Genesis 43:5 - but if you’ll not send him, we’ll not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’”
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What does "Genesis 43:5" mean?
This verse comes from a section of the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Joseph, who had been sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers years ago, has risen to a position of great power and authority there. During a famine, his brothers travel to Egypt to buy grain, unaware that the powerful Egyptian official they are dealing with is their long-lost brother.
The Situation: Joseph, testing his brothers and perhaps also seeing how his father Jacob and younger brother Benjamin are doing, accused them of being spies during their first trip. He demanded that they return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, as proof of their honesty. He says he will imprison one brother (Simeon) until they return with Benjamin.
"but if you’ll not send him, we’ll not go down...": This is the brothers speaking to their father, Jacob. They are saying that if Jacob doesn't allow Benjamin to go with them to Egypt, they will not return. They understand the severity of the situation.
"...for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’”: This is the crucial point. The brothers are relaying the explicit condition Joseph (though they don't know it's Joseph) set for them to receive more grain. He made it absolutely clear that they would not be granted an audience with him (and therefore would not be able to buy grain) unless Benjamin was with them.
In essence, the verse highlights:
The Brothers' Dilemma: They are caught between their father's reluctance to let Benjamin go (he has already lost Joseph and Simeon) and the need to secure food for their family.
Joseph's Power: It underscores the power Joseph holds over them. His demand forces them to rely on him and potentially put Benjamin in danger.
The Importance of Benjamin: Benjamin becomes a central figure in the story, a key to unlocking their ability to secure resources.
The verse is pivotal because it sets the stage for the next part of the narrative, where Jacob eventually relents and allows Benjamin to accompany his brothers to Egypt, leading to the eventual revelation of Joseph's identity and the reconciliation of the family.
Genesis 43:5 - but if you’ll not send him, we’ll not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’”
What does "Genesis 43:5" mean?
This verse comes from a section of the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Joseph, who had been sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers years ago, has risen to a position of great power and authority there. During a famine, his brothers travel to Egypt to buy grain, unaware that the powerful Egyptian official they are dealing with is their long-lost brother.
The Situation: Joseph, testing his brothers and perhaps also seeing how his father Jacob and younger brother Benjamin are doing, accused them of being spies during their first trip. He demanded that they return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, as proof of their honesty. He says he will imprison one brother (Simeon) until they return with Benjamin.
"but if you’ll not send him, we’ll not go down...": This is the brothers speaking to their father, Jacob. They are saying that if Jacob doesn't allow Benjamin to go with them to Egypt, they will not return. They understand the severity of the situation.
"...for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’”: This is the crucial point. The brothers are relaying the explicit condition Joseph (though they don't know it's Joseph) set for them to receive more grain. He made it absolutely clear that they would not be granted an audience with him (and therefore would not be able to buy grain) unless Benjamin was with them.
In essence, the verse highlights:
The Brothers' Dilemma: They are caught between their father's reluctance to let Benjamin go (he has already lost Joseph and Simeon) and the need to secure food for their family.
Joseph's Power: It underscores the power Joseph holds over them. His demand forces them to rely on him and potentially put Benjamin in danger.
The Importance of Benjamin: Benjamin becomes a central figure in the story, a key to unlocking their ability to secure resources.
The verse is pivotal because it sets the stage for the next part of the narrative, where Jacob eventually relents and allows Benjamin to accompany his brothers to Egypt, leading to the eventual revelation of Joseph's identity and the reconciliation of the family.