Genesis 43:6
New International Version
Israel asked, “Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you had another brother?”

New Living Translation
“Why were you so cruel to me?” Jacob moaned. “Why did you tell him you had another brother?”

English Standard Version
Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?”

Berean Standard Bible
“Why did you bring this trouble upon me?” Israel asked. “Why did you tell the man you had another brother?”

King James Bible
And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?

New King James Version
And Israel said, “Why did you deal so wrongfully with me as to tell the man whether you had still another brother?”

New American Standard Bible
Then Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly, by telling the man whether you still had another brother?”

NASB 1995
Then Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly by telling the man whether you still had another brother?”

NASB 1977
Then Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly by telling the man whether you still had another brother?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly by telling the man whether you still had another brother?”

Amplified Bible
And Israel (Jacob) said, “Why did you treat me so badly by telling the man that you had another brother?”

Christian Standard Bible
“Why have you caused me so much trouble? ” Israel asked. “Why did you tell the man that you had another brother? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Why did you cause me so much trouble?” Israel asked. “Why did you tell the man that you had another brother?”

American Standard Version
And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?

Contemporary English Version
Jacob asked, "Why did you cause me so much trouble by telling the governor you had another brother?"

English Revised Version
And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Israel asked, "Why have you made trouble for me by telling the man you had another brother?"

Good News Translation
Jacob said, "Why did you cause me so much trouble by telling the man that you had another brother?"

International Standard Version
Israel replied, "Why did you make all this trouble by telling the man that you have another brother?"

Majority Standard Bible
?Why did you bring this trouble upon me?? Israel asked. ?Why did you tell the man you had another brother??

NET Bible
Israel said, "Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you had one more brother?"

New Heart English Bible
Then Israel said, "Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man that you had another brother?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And Israel said, Why dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?

World English Bible
Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly, telling the man that you had another brother?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Israel says, “Why did you do evil to me, by declaring to the man that you had yet a brother?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Israel saith, 'Why did ye evil to me, by declaring to the man that ye had yet a brother?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Israel will say, For what did ye evil to me to announce to the man to be yet a brother to you?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Israel said to them: You have done this for my misery in that you told him you had also another brother.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Israel said to them, “You have done this for my misery, in that you revealed to him that you also had another brother.”

New American Bible
Israel demanded, “Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man that you had another brother?”

New Revised Standard Version
Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then their father Israel said to them, Why did you cause me this displeasure, as to tell the man whether you had another brother?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Israel, their father, said to them, “Why did you afflict me and tell the man that you surely have a brother?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Israel said: 'Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Israel said, Why did ye harm me, inasmuch as ye told the man that ye had a brother?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Return to Egypt with Benjamin
5But if you will not send him, we will not go; for the man told us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ ” 6“Why did you bring this trouble upon me?” Israel asked. “Why did you tell the man you had another brother?” 7They replied, “The man questioned us in detail about ourselves and our family: ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ And we answered him accordingly. How could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother here’?”…

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 44:16
“What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one who was found with the cup.”

Genesis 45:26-28
“Joseph is still alive,” they said, “and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” But Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. / However, when they relayed all that Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob was revived. / “Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.”

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 42:1-2
When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?” / “Look,” he added, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”

Genesis 44:18-34
Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. / My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ / 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 45:3-5
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence. / Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.

Genesis 50:20
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

Acts 7:9-10
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Hebrews 12:5-11
And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” / Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ...

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.


Treasury of Scripture

And Israel said, Why dealt you so ill with me, as to tell the man whether you had yet a brother?

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Badly Cruel Deal Dealt Declaring Evil Ill Israel Telling Treat Trouble Wherefore Whether
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.














“Why did you bring this trouble upon me?”
In this passage, Israel, also known as Jacob, expresses his distress over the situation with his sons and the Egyptian ruler, who is Joseph, though they do not yet recognize him. This reflects Jacob's ongoing struggle with fear and anxiety, a recurring theme in his life. Historically, Jacob's life was marked by numerous trials, including his flight from Esau, his dealings with Laban, and the loss of Joseph, whom he believed to be dead. This question reveals Jacob's human frailty and his tendency to focus on immediate circumstances rather than God's overarching plan. It also highlights the familial tensions and the weight of responsibility Jacob feels as the patriarch of his family.

Israel asked.
The use of the name "Israel" instead of "Jacob" is significant. "Israel" is the name given to Jacob after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28), symbolizing his role as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. This duality in names often reflects the tension between his old nature (Jacob) and his new identity (Israel). In this context, it underscores the gravity of the situation, as the future of the Israelite nation is at stake. The patriarch's questioning also foreshadows the eventual reconciliation and fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

“Why did you tell the man you had another brother?”
This question points to the brothers' encounter with Joseph in Egypt, where they were compelled to reveal the existence of Benjamin, their youngest brother. Culturally, the brothers' honesty can be seen as a necessary step in the unfolding of God's plan, despite Jacob's immediate concern. The mention of "another brother" is crucial, as Benjamin is the only other son of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, and holds a special place in Jacob's heart. This situation sets the stage for the testing of the brothers' character and the eventual revelation of Joseph's identity. Theologically, it can be seen as a type of Christ, where Joseph, like Jesus, tests and ultimately forgives those who wronged him, leading to reconciliation and redemption.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelite nation, father of the twelve tribes. In this verse, he expresses frustration and concern over the potential loss of another son.

2. Joseph's Brothers
The sons of Jacob who had previously sold Joseph into slavery. They are now dealing with the consequences of their past actions as they face the famine in Canaan.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have traveled to buy grain during the famine.

4. Joseph
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the "man" referred to, who is the governor of Egypt and has demanded to see Benjamin.

5. Benjamin
The youngest son of Jacob, whose presence is requested by Joseph as a condition for further assistance.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Deception
The brothers' past deceit in selling Joseph has led to ongoing family strife and fear. This highlights the long-term impact of sin and the importance of integrity.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite Jacob's fear and frustration, God's plan is unfolding. Believers are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire.

Family Dynamics and Forgiveness
The tension in Jacob's family underscores the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. Christians are called to seek peace and healing in their relationships.

The Role of Fear in Decision-Making
Jacob's fear for Benjamin's safety reflects how fear can influence decisions. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom and peace in times of fear.

God's Provision in Times of Famine
The physical famine in Canaan parallels spiritual famines believers may face. Trusting in God's provision and seeking His guidance is crucial.Verse 6. - And Israel said, - this is the second time that Jacob is so designated in the history of Joseph, the first time being in Genesis 37, which recites the sad account of Joseph's disappearance from the family circle. The recurrence of what may eventually prove another breach in the theocratic family is probably the circumstance that revives the name Israel, which besides seems to prevail throughout the chapter (vide vers. 8, 11) - Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother! literally, whether yet to you a brother (sc. there was).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Why
לָמָ֥ה (lā·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

did you bring this trouble
הֲרֵעֹתֶ֖ם (hă·rê·‘ō·ṯem)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7489: To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad

upon me?”
לִ֑י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

asked.
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Why did you tell
לְהַגִּ֣יד (lə·hag·gîḏ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

the man
לָאִ֔ישׁ (lā·’îš)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

you had another
הַע֥וֹד (ha·‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

brother?”
אָֽח׃ (’āḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )


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OT Law: Genesis 43:6 Israel said Why did you treat me (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 43:5
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