Genesis 43:5 kjv

But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

Genesis 43:5 nkjv

But if you will not send him, we will not go down; for the man said to us, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.' "

Genesis 43:5 niv

But if you will not send him, we will not go down, because the man said to us, 'You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.'?"

Genesis 43:5 esv

But if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, 'You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.'"

Genesis 43:5 nlt

But if you don't let Benjamin go, we won't go either. Remember, the man said, 'You won't see my face again unless your brother is with you.'"

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 5 Meaning

Genesis 43:5 reiterates the absolute necessity of Benjamin accompanying his brothers back to Egypt to secure more food. Judah, acting as spokesman, informs Jacob that if Benjamin is not sent, they cannot return to "the man" (Joseph, whom they do not recognize) for sustenance, because he unequivocally stated they would not be permitted into his presence unless their youngest brother was with them. This verse underscores the brothers' critical dependence on Benjamin's presence, not only for their survival in the midst of famine but also for meeting Joseph's precise and non-negotiable condition. It reflects the desperate situation faced by Jacob's household and the perceived immense power held by the Egyptian overseer.

Genesis 43 5 Context

Genesis 43:5 takes place during a severe famine that grips the land of Canaan, compelling Jacob's family to seek grain in Egypt. Jacob's sons had previously gone to Egypt and returned with food, but Simeon was held hostage, and the Egyptian "lord" (Joseph) demanded that Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son, accompany them on their next trip. Jacob had been vehemently against sending Benjamin, fearing harm would come to his beloved son, especially after losing Joseph. As the grain brought from the first trip ran out, the dire reality of their situation forces Jacob's sons to press him again. This verse specifically shows Judah taking the lead, presenting the clear, unyielding ultimatum from Joseph. It highlights the desperate need for food and the complete dependency on the powerful Egyptian governor's condition. This entire situation is part of Joseph's providential plan to bring his family, especially Benjamin, to Egypt and to test his brothers, particularly regarding their care for Benjamin.

Genesis 43 5 Word analysis

• But if thou wilt not send him,

  • "But if": Implies a conditional choice. This is the premise of Judah's plea, setting up a clear consequence if Jacob maintains his refusal.
  • "wilt not send him": Hebrew: אֵינְךָ מְשַׁלֵּחַ (eincha meshalekh). Signifies an act of withholding or refusing to release Benjamin. It frames Jacob's choice as an active refusal, emphasizing the severity of the situation. It highlights the direct conflict between Jacob's protective love and the family's survival.
  • "him": Refers directly to Benjamin. His identity as the linchpin of the family's ability to procure food is clear. Benjamin is crucial to Joseph's plan of reconciliation and testing.

• we will not go down:

  • "we will not go down": Hebrew: לֹא נֵרֵד (lo nered). A definitive, non-negotiable declaration by the brothers. It signals their complete commitment to Joseph's command and their understanding of the futility of attempting to circumvent it. It illustrates the brothers' changed understanding of Joseph's power compared to their previous disregard for his pleas when they sold him. This indicates a submission to a higher authority than their father's command in this particular crisis.

• for the man said unto us,

  • "for": Introduces the reason or justification for their refusal to go.
  • "the man": Hebrew: הָאִישׁ (ha'ish). Refers to Joseph. The phrase "the man" is used by the brothers with a degree of respectful formality, even fear. They recognize his immense authority, reinforced by his previous harshness and power. This contrasts starkly with their past disrespectful behavior towards Joseph (Gen 37). It's significant that they consistently use this impersonal title because they do not recognize him as their brother.
  • "said unto us": Hebrew: אָמַר אֵלֵינוּ (amar eileinu). Emphasizes Joseph's direct and unambiguous instruction. There was no room for misunderstanding or negotiation from their perspective.

• Ye shall not see my face,

  • "Ye shall not see my face": Hebrew: לֹא תִרְאוּ פָנַי (lo tir'u panay). This is a strong, definitive prohibition against appearing before someone in authority. "Face" (panim) often represents presence, approval, or favor in biblical language (e.g., "seek His face" in Pss 27:8, 105:4 refers to seeking God's presence and favor). Joseph's demand signifies a complete withholding of his favor, his audience, and therefore, any chance of obtaining grain, unless his condition is met. This implies a lack of access, a ban, or being kept from audience with a ruler, akin to divine disfavor.

• except your brother be with you.

  • "except": The single, non-negotiable condition.
  • "your brother": Refers specifically to Benjamin. The repetition underscores his vital role in Joseph's ongoing plan and test. The collective term "your brother" reminds them of their shared family bond, even if it highlights a test of that bond for Benjamin, whom Joseph loved greatly.
  • "be with you": Hebrew: אִתְּכֶם (itkhem). Demands Benjamin's physical presence alongside them. It is not enough for Benjamin to simply exist or be well; he must be present in Egypt with them. This is the crucial hinge upon which the family's survival depends and the key to Joseph's revelation and reconciliation.

Genesis 43 5 Bonus section

The famine serving as the external pressure is a common motif in Scripture, often used by God to move people, humble them, and guide His chosen ones towards His purposes. In this case, it forces Jacob's reluctance to give way to dire necessity, preparing the entire family for a move to Egypt that was foretold to Abraham. Judah's taking charge marks a significant development in his character, foretelling his pivotal role in the future tribes of Israel, ultimately leading to the kingship and the messianic line. His willingness to take responsibility contrasts sharply with his past actions regarding Joseph's sale, demonstrating a mature loyalty that will later be fully manifest in his plea for Benjamin in Genesis 44. This verse is not just about a family drama; it's a testament to God's sovereign hand, orchestrating circumstances through human decisions and limitations to bring about His grand plan for salvation.

Genesis 43 5 Commentary

Genesis 43:5 represents a critical juncture in the famine narrative and Joseph's long-term plan for his family. It is Judah who articulates the stark choice to his father, highlighting his emergent leadership and sense of responsibility. Unlike Reuben's earlier rash promise (Gen 42:37), Judah presents a logical and unavoidable truth: their very survival hinges on fulfilling Joseph's singular, absolute demand. The verse reveals Joseph's strategic testing of his brothers' transformation – whether they now valued their youngest brother and Jacob's feelings more than they had valued Joseph. The brothers' resolute declaration, "we will not go down," shows their comprehension of Joseph's unyielding authority and the desperate circumstances, acknowledging his condition as a literal matter of life and death. The specific phrasing "Ye shall not see my face" is not merely a refusal of audience but a pronouncement of exclusion from the source of life-sustaining provision. This entire scenario, though wrought with tension and hardship, serves God's larger providential design to preserve the covenant family through Joseph, leading to reconciliation and the family's eventual settlement in Goshen. It showcases how divine purposes can unfold through challenging circumstances, transforming individuals and preparing them for their destiny.