Genesis 44:31
Genesis 44:31 in Multiple Translations
sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow.
It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.
it will come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants will bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to Sheol.
When he sees that the boy is not with us, he will come to his death, and our father's grey head will go down in sorrow to the underworld.
as soon as he sees the boy isn't there he'll die, and we will really send this old man, our father, to his grave in grief.
Then when hee shall see that the childe is not come, he will die: so shall thy seruants bring the graye head of thy seruant our father with sorowe to the graue.
then it hath come to pass when he seeth that the youth is not, that he hath died, and thy servants have brought down the grey hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to sheol;
it will happen, when he sees that the boy is no more, that he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant, our father, with sorrow to Sheol.
It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants will bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father, with sorrow to the grave.
And he shall see that he is not with us, he will die, and thy servants shall bring down his gray hairs with sorrow unto hell.
If he sees that the boy is not with us when we return to him, he will die. We will cause our gray-haired father to die because of his sorrow.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:31
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 44:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
כִּ/רְאוֹת֛/וֹ
כִּי
אֵ֥ין
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
וָ/מֵ֑ת
וְ/הוֹרִ֨ידוּ
עֲבָדֶ֜י/ךָ
אֶת
שֵׂיבַ֨ת
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֥
אָבִ֛י/נוּ
בְּ/יָג֖וֹן
שְׁאֹֽלָ/ה
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כִּ/רְאוֹת֛/וֹ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
וָ/מֵ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
וְ/הוֹרִ֨ידוּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Hiphil-3cp
עֲבָדֶ֜י/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שֵׂיבַ֨ת
sêybâh
H7872
greyheaded
N-fs
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֥
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
אָבִ֛י/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/יָג֖וֹן
yâgôwn
H3015
sorrow
Prep | N-ms
שְׁאֹֽלָ/ה
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
N-proper | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:31
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ/רְאוֹת֛/וֹ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
כִּי
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.
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
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.
הַ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וָ/מֵ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/הוֹרִ֨ידוּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3cp
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.
עֲבָדֶ֜י/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.
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.
שֵׂיבַ֨ת
sêybâh
H7872
"greyheaded"
N-fs
This word describes old age, gray hair, or a long life. In the Bible, it is used to signify wisdom and experience, and is translated as gray or old age in the KJV.
Definition: 1) age, gray hair, hoary head, old age 1a) gray hair, hoary head 1b) old age
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (be) gray (grey hoar,-y) hairs (head,-ed), old age. See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 2:6; Psalms 71:18.
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֥
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | 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.
אָבִ֛י/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
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.
בְּ/יָג֖וֹן
yâgôwn
H3015
"sorrow"
Prep | N-ms
Yagon refers to a state of sorrow or grief, like the anguish felt after a loss, and is used in the Bible to describe emotional pain.
Definition: grief, sorrow, anguish
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: grief, sorrow. See also: Genesis 42:38; Isaiah 35:10; Psalms 13:3.
שְׁאֹֽלָ/ה
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
N-proper | Suff
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 44:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Judah Pleads for Benjamin
29Now if you also take this one from me and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’
30So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life,
31sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow.
32Indeed, your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father, saying, ‘If I do not return him to you, I will bear the guilt before you, my father, all my life.’ 33Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 44:29 | Now if you also take this one from me and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’ |
| 2 | Genesis 37:35 | All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 7:10 | Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 4:17–18 | The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” As soon as the ark of God was mentioned, Eli fell backward from his chair by the city gate, and being old and heavy, he broke his neck and died. And Eli had judged Israel forty years. |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 4:13 | Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. |
| 6 | Genesis 37:26–27 | Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 22:22 | Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day, and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s house. |
Genesis 44:31 Summary
This verse is saying that if Benjamin is not returned to his father, Jacob, it will cause Jacob so much grief that it will likely lead to his death. Judah is trying to protect his brother and his father by offering to take Benjamin's place. This shows how much Judah cares about his family and is willing to make sacrifices for them, as seen in Genesis 43:8-10. We can learn from Judah's example by prioritizing our relationships with our family members and being willing to make sacrifices for those we love, just as Jesus taught us to love and serve one another in John 13:34-35.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the phrase 'he will die' in Genesis 44:31?
The phrase 'he will die' indicates that Jacob's life is so closely tied to his son Benjamin that if Benjamin were to be taken away, Jacob would likely die of a broken heart, as seen in Genesis 44:29-30, where Jacob expresses his deep concern for Benjamin's safety.
What does it mean to 'bring gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow' in Genesis 44:31?
This phrase is an idiom that means to cause someone's death or to bring about their demise, as seen in Genesis 42:38, where Jacob also uses this phrase to express his fear of losing Benjamin, and it is a reference to the idea that one's life is being cut short due to sorrow or grief.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Joseph and his brothers?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Joseph's interactions with his brothers, as seen in Genesis 37:1-36, where Joseph's brothers initially reject him, and Genesis 45:1-15, where Joseph ultimately reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them, and it highlights the emotional stakes and the family dynamics at play in the story.
What can we learn from Judah's words in Genesis 44:31 about the importance of family and responsibility?
Judah's words in Genesis 44:31 demonstrate his sense of responsibility for his brother Benjamin and his commitment to protecting him, as seen in Genesis 43:8-10, where Judah offers to guarantee Benjamin's safety, and this can teach us about the importance of prioritizing family and taking care of one another, as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- How do you think Judah felt when he realized that Benjamin's life was in danger, and what can we learn from his response?
- What are some ways that we can demonstrate our love and commitment to our family members, just as Judah did for Benjamin?
- How does this verse relate to the theme of sacrifice and putting others before ourselves, as seen in John 15:13 and Philippians 2:3-8?
- What are some ways that we can prioritize our relationships with our family members and make sure they feel loved and valued?
- How can we apply the principles of responsibility and care for one another, as seen in Genesis 44:31, to our own relationships and communities?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:31
It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad [is] not [with us], that he will die,.... As soon as ever he sees us, without asking any question and observes that Benjamin is missing he will
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:31
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 44:31
Genesis 44:31 It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad [is] not [with us], that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.Ver. 31. That he will die.] For, so great is the love, “ Corporibus binis spiritus unus inest. ” Propter impensum amorem.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:31
31. with us] These words, which are not in the Heb., are added in the Sam., LXX, and Pesh. versions as essential to the meaning. with sorrow] i.e. “with grief,” as in Genesis 42:38; not “with evil,” as in Genesis 44:29.
Sermons on Genesis 44:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Messages) Repentance by Basilea Schlink | During World War II, many German people experienced suffering and developed a hunger for the word of God. The speaker received numerous requests for Bible studies and lectures, whi |
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Marks of the Elect by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of moral sensitivity and how it relates to the reception of the gospel. He emphasizes that not everyone is receptive to the messa |
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Don't Expect a Perfect Repentance by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the common struggle of individuals who feel unable to be saved, repent, or believe in God. He acknowledges the superficiality of some salvati |
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(Basics) 7. Repentance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the difficulty people have in asking for forgiveness due to their pride. He explains that in order to receive forgiveness from God, one must |
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Repentance (High Quality) by David Smithers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the glory and majesty of King Jesus. They discuss how worship is a response to God's greatness and encourage |
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Where Did the Puritans Come From? by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the factors that contributed to the distinctive nature of the Protestant movement. He identifies four main sectors that played a role in shapi |
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(Beginnings) Repentance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in the Christian life. He compares it to a building without proper foundations, which leads to c |