Genesis 43 8

Genesis 43:8 kjv

And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones.

Genesis 43:8 nkjv

Then Judah said to Israel his father, "Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones.

Genesis 43:8 niv

Then Judah said to Israel his father, "Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our children may live and not die.

Genesis 43:8 esv

And Judah said to Israel his father, "Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones.

Genesis 43:8 nlt

Judah said to his father, "Send the boy with me, and we will be on our way. Otherwise we will all die of starvation ? and not only we, but you and our little ones.

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 8 meaning

Genesis 43:8 records Judah's urgent plea to his father Jacob (Israel) to allow Benjamin to accompany them back to Egypt. Judah argues that the lives of their entire family, including Jacob himself and especially their "little ones," depend on this crucial trip to obtain food during the severe famine. It highlights the dire circumstances, Judah's emerging leadership, and his readiness to take responsibility for the survival of the household.

Genesis 43 8 Context

Genesis 43:8 occurs during a severe famine that grips the ancient Near East, forcing Jacob's family in Canaan to seek grain from Egypt. The previous journey saw Joseph, the Egyptian viceroy (unbeknownst to his brothers), imprison Simeon and demand Benjamin be brought back as proof of their honesty. Jacob, having already mourned Joseph's presumed death and fearful of losing another son of Rachel, vehemently refused this demand, deeply distressed by the prospect of harm coming to his youngest, Benjamin. Judah's words here represent a turning point after Jacob's despair, advocating for immediate and risky action driven by the absolute necessity of preserving their family from starvation. The context highlights not only the physical threat but also the immense emotional and spiritual burden on Jacob, who struggles between protecting Benjamin and saving his entire household. Judah steps forward as the pragmatic, responsible voice, acknowledging the severe consequences if they remain passive.

Genesis 43 8 Word analysis

• Then Judah said:

  • Judah: (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah). Significantly, it is Judah, not Reuben (who previously offered his two sons as collateral in Gen 42:37), who steps forward effectively. This marks Judah's emerging leadership role among his brothers, a role that will continue to develop and foreshadow the tribe from which kingship, and ultimately the Messiah, will arise. His proposal carries more weight than Reuben's previous failed attempt because it is reasoned and focuses on the collective good, not just a personal pledge.
  • said: Simple declaration, but delivered with earnestness given the dire situation.

• to Israel his father:

  • Israel: Jacob's God-given name (Gen 32:28), signifying his spiritual status and identity as the patriarch of God's chosen people. The plea is addressed to the head of the covenant family.
  • his father: Emphasizes the son-father dynamic, respect, and filial duty even while strongly urging a difficult decision upon an elderly and grieving parent.

• ‘Send the boy with me,

  • Send: (שָׁלַח, shalach). Implies giving permission and entrusting. It's an appeal for Jacob to release his protective grip on Benjamin for the family's greater good.
  • the boy: (הַנַּעַר, hanna'ar). This term can refer to a young child or a youth, up to military age. While Benjamin was likely in his late teens or early twenties, Jacob still considers him a "boy," symbolizing his vulnerability and Jacob's overprotective love due to the loss of Joseph and the pain associated with Rachel's death in Benjamin's birth (Gen 35:18).
  • with me: Judah takes direct personal responsibility and security for Benjamin, highlighting his growing integrity and selflessness (foreshadowed further in Gen 44:32).

• and we will arise and go,

  • arise and go: (נָקוּמָה וְנֵלֵכָה, naqumah ve'nelekha). A common Hebrew idiom expressing prompt, determined action. It conveys urgency and decisiveness in the face of procrastination and despair.

• that we may live and not die—

  • live: (נִחְיֶה, niḥyeh). To continue existing, to survive. This is the absolute core of Judah's argument. It frames the choice in the most fundamental terms: existence versus extinction.
  • not die: (וְלֹא נָמוּת, ve'lo namut). The stark contrast highlights the grave peril. This isn't just about hardship but literal death by starvation, threatening the very continuation of God's covenant family.

• both we and you and also our little ones.’

  • we and you: Encompasses all the adult brothers and Jacob, highlighting the collective risk and shared destiny.
  • our little ones: (וְטַפֵּנוּ, veṭapenu). The most vulnerable members of the community – children, young dependents. Their presence makes the threat of starvation even more emotionally powerful and compels action. This concern for the innocent underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency of the plea, showing Judah's compassionate and responsible character. Their lives depend on this mission, linking it to the future of the covenant people.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go": This phrase reveals Judah's commitment, not just to speaking but to leading immediate, decisive action. It is a proposition for responsible and prompt execution.
  • "that we may live and not die—both we and you and also our little ones": This serves as a potent and comprehensive argument for survival. It moves beyond abstract debate to present a clear, life-or-death choice that affects every generation of the family. It's a pragmatic appeal that contrasts sharply with Jacob's current state of resignation.

Genesis 43 8 Bonus section

Judah's pledge for Benjamin's return and his persuasive argument demonstrate a significant maturation in his character from the impulsive brother who suggested selling Joseph into slavery. This transformation sets the stage for his tribe to become the line of kings and eventually the Messiah (Gen 49:8-12), as seen in Christ, who perfectly embodies the shepherd's heart and sacrifices for His sheep. This episode reveals how divine providence uses human leadership and difficult circumstances not only to preserve a lineage but also to refine characters for God's redemptive plan. The choice between "living and not dying" speaks not just to physical survival but echoes deeper biblical truths about choosing the path of life, which often requires faith, obedience, and stepping out into the unknown trusting in God's provision even in scarcity.

Genesis 43 8 Commentary

Genesis 43:8 captures a critical moment in the Jacob narrative, marking Judah's ascent to a prominent leadership role. Facing dire famine, Judah boldly confronts his grieving father's paralysis and fear, presenting a stark choice: immediate action, though risky, for the sake of collective survival, or inaction leading to certain death. His appeal emphasizes the vulnerability of "our little ones," thereby escalating the urgency and gravity beyond mere inconvenience to the existential threat against the covenant family. This scene illustrates the painful necessity of confronting difficult realities and making faith-filled decisions for preservation. Judah's willingness to "stand security" for Benjamin foreshadows the sacrificial nature of future biblical leadership, including Christ, who laid down His life for His family, the Church. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, for life to continue, difficult and seemingly perilous steps must be taken.