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Genesis 43:5

Genesis 43:5 in Multiple Translations

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.’”

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.

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.

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.

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.’”

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.

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.'

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.’”

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.

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.

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.’”

But if you will not let Benjamin go with us, then we will not go to Egypt country, because that man said to us, ‘You can only come back here if you bring your youngest brother with you.’”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 43:5

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 43:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אִם אֵינְ/ךָ֥ מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ לֹ֣א נֵרֵ֑ד כִּֽי הָ/אִ֞ישׁ אָמַ֤ר אֵלֵ֨י/נוּ֙ לֹֽא תִרְא֣וּ פָנַ֔/י בִּלְתִּ֖י אֲחִי/כֶ֥ם אִתְּ/כֶֽם
וְ/אִם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj
אֵינְ/ךָ֥ ʼayin H369 nothing Part | Suff
מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
נֵרֵ֑ד yârad H3381 to go down V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
הָ/אִ֞ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms
אָמַ֤ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֵלֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
תִרְא֣וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
פָנַ֔/י pânîym H6440 face N-cp | Suff
בִּלְתִּ֖י biltîy H1115 lest Conj
אֲחִי/כֶ֥ם ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff
אִתְּ/כֶֽם ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 43:5

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֵינְ/ךָ֥ ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נֵרֵ֑ד yârad H3381 "to go down" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָ/אִ֞ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אָמַ֤ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִרְא֣וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
פָנַ֔/י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בִּלְתִּ֖י biltîy H1115 "lest" Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
אֲחִי/כֶ֥ם ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אִתְּ/כֶֽם ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

Study Notes — Genesis 43:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
2 Genesis 44:26 But we answered, ‘We cannot go down there unless our younger brother goes with us. So if our younger brother is not with us, we cannot see the man.’
3 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 43:5 Summary

This verse is saying that the brothers will not go back to buy food unless they can bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them. The man they met, who is likely Joseph, told them that they would not be able to see him again unless Benjamin is with them. This shows that the brothers are willing to obey the man's condition, even if it's difficult, as they want to take care of their family and follow God's plan, as seen in Genesis 42:15 and Genesis 45:1-15. By obeying, they are putting their trust in God and showing that they are willing to follow His lead, just like we should in our own lives, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the brother that needs to be sent with the others?

The brother in question is Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, as mentioned in Genesis 42:15 and Genesis 43:5. This requirement is a condition set by the man, likely Joseph, to ensure the brothers' return with their youngest brother.

Why did the man insist that the brothers bring their brother with them?

The man, likely Joseph, wanted to see his brother Benjamin, as it is written in Genesis 42:15 and Genesis 43:5, to confirm the brothers' story and to see if they would bring their youngest brother to him, showing their character and willingness to obey.

What would happen if the brothers did not bring their brother with them?

According to Genesis 43:5, if the brothers did not bring their brother, they would not be allowed to see the man's face again, and therefore, they would not be able to buy food, highlighting the importance of obeying the man's condition.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph and his brothers?

This verse is a crucial part of the story, as it shows the brothers' obedience to the man's condition and their willingness to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, which ultimately leads to the revelation of Joseph's identity and the reconciliation of the brothers, as seen in Genesis 45:1-15.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I had to make a difficult decision to obey someone in authority, and how did it turn out?
  2. How does this verse relate to the concept of obedience and trust in God's plan, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?
  3. What are some ways that I can apply the principle of obedience to my life, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable, as the brothers did in this verse?
  4. How can I trust that God is working everything out for my good, even when I don't understand the circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:5

But if thou wilt not send [him], we will not go down,.... This they said not as undutiful, and from a spirit of rebellion and disobedience to their father, or of stubbornness and obstinacy, but

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:5

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. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 43:5

We will not go down, because we shall both lose the end of our journey, viz. the getting of corn, and run the utmost hazard of all our lives.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:5

XLIII. THE SECOND VISIT TO EGYPT.(7) The man asked us straitly.—In Genesis 42:13 they appear rather as volunteering a statement of their family relations than as having it wrung from them by cross-examination. But really this history must be taken as explaining and supplementing the former. Accused of being spies, they would naturally give an account of themselves, and Joseph, anxious to know about his father and brother, would certainly put numerous questions to them concerning their home and family. And they would answer them fully and frankly, little suspecting who was the questioner, and what was his real reason for exacting Benjamin’s presence in proof of their trustworthiness: Of our state and of our kindred.—Heb., concerning ourselves and our birthplace (see Genesis 12:1; Genesis 24:4; Genesis 24:7; Genesis 31:3), that is, our home. Questions about ourselves would be such as those given: “Is your father yet alive? Have ye a brother?” And besides these, Joseph would interrogate them closely concerning the place whence they came, and the state of things there.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:5

5. we will not go down] They know that corn must be got. They are forcing Jacob to give way. The J narrative is not cognisant of the Simeon incident.

Sermons on Genesis 43:5

SermonDescription
Paris Reidhead Cost of Discipleship - Part 10 by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he realized he was lost and disobedient to his parents. Despite being involved in church activities and memorizing script
Art Katz Costly Submission by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of rendering honor, obedience, and gratitude to fathers and those in positions of authority. He acknowledges that human nature
Denny Kenaston (Godly Home) Part 10 - the Hearts of the Fathers Must Turn by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of relationships, particularly the relationship between fathers and their children. He shares a story about a father who neg
Kirk Cameron Kirk Cameron Testimony by Kirk Cameron The video begins with the speaker introducing a gospel track that serves as an icebreaker and a tool for sharing the gospel message. He explains how the track uses an optical illus
C.H. Spurgeon Everybody's Sermon by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that even those who are not able to spend much time in nature can still learn from God's creation. He gives examples such as a baker who see
Willie Mullan (Bible Analysis of Man) Man in the Bible - Part 1 by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the attendance of the congregation and shares testimonies of individuals who have recently accepted Jesus as their S
Paul Washer Biblical Courtship Session #3: The Child's Responsibility to the Parents by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking marriage seriously and finding a partner that God has chosen for us. He encourages listeners to reflect on their pa

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