Genesis 44:34
Genesis 44:34 in Multiple Translations
For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.”
For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.
For how shall I go up to my father, if the lad be not with me? lest I see the evil that shall come on my father.
For how may I go back to my father without the boy, and see the evil which will come on my father?
For how could I ever go back to my father if the boy wasn't with me? I couldn't stand seeing the anguish that would cause my father.”
For how can I go vp to my father, if the childe be not with me, vnlesse I woulde see the euil that shall come on my father?
for how do I go up unto my father, and the youth not with me? lest I look on the evil which doth find my father.'
For how will I go up to my father, if the boy isn’t with me?—lest I see the evil that will come on my father.”
For how shall I return to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest perhaps I see the evil that shall come on my father.
For I cannot return to my father without the boy, lest I be a witness of the calamity that will oppress my father.
◄I cannot return to my father if the boy is not with me!/How can I return to my father if the boy is not with me?► [RHQ] I do not want to see how miserable/sad my father would become!”
If that young man is not with me, I can’t go back to my father. I don’t want to see my father get real sad and die. No way.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:34
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Genesis 44:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:34
Study Notes — Genesis 44:34
Context — Judah Pleads for Benjamin
34For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 8:6 | For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” |
| 2 | Psalms 116:3 | The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:143 | Trouble and distress have found me, but Your commandments are my delight. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 52:10–11 | There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the officials of Judah. Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon, where he kept him in custody until his dying day. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 34:28 | ‘Now I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the calamity that I will bring on this place and on its inhabitants.’” So they brought her answer back to the king. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 2:33–34 | And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, your eyes will fail and your heart will grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day. |
| 7 | Exodus 18:8 | Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships they had encountered along the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. |
| 8 | Job 31:29 | If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him— |
Genesis 44:34 Summary
In Genesis 44:34, Judah is saying that he cannot imagine going back to his father, Jacob, without his younger brother Benjamin. He is worried about how sad and upset his father would be if Benjamin did not return. This shows that Judah cares deeply about his family and is willing to make sacrifices for them (as seen in Genesis 44:33). We can learn from Judah's example to prioritize the well-being of others and be willing to make sacrifices for those we love, just like Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Judah's main concern in Genesis 44:34?
Judah's main concern is the well-being of his father, Jacob, and the potential misery he would experience if Benjamin does not return, as seen in his statement 'I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him' (Genesis 44:34).
Why is Judah so adamant about not leaving Benjamin behind?
Judah is adamant about not leaving Benjamin behind because he had guaranteed the boy's safety to his father, Jacob, saying 'If I do not return him to you, I will bear the guilt before you, my father, all my life' (Genesis 44:32).
How does Judah's behavior in Genesis 44:34 reflect his character?
Judah's behavior in Genesis 44:34 reflects his character as a responsible and compassionate person, willing to take responsibility for his actions and prioritize the well-being of others, as also seen in his willingness to stay as a slave in place of Benjamin (Genesis 44:33).
What can we learn from Judah's selfless attitude in Genesis 44:34?
We can learn the importance of putting others before ourselves and being willing to make sacrifices for their well-being, as Judah did for his father and brother, and as Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my love and care for my family members, just like Judah did for his father and brother?
- How can I prioritize the well-being of others, even if it means making personal sacrifices, as Judah did in Genesis 44:34?
- What are some potential consequences of not considering the feelings and needs of others, as Judah feared would happen to his father if Benjamin did not return?
- In what ways can I reflect Judah's character of responsibility and compassion in my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:34
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:34
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:34
Sermons on Genesis 44:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Power of the Name of Jesus by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilio Shlink emphasizes the power of the name of Jesus in freeing us from the chains of sin. He encourages listeners to call upon the name of Jesus in prayer, as |
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Singing the Praises of God by Paul Bramsen | Paul Bramsen emphasizes the significance of singing in worship, tracing its roots back to biblical times when God's people praised Him through song. The Bible showcases believers i |
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They Repented Not by Harry Ironside | Harry Ironside emphasizes that while God's creation and goodness should lead humanity to repentance, many remain unresponsive, drifting further into sin despite experiencing His bl |
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Little Things by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of finding delight in God's commandments even in times of trouble and anguish, drawing inspiration from Psalms 119:143. She encourage |
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(Exodus) Exodus 18:1-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Exodus Chapter 18, where Moses turns to worldly wisdom instead of seeking revelation from God. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, visits him and M |
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The Israel of God by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the distinction between 'Israel after the flesh' and 'the Israel of God', highlighting that true Israel is not defined by physical lineage but by spirit |
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(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 3. the Message of Elihu by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and its various chapters. He highlights how Job's friends were amazed and stopped speaking, allowing Job to finally have a ch |







