Genesis 44:19
Genesis 44:19 in Multiple Translations
My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’
My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother?
My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother?
My lord said to his servants, Have you a father or a brother?
My lord, previously you asked us, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’
My Lord asked his seruants, saying, Haue ye a father, or a brother?
My lord hath asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father or brother?
My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father, or a brother?’
My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother?
My lord. Thou didst ask thy servants the first time: Have you a father or a brother?
You asked us, ‘Is your father still living, and do you have another brother?’
You know, sir, the last time we came here, you asked us, ‘Is your father still alive? And do you have another brother?’
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:19
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 44:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲדֹנִ֣/י
שָׁאַ֔ל
אֶת
עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
הֲ/יֵשׁ
לָ/כֶ֥ם
אָ֖ב
אוֹ
אָֽח
אֲדֹנִ֣/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
שָׁאַ֔ל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הֲ/יֵשׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part | Part
לָ/כֶ֥ם
Prep | Suff
אָ֖ב
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
אוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
אָֽח
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:19
אֲדֹנִ֣/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
שָׁאַ֔ל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
הֲ/יֵשׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
לָ/כֶ֥ם
""
Prep | Suff
אָ֖ב
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אוֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
אָֽח
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 44:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Judah Pleads for Benjamin
17But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.”
18Then 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.
19My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’
20And 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.’ 21Then you told your servants, ‘Bring him down to me so that I can see him for myself.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 43:7 | They 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’?” |
| 2 | Genesis 43:29 | When Joseph looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Then he declared, “May God be gracious to you, my son.” |
| 3 | Genesis 42:7–10 | And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.” Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, “You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.” “Not so, my lord,” they replied. “Your servants have come to buy food. |
Genesis 44:19 Summary
[Genesis 44:19 shows Joseph asking his brothers about their family, specifically if they have a father or a brother. This question helps Joseph understand their situation and character, much like how we can get to know someone by asking about their family. As seen in Genesis 43:7-10, Joseph's brothers had already told him about their family, but he wants to make sure they are telling the truth. By asking this question, Joseph is demonstrating his care and interest in their well-being, just as God cares for us and wants us to know Him personally (Psalm 139:1-6).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Genesis 44:19?
Genesis 44:19 is part of a larger conversation between Joseph and his brothers, where Joseph is testing their character and loyalty, as seen in Genesis 44:15-17. This conversation is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his family.
Why does the verse mention a father or a brother?
The mention of a father or a brother in Genesis 44:19 is a reference to the fact that Joseph's brothers had told him about their family, including their father Jacob and their younger brother Benjamin, as seen in Genesis 43:7-10. This question shows Joseph's interest in their family and his desire to know more about them.
What can we learn from Joseph's actions in this verse?
Joseph's actions in Genesis 44:19 demonstrate his wisdom and discernment, as he carefully questions his brothers to understand their situation and character, much like Jesus' interactions with people in the Gospel of John 1:47-51. We can learn from Joseph's example by being thoughtful and intentional in our own interactions with others.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
The themes of family, loyalty, and character in Genesis 44:19 are echoed throughout the Bible, such as in the book of Ruth 3:1-6, where Ruth shows loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, and in the book of Proverbs 10:9, which teaches about the importance of integrity and character.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from Joseph's example of careful questioning and discernment in my own relationships?
- How can I demonstrate loyalty and love to my own family, just as Joseph's brothers were trying to protect their younger brother Benjamin?
- What are some ways I can show wisdom and discretion in my interactions with others, just as Joseph did in this verse?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty and timing, even when faced with difficult or uncertain circumstances, just as Joseph's brothers had to trust God's plan for their lives?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:19
My lord asked his servants,.... The first time they came down to Egypt to buy corn; he puts him in mind of what passed between them at that time: saying, have ye a father or a brother?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:19
And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:19
Genesis 44:19 My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother?Ver. 19. Have yea father?] This we read not of till now, as we do of all the rest, in the next following verses.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:19
19. My lord asked] Cf. Genesis 43:7.
Sermons on Genesis 44:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 42:7-18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Joseph tests his brothers who have come to Egypt to buy food during a famine. He accuses them of being spies and locks them up for three days. Joseph treats them ro |
|
Money, Mules and Travel by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the lost and sharing the message of salvation. He highlights that the purpose of the church is to bring pe |