Genesis 43:13
New International Version
Take your brother also and go back to the man at once.

New Living Translation
Then take your brother, and go back to the man.

English Standard Version
Take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man.

Berean Standard Bible
Take your brother as well, and return to the man at once.

King James Bible
Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man:

New King James Version
Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man.

New American Standard Bible
Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man;

NASB 1995
“Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man;

NASB 1977
“Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man;

Legacy Standard Bible
And take your brother also, and arise, return to the man;

Amplified Bible
Take your brother [Benjamin] also, and get up, and go to the man;

Christian Standard Bible
Take your brother also, and go back at once to the man.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Take your brother also, and go back at once to the man.

American Standard Version
take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man:

Contemporary English Version
Take Benjamin with you and leave at once.

English Revised Version
take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Take your brother, and go back to the man.

Good News Translation
Take your brother and return at once.

International Standard Version
And be sure to take your brother, too. So get up, return to the man,

NET Bible
Take your brother too, and go right away to the man.

New Heart English Bible
Take your brother also, get up, and return to the man.

Webster's Bible Translation
Take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Take your brother as well, and return to the man at once.

World English Bible
Take your brother also, get up, and return to the man.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And take your brother, and rise, return to the man;

Young's Literal Translation
'And take your brother, and rise, turn back unto the man;

Smith's Literal Translation
And take your brother and arise, turn back to the man.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And take also your brother, and go to the man.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But also take your brother, and go to the man.

New American Bible
Take your brother, too, and be off on your way back to the man.

New Revised Standard Version
Take your brother also, and be on your way again to the man;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Take also your brother, and arise, and go again to the man;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And take your brother and arise and return to the man
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And take your brother; and arise, go down to the man.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Return to Egypt with Benjamin
12Take double the silver with you so that you may return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. 13 Take your brother as well, and return to the man at once. 14May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”…

Cross References
Genesis 42:36
Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons. Joseph is gone and Simeon is no more. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is going against me!”

Genesis 44:29
Now if you also take this one from me and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’

Genesis 44:34
For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.”

Genesis 37:33-35
His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” / Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.

Genesis 42:4
But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm might befall him.”

Genesis 42:38
But Jacob replied, “My son will not go down there with you, for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If any harm comes to him on your journey, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.”

Genesis 44:20
And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’

Genesis 45:28
“Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.”

Genesis 46:30
Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”

Genesis 50:15-21
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. ...

Matthew 10:37
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;

Luke 15:20-24
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. / The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ / But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ...

John 11:3-6
So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.” / When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” / Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ...

John 11:35-36
Jesus wept. / Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”

John 16:20-22
Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. / A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. / So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.


Treasury of Scripture

Take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man:

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Genesis 43
1. Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin.
15. Joseph entertains his brothers.
19. They discover their fears to the steward.
26. Joseph makes them a feast.














Take your brother as well
This phrase refers to Jacob's instruction to his sons to take Benjamin with them to Egypt. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and the only full brother of Joseph, who was the governor of Egypt at the time. The brothers had previously gone to Egypt to buy grain during a famine but were accused of being spies. Joseph, unrecognized by them, demanded they bring Benjamin to prove their honesty. This request was significant because Jacob was deeply protective of Benjamin after losing Joseph, whom he believed to be dead. The inclusion of Benjamin highlights themes of trust and reconciliation, as well as the fulfillment of Joseph's earlier dreams where his family would bow to him.

and return to the man at once
The "man" refers to Joseph, who held a position of power in Egypt. The urgency in Jacob's command underscores the dire situation due to the famine and the need for more grain. This return journey is pivotal in the narrative, as it sets the stage for the eventual revelation of Joseph's identity to his brothers. The phrase also reflects the broader biblical theme of returning or repenting, which is a recurring motif throughout Scripture. The brothers' return to Egypt symbolizes a journey towards redemption and restoration of family relationships.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the family, father of the twelve tribes of Israel. In this passage, he is reluctantly sending his sons back to Egypt with Benjamin.

2. Benjamin
The youngest son of Jacob, and the only full brother of Joseph. His presence is crucial for the brothers' return to Egypt.

3. Joseph
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the "man" referred to, who is the governor of Egypt and Jacob's son, unbeknownst to his brothers.

4. Egypt
The land where Joseph has risen to power and where the brothers must return to buy grain during the famine.

5. The Brothers
The sons of Jacob, who are tasked with returning to Egypt with Benjamin to secure more food and prove their honesty.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Sovereignty
Jacob's decision to send Benjamin reflects a trust in God's plan, despite his fears. We are reminded to trust God's sovereignty in our own lives, even when circumstances are daunting.

Family Unity and Sacrifice
The brothers' willingness to take Benjamin reflects a growing sense of responsibility and unity. In our families, we should strive for unity and be willing to make sacrifices for one another.

Facing Past Mistakes
The brothers must confront their past actions against Joseph. This teaches us the importance of repentance and reconciliation in our relationships.

