Genesis 43:5

Verse

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.’”

American Standard Version (1901)

but if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down; for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

Bible in Basic English

But if you will not send him, we will not go down: for the man said to us, You are not to come before me if your brother is not with you.

Douay-Rheims 1899

But if thou wilt not, we will not go: for the man, as we have often said, declared unto us, saying: You shall not see my face without your youngest brother.

Free Bible Version

But if you won't send him, then we won't go, because the man was very clear, ‘I won't even see you unless your brother is with you.’”

Geneva Bible 1599

But if thou wilt not send him, we wil not go downe: for the man said vnto vs, Looke me not in the face, except your brother be with you.

King James (Authorized) Version

But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

One Unity Resource Bible

but if you’ll not send him, we’ll not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’”

Translation for Translators

But if you will not send him, we will not go down there, because that man said to us, ‘I will not let you see me again if your younger brother is not with you.’”

Unlocked Literal Bible

But if you do not send him, we will not go down. For the man said to us, 'You will not see my face unless your brother is with you.'”

Noah Webster Bible

But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

World English Bible

but if you don’t send him, we won’t go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’”

Young's Literal Translation

and if thou art not sending — we do not go down, for the man said unto us, Ye do not see my face without your brother [being] with you.'

Context

The Return to Egypt with Benjamin

⁴If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you.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.’”

Sermons

(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5

Chuck Smith

1.8K

Summary

In this verse, Judah reassures his father Jacob that they cannot return to Egypt without Benjamin, as the Egyptian ruler had commanded them to bring Benjamin along. Judah takes responsibility for Benjamin's safety, showing a change in character from his previous actions involving Joseph. This verse highlights the theme of loyalty, responsibility, and the importance of keeping promises within the context of family relationships. It also sets the stage for the unfolding events that lead to the reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Israel said,.... In answer to the speech of Judah: wherefore dealt ye so ill with me; had done that which brought so much evil upon him, gave him so much grief and trouble, and threw him into such perplexity and distress, that he knew not what to do, or course to take: as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother? which he thought was done imprudently and unadvisedly, and that there was no need of it; which, had it not been done, would have prevented this anxiety of mind he was now in, and the mischief he feared would follow.1