Genesis 44:22 - We said to my lord, ‘The boy can’t leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’

Generated Verse: Genesis 44:22

What does "Genesis 44:22" mean?


This verse is from the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. To understand the meaning, we need context:

Joseph: Years earlier, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers. He rose to a high position and now oversees grain distribution during a famine.
The Brothers: Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy grain, unaware that the official they are dealing with is their long-lost brother. Joseph recognizes them but keeps his identity secret.
The Test: To test his brothers' character and see if they have changed, Joseph sets up a situation. He accuses them of stealing a silver cup he had placed in Benjamin's bag. Benjamin is Joseph's youngest brother and is the only full brother (same mother and father).

Meaning of Genesis 44:22:

In this verse, the brothers are explaining to the official (who is actually Joseph) why they cannot bring Benjamin with them on a previous trip. They are arguing their case to try and avoid punishment for the alleged theft. The verse highlights two key points:

1. The special bond between Benjamin and their father, Jacob (Israel): Benjamin is the beloved youngest son of Jacob, especially after the presumed death of Joseph (who they sold into slavery). The brothers know that Jacob dotes on Benjamin.
2. The catastrophic consequences of Benjamin's absence on Jacob: They are saying that Jacob's life is so intertwined with Benjamin's presence that if Benjamin were to leave and not return, Jacob would die of grief and a broken heart. This demonstrates the deep love and emotional dependency Jacob has on his youngest son.

Essentially, the brothers are pleading for leniency by emphasizing the devastating impact Benjamin's departure would have on their elderly father. This is a crucial piece of information that contributes to Joseph's eventual decision to reveal his identity and orchestrate the reconciliation of his family. It shows Joseph that his brothers are no longer the cruel and heartless men who sold him into slavery. They now care about their father and have a sense of responsibility toward their family.

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