Genesis 44:13 kjv

Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.

Genesis 44:13 nkjv

Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city.

Genesis 44:13 niv

At this, they tore their clothes. Then they all loaded their donkeys and returned to the city.

Genesis 44:13 esv

Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city.

Genesis 44:13 nlt

When the brothers saw this, they tore their clothing in despair. Then they loaded their donkeys again and returned to the city.

Genesis 44 verses

Genesis 44 13 Meaning

Gen 44:13 captures the immediate and profound reaction of Joseph's brothers upon the discovery of the silver cup in Benjamin's sack: an outward expression of extreme sorrow and despair, followed by a unified and decisive action to return and confront the dire situation. It signifies a pivotal moment of realization, shared grief, and a commitment to responsibility, contrasting with their past actions towards Joseph.

Genesis 44 13 Context

Genesis chapter 44 is a pivotal moment in Joseph's ongoing test of his brothers, specifically designed to gauge their change of heart. Having already experienced a severe famine and forced return to Egypt, and Judah's pledge for Benjamin's safety, the brothers are returning to Canaan when Joseph's steward apprehends them, having planted Joseph's divining cup in Benjamin's sack. This verse immediately follows the revelation of the cup in Benjamin's possession. The historical and cultural context of tearing clothes was a widely recognized and dramatic expression of extreme distress, grief, horror, or even repentance in the ancient Near East, signifying a moment of utter devastation. For Joseph's brothers, this act reflects not only personal despair for Benjamin's fate but also deep anguish over the inevitable grief their father, Jacob, would suffer. It reveals a dramatic transformation from their callous treatment of Joseph in Genesis 37.

Genesis 44 13 Word analysis

• Then (וַיִּקְרְעוּ - wa·yiq·rə·‘ū): The waw consecutive connects this action immediately to the discovery of the cup. It signifies a sudden, consequential event. It means "and they tore."
• they tore (קָרַע - qāraʿ): A strong Hebrew verb meaning "to tear, rend, rip apart." It denotes a violent, deliberate action. Symbolically, it indicates overwhelming despair, grief, horror, or profound shock. This is not an accidental act, but a purposeful display of internal anguish.
• their clothes (בִּגְדֵיהֶם - big·ḏê·hem): Refers to their outer garments or robes. The tearing was public and visible, conveying a powerful non-verbal message of emotional extremity. The plural "their" and suffix "-hem" ("their") emphasize it was a shared, collective action involving all brothers.
• and every man (וְאִישׁ - wə·’îš): The conjunctive "and" plus ish ("man/each"). Reinforces the collective yet individual participation. It signifies the unity in their sorrow and immediate reaction; no one was exempt from the despair or the subsequent action.
• loaded (וַיִּטְעֲנוּ - wa·yyiṭ·‘ă·nū): From the verb ṭāʿan (טָעַן), meaning "to load, burden." This implies practical, swift action amidst their grief. They do not merely stand and weep but take immediate, purposeful steps.
• his donkey (חֲמוֹרֽוֹ - ḥă·mō·rōw): Refers to the pack animals. The individual "his donkey" highlights personal responsibility for their return journey. Their literal burdens represent the heavy, crushing burden of their current predicament.
• and they returned (וַיָּשֻׁבוּ - wa·yā·šu·ḇū): From shuv (שׁוּב), "to return, turn back." It signifies a decisive reversal of direction. They do not flee from the consequence or crisis, but intentionally turn back to face it, signifying courage and an acceptance of their plight.
• to the city (הָעִירָה - hā·‘î·rāh): "To the city." Specifically, Joseph's administrative city in Egypt. This is the place where their fate and Benjamin's fate will be decided. Their return here is an act of submitting to judgment or seeking resolution, rather than attempting escape.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then they tore their clothes": This action immediately conveys the magnitude of their distress. In a culture where tearing clothes symbolized profound despair, it highlights a shared, visceral reaction to the hopelessness of Benjamin's situation and its catastrophic implications for Jacob. This stands in stark contrast to their earlier deceitful handling of Joseph's garment.
• "and every man loaded his donkey": This phrase marks a rapid transition from emotional breakdown to resolute, practical action. The collective loading demonstrates a unified purpose and acceptance of their joint predicament. The physical burden of their goods on the donkeys parallels the moral burden they now carried, intensifying their accountability.
• "and they returned to the city": This final action signifies their determination not to abandon Benjamin, even at their own risk. It's a strategic and sacrificial move, confirming their moral transformation from abandoning a brother (Joseph) to selflessly returning to defend one (Benjamin) and preserve their father. This decisive return sets the stage for Judah's remarkable plea in the following verses.

Genesis 44 13 Bonus section

This verse encapsulates a dramatic reversal of their initial character shown in Genesis 37. Whereas they previously had little regard for Joseph, here, the emotional devastation and decisive action to return for Benjamin highlight their growth and repentance. This deepens the themes of divine providence, tested character, and redemption. The phrase "every man loaded his donkey" emphasizes the shared nature of this burden and responsibility, signifying a transition from fragmented jealousy to unified concern for the family's well-being. This turning point directly sets the stage for Judah's eloquent and passionate plea for Benjamin, further showcasing the moral growth that Joseph's rigorous testing had brought about.

Genesis 44 13 Commentary

Genesis 44:13 vividly captures the climactic moment of the brothers' spiritual and moral transformation. The raw, collective act of tearing their clothes is more than a cultural gesture of grief; it embodies the crushing realization of their own past sin coming to bear on Benjamin and Jacob. It reflects profound despair, but importantly, genuine solidarity and empathy that was utterly absent when they sold Joseph. Their immediate transition from lament to loading their donkeys and returning to the city demonstrates an emergent sense of responsibility and courage. They don't linger in despair or attempt to flee the consequences. Instead, they choose to confront their ordeal head-on, effectively putting their own lives at risk for Benjamin. This pivotal scene underscores how suffering and adversity had forged within them a unity and a concern for one another that paved the way for forgiveness and the profound family reconciliation to follow. It reveals their heart was now rending, leading to selfless action.