Genesis 44:23
Genesis 44:23 in Multiple Translations
But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’
And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.
And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.
But you said to your servants, If your youngest brother does not come with you, you will not see my face again.
But you told us, ‘If your youngest brother doesn't come with you, you won't see me again.’
Then saydest thou vnto thy seruants, Except your yonger brother come downe with you, looke in my face no more.
and thou sayest unto thy servants, If your young brother come not down with you, ye add not to see my face.
You said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will see my face no more.’
And thou saidst to thy servants, Except your youngest brother shall come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.
And thou saidst to thy servants: Except your youngest brother come with you, you shall see my face no more.
But you told us, ‘If your youngest brother does not come back with you, I will not let you see me again!’
Then you said to us, ‘You mob can only come back here if you bring your youngest brother with you.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:23
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 44:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אֶל
עֲבָדֶ֔י/ךָ
אִם
לֹ֥א
יֵרֵ֛ד
אֲחִי/כֶ֥ם
הַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
אִתְּ/כֶ֑ם
לֹ֥א
תֹסִפ֖וּ/ן
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
פָּנָֽ/י
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
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵרֵ֛ד
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֲחִי/כֶ֥ם
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
הַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
qâṭân
H6996
small
Art | Adj
אִתְּ/כֶ֑ם
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֹסִפ֖וּ/ן
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
פָּנָֽ/י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:23
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.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
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.
לֹ֥א
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.
יֵרֵ֛ד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
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.
הַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
אִתְּ/כֶ֑ם
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.
לֹ֥א
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.
תֹסִפ֖וּ/ן
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
פָּנָֽ/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.
Study Notes — Genesis 44:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Judah Pleads for Benjamin
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.’
24Now when we returned to your servant my father, we relayed your words to him. 25Then our father said, ‘Go back and buy us some food.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 43:5 | 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.’” |
| 2 | Genesis 43:3 | But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ |
| 3 | Genesis 42:15–20 | 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!” So Joseph imprisoned them for three days, and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live: If you are honest, leave one of your brothers in custody while the rest of you go and take back grain to relieve the hunger of your households. 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 44:23 Summary
In Genesis 44:23, Joseph tells his brothers that they will not see him again unless their younger brother, Benjamin, comes with them. This shows that Joseph is testing their integrity and commitment to their family. Just like Joseph, we can learn to trust in God's plan and wait patiently for His timing, as seen in Psalm 37:7-8. We can also demonstrate loyalty and kindness to others, even when they have wronged us, by following Jesus' example of forgiveness and love, as taught in Matthew 6:14-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the younger brother in this verse?
The younger brother, Benjamin, is significant because he is the only full brother of Joseph, and his presence is required for the brothers to see Joseph again, as stated in Genesis 44:23, highlighting the importance of family ties and loyalty, as seen in Genesis 37:3-4.
Why did Joseph's brothers have to return to their father with Joseph's words?
The brothers had to return to their father, Jacob, with Joseph's words because Jacob would not let Benjamin go with them initially, and Joseph's condition for seeing him again was that Benjamin must come down with them, as mentioned in Genesis 44:23, showing the brothers' obedience to their father and Joseph's instructions.
What can we learn from Joseph's actions in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of integrity and keeping one's word from Joseph's actions, as he is testing his brothers' integrity by making them return with Benjamin, and also showing his own commitment to his promise, as seen in Genesis 42:15-20, and the value of patience and trust in God's plan, as expressed in Psalm 37:7-8.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph?
This verse is a crucial part of the story of Joseph, as it sets the stage for the brothers' return with Benjamin, leading to the revelation of Joseph's true identity and the eventual reunion of the family, as told in Genesis 45:1-15, demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as stated in Genesis 50:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to demonstrate loyalty and commitment, like Joseph's brothers did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of integrity and keeping my word in my relationships and daily interactions, as seen in Joseph's actions?
- What are some times when I have had to trust in God's plan and wait patiently for His timing, like Jacob and his sons did in this story?
- In what ways can I show hospitality and kindness to others, as Joseph showed to his brothers, despite their past wrongdoings against him?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:23
And thou saidst unto thy servants,.... In answer to the representation of things made by them, and notwithstanding that: except your youngest brother come down with you, you shall see my face no
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:23
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 44:23
Quest. Why would Joseph expose his father to the hazard of his life, in parting with his dear child? Answ. Joseph supposed that to be but a pretence, and might fear lest his brethren had disposed of Benjamin as they did of him, and therefore could not bring him forth. And as for his father, the experience which he had of his continuance in life and health after the supposed untimely death of Joseph, gave him good assurance that his parting with Benjamin for a season, and that under the care and charge of his brethren, was not likely to make any dangerous impression upon him.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:23
18–34. Judah’s Intercession This is one of the most beautiful and pathetic passages in Hebrew narrative. Judah’s speech falls into two unequal divisions: (1) Genesis 44:18-31 a simple recapitulation of the story, (2) Genesis 44:31-34 his self-sacrificing offer of himself as a substitute for Benjamin. The points emphasized are (a) Joseph’s previous demand to see Benjamin, (b) the aged father’s unwillingness to let him go, (c) the certainty that the loss of Benjamin would be Jacob’s death, (d) the offer to stay in Benjamin’s place.
Sermons on Genesis 44:23
| 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 |