Genesis 44:23
New International Version
But you told your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’

New Living Translation
But you told us, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes with you, you will never see my face again.’

English Standard Version
Then you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall not see my face again.’

Berean Standard Bible
But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’

King James Bible
And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.

New King James Version
But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’

New American Standard Bible
You said to your servants, however, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’

NASB 1995
“You said to your servants, however, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’

NASB 1977
“You said to your servants, however, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall not see my face again.’

Legacy Standard Bible
You said to your servants, however, ‘If your youngest brother does not come down with you, you will not see my face again.’

Amplified Bible
You said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes with you, you shall not see my face again.’

Christian Standard Bible
Then you said to your servants, ‘If your younger brother does not come down with you, you will not see me again.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then you said to your servants, ‘If your younger brother does not come down with you, you will not see me again.’”

American Standard Version
And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.

Contemporary English Version
But you warned us that we could never see you again, unless our youngest brother came with us.

English Revised Version
And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then you told us, 'If your youngest brother doesn't come here with you, you will never be allowed to see me again.'

Good News Translation
Then you said, 'You will not be admitted to my presence again unless your youngest brother comes with you.'

International Standard Version
But then you told your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes back with you, you won't see my face again.'

Majority Standard Bible
But you said to your servants, ?Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.?

NET Bible
But you said to your servants, 'If your youngest brother does not come down with you, you will not see my face again.'

New Heart English Bible
But you said to your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And thou saidst to thy servants, Except your youngest brother shall come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.

World English Bible
You said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will see my face no more.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and you say to your servants, If your young brother does not come down with you, you do not add to see my face.

Young's Literal Translation
and thou sayest unto thy servants, If your young brother come not down with you, ye add not to see my face.

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou wilt say to thy servants, If your little brother shall not come down with you, ye shall not add to see my face.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And thou saidst to thy servants: Except your youngest brother come with you, you shall see my face no more.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And you said to your servants: ‘Unless your youngest brother arrives with you, you will not see my face any more.’

New American Bible
But you told your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall not see me again.’

New Revised Standard Version
Then you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you said to your servants, Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you said to your Servants, ‘If your little brother does not come down with you’ you shall not again see my face.’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And thou saidst unto thy servants: Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But thou saidst to they servants, Except your younger brother come down with you, ye shall not see my face again.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Judah Pleads for Benjamin
22So we said to my lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father. If he were to leave, his father would die.’ 23But you said to your servants, Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’ 24Now when we returned to your servant my father, we relayed your words to him.…

Cross References
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 43:3-5
But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ / If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you. / But 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.’”

Genesis 42:15-16
And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. / Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be confined so that the truth of your words may be tested. If they are untrue, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!”

Genesis 43:8-9
And Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me, and we will go at once, so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our children. / I will guarantee his safety. You may hold me personally responsible. If I do not bring him back and set him before you, then may I bear the guilt before you all my life.

Genesis 42:20
Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented.

Genesis 37:3-4
Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. / When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

Genesis 37:28
So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.

Genesis 45:9-11
Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. / You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. / And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’

Genesis 46:29-30
Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. / Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”

Genesis 50:20
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.

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 11:50-52
You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” / Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation, / and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one.

Acts 7:13-14
On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. / Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

And you said to your servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, you shall see my face no more.

Genesis 42:15-20
Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither…

Genesis 43:3,5
And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you…

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Genesis 44
1. Joseph's policy to stay his brothers.
6. The silver cup is found in Benjamin's sack.
14. They are brought before Joseph.
18. Judah's humble supplication to Joseph.














But you said to your servants,
This phrase refers to Joseph speaking to his brothers. Joseph, now a powerful figure in Egypt, is addressing his brothers who do not recognize him. The term "servants" reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Near Eastern societies, where those in power often referred to others in subservient terms. This interaction is part of a larger narrative where Joseph tests his brothers' integrity and repentance.

‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you,
Joseph's demand for Benjamin to come to Egypt is a test of his brothers' honesty and familial loyalty. Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, holds a special place in Jacob's heart, especially after the presumed loss of Joseph. This request is significant as it forces the brothers to confront their past actions against Joseph. The geographical reference to "coming down" indicates the journey from Canaan to Egypt, which is southward and downhill.

you will not see my face again.’
In ancient cultures, seeing someone's face, especially a ruler's, was a sign of favor and acceptance. Joseph's statement underscores the seriousness of his demand and the potential consequences of non-compliance. This phrase also foreshadows the eventual reconciliation and revelation of Joseph's identity. Theologically, it can be seen as a type of Christ, where seeing the face of God is contingent upon reconciliation and redemption.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judah
One of the twelve sons of Jacob, Judah plays a significant role in this chapter as he pleads with Joseph for the release of Benjamin. His leadership and willingness to take responsibility are highlighted.

2. Joseph
The governor of Egypt, who is testing his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery. He is a central figure in this account, orchestrating events to reveal his brothers' character.

3. Benjamin
The youngest son of Jacob and the only full brother of Joseph. His presence in Egypt is crucial to the unfolding of Joseph's plan.

4. Jacob (Israel)
The father of the twelve tribes of Israel, who is deeply concerned about the safety of his sons, especially Benjamin.

5. Egypt
The setting of this account, where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain during a famine.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Responsibility
Judah's willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin's safety is a powerful example of leadership and accountability. In our lives, we are called to take responsibility for our actions and the well-being of others.

Testing and Transformation
Joseph's testing of his brothers reveals their transformation. Similarly, God may allow tests in our lives to reveal our character and growth.

Family and Forgiveness
The account underscores the importance of family unity and forgiveness. Despite past wrongs, Joseph seeks reconciliation with his brothers, reminding us of the power of forgiveness.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
The unfolding events demonstrate God's sovereign plan. Even in difficult circumstances, we can trust that God is working for our good and His glory.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But you said
וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

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

your servants,
עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

‘Unless
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

your younger
הַקָּטֹ֖ן (haq·qā·ṭōn)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant

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

comes down
יֵרֵ֛ד (yê·rêḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

with you,
אִתְּכֶ֑ם (’it·tə·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

you will not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

see
לִרְא֥וֹת (lir·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

my face
פָּנָֽי׃ (pā·nāy)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440: The face

again.’
תֹסִפ֖וּן (ṯō·si·p̄ūn)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 3254: To add, augment


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OT Law: Genesis 44:23 You said to your servants 'Unless your (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 44:22
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