It points to the immediate, desperate need.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "If thou wilt send our brother with us,": This phrase encapsulates the central condition. It shows the brothers acting as intermediaries, communicating the terms set by the Egyptian ruler (Joseph). It signifies a pivotal point where Jacob's deep personal attachment and fear for Benjamin must confront the stark reality of the family's survival. The "if" clause clearly sets the consequence of non-compliance.
• "we will go down and buy thee food.": This describes the consequence of meeting the condition. It highlights the brothers' capability and readiness to act, provided Benjamin accompanies them. The emphasis is on procuring essential sustenance, signifying life itself. The implicit threat is that without Benjamin, no food would be acquired, leading to death. The phrase emphasizes dependency on Jacob's decision for the entire family's survival.

Genesis 43 4 Bonus section

The underlying polemic in this narrative, subtly present in this verse's desperate context, is against any reliance on human strength, wisdom, or attachment above God's overarching providence. Jacob's attachment to Benjamin borders on an idol, impeding his ability to trust God's bigger plan. This chapter showcases how God uses human despair and an adversary's demands (Joseph's severe test) to dismantle idols of comfort and control, forcing His people to lean entirely on Him. The journey to Egypt was a step toward God's larger redemptive plan for Israel to become a mighty nation. This specific condition also sets the stage for a critical test of character for the other brothers, especially Judah, forcing them to protect Benjamin, revealing their changed hearts, unlike their past betrayal of Joseph. This deepens the narrative's foreshadowing of a divine "sending" – how God Himself would "send" His Son (a beloved Son) for the sake of the spiritual life and redemption of His people, much like Benjamin's journey secured physical life for Jacob's household.

Genesis 43 4 Commentary

Genesis 43:4 serves as a stark turning point in the Jacob narrative, articulating the non-negotiable condition set by Joseph for providing his family with food. It underscores the profound and agonizing dilemma Jacob faced: surrendering his beloved youngest son, Benjamin, who was to him a substitute for Joseph, or facing certain starvation for his entire household. The phrase highlights the severe test of faith placed upon Jacob, challenging his understanding of God's providence amidst the most painful personal losses. The brothers, having witnessed Joseph's unyielding demand, understood the gravity of the situation, making their plea simple and direct. This verse captures the delicate balance between human will (Jacob's stubborn refusal to risk Benjamin) and divine orchestration (Joseph's plan, unknown to his family, to test and reconcile with his brothers). It powerfully sets the stage for God to use human desperation to bring about His purposes, leading to the miraculous reunion and preservation of the chosen family through Joseph in Egypt.

• Practical Usage:
  • Facing an impossible choice where one seemingly precious thing must be "given up" for the survival or greater good of others.
  • Trusting in God's provision and guidance when natural resources or solutions seem exhausted.
  • Understanding that divine plans often involve painful and difficult conditions.