Genesis 44:20 - We said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother; and his father loves him.’
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What does "Genesis 44:20" mean?
This verse, Genesis 44:20, is part of a plea made by Judah to Joseph (who they don't yet know is their brother) regarding their youngest brother, Benjamin. Let's break down the meaning:
"We said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man...": Judah is reminding Joseph that they told him they had an elderly father back home. This establishes their initial honesty and emphasizes the father's vulnerability due to his age.
"...and a child of his old age, a little one...": This is Benjamin, the youngest brother. The phrase "child of his old age" underscores the special and precious nature of this child to the elderly father.
"...and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother...": This refers to Joseph himself (though they don't know they're talking to him). Joseph and Benjamin were both sons of Rachel, and with Joseph presumably dead, Benjamin is the only remaining son of Rachel alive.
"...and his father loves him.’": This is the most critical part. It emphasizes the father's immense affection for Benjamin. This love is likely amplified by the loss of his other son, Joseph, and the fact that Benjamin is the only remaining son of Rachel.
In essence, the verse is designed to elicit sympathy from Joseph. Judah is trying to paint a picture of:
An elderly, vulnerable father who depends on them.
A young and precious youngest brother, Benjamin, who is deeply loved by the father.
A history of loss (the presumed death of Joseph), making Benjamin even more significant to the father.
Judah's goal is to convince Joseph that taking Benjamin away would be devastating to their father and therefore asking for Benjamin to be spared from being taken. The plea is emotionally charged and intended to touch Joseph's heart, appealing to his sense of compassion and family.
Genesis 44:20 - We said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother; and his father loves him.’
What does "Genesis 44:20" mean?
This verse, Genesis 44:20, is part of a plea made by Judah to Joseph (who they don't yet know is their brother) regarding their youngest brother, Benjamin. Let's break down the meaning:
"We said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man...": Judah is reminding Joseph that they told him they had an elderly father back home. This establishes their initial honesty and emphasizes the father's vulnerability due to his age.
"...and a child of his old age, a little one...": This is Benjamin, the youngest brother. The phrase "child of his old age" underscores the special and precious nature of this child to the elderly father.
"...and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother...": This refers to Joseph himself (though they don't know they're talking to him). Joseph and Benjamin were both sons of Rachel, and with Joseph presumably dead, Benjamin is the only remaining son of Rachel alive.
"...and his father loves him.’": This is the most critical part. It emphasizes the father's immense affection for Benjamin. This love is likely amplified by the loss of his other son, Joseph, and the fact that Benjamin is the only remaining son of Rachel.
In essence, the verse is designed to elicit sympathy from Joseph. Judah is trying to paint a picture of:
An elderly, vulnerable father who depends on them.
A young and precious youngest brother, Benjamin, who is deeply loved by the father.
A history of loss (the presumed death of Joseph), making Benjamin even more significant to the father.
Judah's goal is to convince Joseph that taking Benjamin away would be devastating to their father and therefore asking for Benjamin to be spared from being taken. The plea is emotionally charged and intended to touch Joseph's heart, appealing to his sense of compassion and family.