Genesis 44:21
Genesis 44:21 in Multiple Translations
Then you told your servants, ‘Bring him down to me so that I can see him for myself.’
And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him.
And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him.
And you said to your servants, Let him come down to me with you, so that I may see him.
Then you ordered us, ‘Bring him here to me so I can see him.’
Now thou saidest vnto thy seruants, Bring him vnto me, that I may set mine eye vpon him.
'And thou sayest unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, and I set mine eye upon him;
You said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’
And thou saidst to thy servants, Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes upon him.
And thou saidst to thy servants: Bring him hither to me, and I will set my eyes on him.
Then you said to us, ‘The next time you come here, bring your younger brother down to me, so that I can see him.’
Then you said to us, ‘Go and get that young man, and bring him here to Egypt country, so that I can see him.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:21
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 44:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אֶל
עֲבָדֶ֔י/ךָ
הוֹרִדֻ֖/הוּ
אֵלָ֑/י
וְ/אָשִׂ֥ימָה
עֵינִ֖/י
עָלָֽי/ו
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עֲבָדֶ֔י/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
הוֹרִדֻ֖/הוּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp | Suff
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/אָשִׂ֥ימָה
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
עֵינִ֖/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs | Suff
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:21
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
עֲבָדֶ֔י/ךָ
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.
הוֹרִדֻ֖/הוּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp | Suff
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.
אֵלָ֑/י
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.
וְ/אָשִׂ֥ימָה
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
עֵינִ֖/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Genesis 44:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 44:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 44:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:21
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:21
- Sermons on Genesis 44:21
Context — Judah Pleads for Benjamin
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.’
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.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 42:15 | 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. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Amos 9:4 | Though they are driven by their enemies into captivity, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix My eyes upon them for harm and not for good.” |
| 4 | 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.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 40:4 | But now, behold, I am freeing you today from the chains that were on your wrists. If it pleases you to come with me to Babylon, then come, and I will take care of you. But if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, go no farther. Look, the whole land is before you. Wherever it seems good and right to you, go there.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 24:6 | I will keep My eyes on them for good and will return them to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. |
Genesis 44:21 Summary
In Genesis 44:21, Joseph asks his servants to bring his younger brother Benjamin down to Egypt so he can see him for himself. This request shows Joseph's desire to reconnect with his family and verify the brothers' story. It also highlights the importance of family ties and relationships, as seen in other Bible verses like Genesis 2:24 and Psalm 133:1. By trusting in God's plan and timing, we can prioritize our relationships and nurture them, just like Joseph did with his brother Benjamin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the request to bring Benjamin down to Egypt?
The request to bring Benjamin down to Egypt, as stated in Genesis 44:21, is a test of the brothers' integrity and a way for Joseph to see his younger brother, as he had been separated from him for many years, similar to the way Jacob loved Joseph, as seen in Genesis 37:3.
Why did Joseph want to see Benjamin for himself?
Joseph wanted to see Benjamin for himself, as mentioned in Genesis 44:21, to verify the brothers' story and to reconnect with his younger brother, showing that family ties were still important to him, much like the importance of family in Genesis 2:24.
Is this verse related to any other biblical themes or events?
This verse is connected to the theme of God's providence and the fulfillment of His plans, as seen in the life of Joseph, where God used difficult circumstances to bring about good, as stated in Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20.
How does this verse reflect Joseph's character?
This verse shows Joseph's curiosity and desire to reconnect with his family, particularly his younger brother Benjamin, demonstrating his compassionate and caring nature, similar to the way he cared for his brothers in Genesis 45:1-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God tests our integrity and character, and how can we respond to these tests in a way that honors Him?
- How can we balance the desire to reconnect with loved ones with the need to prioritize our responsibilities and obligations, as seen in the brothers' concern for their father in Genesis 44:22?
- What role does family play in our lives, and how can we nurture and prioritize these relationships, as Joseph did with his brother Benjamin?
- In what ways can we trust in God's providence and timing, even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, as Joseph did throughout his life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:21
And thou saidst unto thy servants, bring him down unto me,.... Judah does not relate the reason of his order, which was to give proof that they were no spies, but as if Joseph designed to show favour
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:21
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 44:21
i.e. See him with my own eyes, and thereby be satisfied of the truth of what you say. Compare ,16. Elsewhere this phrase signifies to show favour to a person, as 40:4. But though that was Joseph’ s intention, as yet he was minded to conceal it from them.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:21
Genesis 44:21 And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him. Ver. 21.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:21
21. that I may … upon him] The phrase probably means something more than merely seeing Benjamin. It may indicate favourable protection, as in Psalms 33:18; Psalms 34:15.
Sermons on Genesis 44:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Worship of False Gods - Chuck Smith by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, Chuck Smith discusses the worship of false gods and how it is ingrained in human nature. He highlights the tendency of parents to praise their children for every li |
|
The Eyes of the Lord Upon by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that the eyes of the Lord are always watching over those whose hearts are upright towards Him, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 16:9. He reflects on King Asa's f |