Genesis 44:25 kjv

And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food.

Genesis 44:25 nkjv

And our father said, 'Go back and buy us a little food.'

Genesis 44:25 niv

"Then our father said, 'Go back and buy a little more food.'

Genesis 44:25 esv

And when our father said, 'Go again, buy us a little food,'

Genesis 44:25 nlt

Later, when he said, 'Go back again and buy us more food,'

Genesis 44 verses

Genesis 44 25 Meaning

Genesis 44:25 describes the critical report given by Jacob's sons to their father upon returning from Egypt. They explain that they cannot return to Egypt to purchase more grain unless their youngest brother, Benjamin, accompanies them. The verse conveys the unyielding condition set by Joseph (whom they do not recognize), emphasizing that they will be denied an audience and access to food if Benjamin is not with them. This places Jacob in an agonizing dilemma, caught between the preservation of his family from famine and the profound fear of losing his beloved son.

Genesis 44 25 Context

Genesis chapter 44 is a pivotal point in the saga of Joseph and his brothers. This specific verse (v. 25) records the brothers' report back to Jacob after their first journey to Egypt. Joseph, now the powerful vizier of Egypt, had, unbeknownst to them, deliberately orchestrated events to test them. During their initial visit, he had accused them of being spies and imprisoned Simeon, releasing the others only on the condition that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, back with them. Joseph intended to see if his brothers, particularly Judah, had matured and overcome the envy and favoritism that led to his own sale into slavery many years prior. The brothers are now explaining this severe condition to their aged father, Jacob, who is utterly reluctant to send Benjamin, fearing he would lose another son of his beloved Rachel. This direct statement sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, forcing Jacob's hand as famine grips their land once more.

Genesis 44 25 Word analysis

• But (וַ - wa): A conjunction introducing a direct quote, but implying a shift or counter-point to what might have been expected (i.e., just go get food). It indicates they had no easy solution and are reporting a difficult demand.
• we said to him (וַנֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו - wanna’omer ’elav): This collective statement highlights their united understanding of Joseph's unwavering demand. They had clearly relayed their desperation but found no leniency from the "man."
• We cannot go down (לֹא־נוּכַל לָרֶדֶת - lo’-nukal laredet): "Cannot be able to go down." This signifies absolute inability and powerlessness. It is not a choice or preference, but an enforced impossibility given Joseph's strict decree. Their lives and the survival of their families hung in the balance.
• If our youngest brother (אִם־יֵשׁ אֶת־אָחִינוּ הַקָּטֹן - ’im-yesh ’et-’akhinu haqqaton): "If there is our youngest brother." This sets the critical, non-negotiable condition. "Youngest brother" (הַקָּטֹן - haqqaton) underscores Benjamin's vulnerability and his special place as Jacob's remaining son from Rachel.
• is with us (אִתָּנוּ - ’ittanu): Emphasizes Benjamin's physical presence as the sole determinant of their ability to return.
• then we will go down (וְיָרַדְנוּ - v’yaradnu): "And we will go down." This is the direct, necessary consequence if the condition is met. Their survival and access to the vital food supply depend entirely on Benjamin's accompanying them.
• for we may not see (כִּי לֹא־נוּכַל לִרְאוֹת - ki lo’-nukal lir’ot): "Because we cannot be able to see." The repetition of "we cannot" (לֹא־נוּכַל - lo’-nukal) reinforces the sternness and finality of Joseph's edict. It indicates a categorical prohibition.
• the man's face (פְּנֵי הָאִישׁ - penei ha’ish): "Face of the man." In ancient Near Eastern culture, "seeing the face" of a ruler or dignitary meant gaining an audience, favor, or access. Failure to "see his face" implied being rejected, dismissed, or even condemned. It carried the weight of losing all diplomatic and commercial possibility, potentially leading to death from starvation for their families.
• unless our youngest brother is with us (בִּלְתִּי אִם־יֵשׁ אָחִינוּ הַקָּטֹן אִתָּנוּ - bilti ’im-yesh ’akhinu haqqaton ’ittanu): "Except if there is our youngest brother with us." This clause is a powerful repetition, designed to remove any doubt in Jacob's mind about the absolute necessity of Benjamin's presence. The double emphasis highlights that there is no other way, stressing the severity and singularity of the condition.

Words-group by Words-group Analysis:

• "We cannot go down... for we may not see the man's face": This pairing of phrases communicates the core problem and its specific consequence. Their physical inability to return is directly tied to being barred from Joseph's presence. It highlights the direct threat to their survival posed by the "man's" unyielding condition.
• "If our youngest brother is with us... unless our youngest brother is with us": The deliberate repetition of this phrase throughout the verse and previous interactions underscores its absolute and non-negotiable nature. It functions as a powerful rhetorical device to impress upon Jacob the exact and unavoidable demand, leaving no room for negotiation or misinterpretation. It points to Benjamin's centrality in God's plan for this family's test and preservation.

Genesis 44 25 Bonus section

• This verse exemplifies God's working through complex, difficult human circumstances to fulfill His long-term covenantal promises. Joseph's harsh demands, though painful for Jacob and his sons, were integral to moving the family to Egypt, where they would grow into a nation.
• The brothers' fear of not seeing "the man's face" echoes the biblical principle that access to blessing or authority often comes with conditions set by the higher power. This foreshadows principles of drawing near to God's presence, which always comes with His terms.
• The dramatic tension built by this seemingly insurmountable requirement sets the stage for Judah's self-sacrificial plea in the following verses (Gen 44:33-34), a powerful demonstration of transformation and a type of Christ's sacrificial love.

Genesis 44 25 Commentary

Genesis 44:25 vividly portrays the desperate plight of Jacob's family and the strategic depth of Joseph's testing. This verse is the brothers' report, relaying Joseph's unyielding demand to Jacob, compelling the old patriarch to confront his deepest fear—losing Benjamin, his last child by Rachel. Joseph, under divine inspiration, knew this condition would push his brothers to their limit and force a revelation of their true character. His repeated insistence on "seeing the man's face" only with Benjamin present served as a powerful means of control and a test of their perceived value for their brother versus their own survival. This period of extreme pressure was providentially designed by God not out of cruelty, but to refine their character, bring about repentance for past sins (their treatment of Joseph), and prepare the family of Israel for their future. Jacob's eventual agreement, spurred by the urgency of the famine, allowed God's greater redemptive plan for His chosen family to unfold.