Faith in Action
Jacob's actions demonstrate faith in God's provision. We are called to put our faith into action, trusting God to guide our steps.

God's Provision in Times of Need
The famine and the journey to Egypt highlight God's provision. We can trust that God will provide for our needs, even in difficult times.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 43:13?

2. How does Genesis 43:13 demonstrate obedience to parental authority in difficult situations?

3. What can we learn about trust in God's provision from Genesis 43:13?

4. How does Genesis 43:13 connect to themes of reconciliation in the Bible?

5. In what ways can Genesis 43:13 inspire us to act with faith today?

6. How does Genesis 43:13 encourage us to face challenges with courage and hope?

7. Why did Jacob send Benjamin to Egypt despite his fear of losing him?

8. How does Genesis 43:13 reflect trust in God's plan during difficult times?

9. What does sending Benjamin reveal about family dynamics in Genesis?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 43?

11. (Genesis 43) Do the narrative details and timelines align with any reliable extra-biblical sources or known historical events in Egypt and Canaan?

12. How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible?

13. If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)?

14. (Genesis 43:12) How plausible is it that large amounts of silver were secretly returned without raising alarms among Egyptian authorities or the local population?
What Does Genesis 43:13 Mean
Take

Jacob moves from fear to decisive obedience. He stops debating and starts acting, telling his sons to “take” what is needed for the journey (Genesis 43:11-12). Throughout Scripture, faith often shows itself through action—think of Noah building the ark (Genesis 6:22) or Peter stepping out of the boat (Matthew 14:29). By saying “take,” Jacob signals that genuine trust in God will involve concrete steps, not passive wishing (cf. James 2:17).


Your Brother

This brother is Benjamin, the youngest and dearest to Jacob after Joseph’s disappearance (Genesis 42:4). Surrendering Benjamin means placing what is most precious into God’s hands, echoing Abraham placing Isaac on the altar (Genesis 22:9-10). It teaches that discipleship sometimes requires relinquishing our tightest grip on cherished people or possessions (Luke 14:26). Jacob’s willingness shows a growing faith that the covenant-keeping God will preserve the promised line (Genesis 35:11-12).


As Well

“As well” links Benjamin with the other provisions—double silver and select gifts (Genesis 43:11-12). The phrase stresses completeness: nothing can be held back if reconciliation and provision are to be secured. It reflects the principle that partial obedience is not enough (1 Samuel 15:22-23). By including everything, Jacob mirrors the wholehearted generosity Paul later commends in the Macedonian believers who gave “beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:3).


And Return

The sons must not only depart but also “return,” signaling a necessary follow-through. Earlier they had returned from Egypt with grain but without resolution (Genesis 42:26-28). This time they must go back to finish what God has begun, illustrating that perseverance completes faith’s assignment (Hebrews 10:36). The word hints at repentance too—turning back to set matters right, much like the prodigal son who decides, “I will get up and go to my father” (Luke 15:18).


To the Man

Joseph is still “the man” to them—an unknown authority in Egypt (Genesis 42:30). The anonymity underscores how God can work through hidden agents to accomplish His purposes (Romans 11:33). Approaching “the man” requires humility and submission, paralleling how believers must approach Christ as Lord even when His ways feel mysterious (John 20:29).


At Once

Urgency permeates Jacob’s charge. The famine is severe (Genesis 43:1), Simeon is imprisoned (Genesis 42:24), and delay could prove fatal. “At once” reminds us that delayed obedience can be disobedience (Psalm 119:60). The widow of Zarephath immediately baked bread for Elijah and saw God’s provision (1 Kings 17:15). Likewise, prompt compliance positions believers to experience timely deliverance and blessing.


Summary

Genesis 43:13 condenses a pivotal faith-decision into six short commands. Jacob tells his sons to act decisively, surrender what is most precious, obey fully, finish the assignment, submit to God’s chosen instrument, and do it without delay. In so doing, the patriarch models how trust in the Lord moves from conviction to concrete, immediate obedience, opening the door for God’s greater plan of rescue and reconciliation.

Verses 13, 14. - Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man: and God Almighty - El Shaddai, the covenant God of Abraham (Genesis 17:1), and of Jacob himself (Genesis 35:11) - give you mercy (literally, bowels, hence very tender affection, the inward parts being regarded as the seat of the emotions) before the man, that he may send away - literally, and he shall send with you {Kalisch), or for you (Keil) - your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved - literally, and if I am bereaved, I am bereaved, an expression of the patriarch's acquiescence in the Divine will (cf. 2 Kings 7:4; Esther 4:16).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Take
קָ֑חוּ (qā·ḥū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3947: To take

your brother also,
אֲחִיכֶ֖ם (’ă·ḥî·ḵem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

and return
שׁ֥וּבוּ (šū·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the man
הָאִֽישׁ׃ (hā·’îš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

at once.
וְק֖וּמוּ (wə·qū·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand


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OT Law: Genesis 43:13 Take your brother also get up (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 43:12
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