Genesis 44:34 - 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.”
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What does "Genesis 44:34" mean?
This verse, from Genesis 44:34, is spoken by Judah as he pleads with Joseph (whom he doesn't know is his brother) to release Benjamin. Let's break down what it means:
"For how will I go up to my father, if the boy isn’t with me?" Judah is deeply concerned about the well-being of his father, Jacob (also known as Israel). He knows that Jacob is especially attached to Benjamin, who is the only remaining son of his beloved wife Rachel (Joseph was presumed dead). Judah feels a personal responsibility for Benjamin's safety and promised Jacob he would bring Benjamin back. He knows that if he returns without Benjamin, it will devastate his father.
"lest I see the evil that will come on my father.” This is the core of Judah's distress. He fears that if Benjamin is lost, Jacob will be so heartbroken and grief-stricken that he will suffer a terrible fate. The "evil" here refers to the devastating emotional pain and possible physical decline that Jacob would experience.
In essence, Judah is saying:
"I cannot bear to face my father if I return without Benjamin. The grief of losing Benjamin will cause my father immense pain and suffering, and I cannot bring myself to witness that happening to him."
Judah prioritizes his father's well-being above his own freedom or convenience. This verse demonstrates Judah's sense of responsibility, his love for his father, and his deep empathy for the potential suffering Jacob would endure. His words are a powerful plea, highlighting the strong family bonds and the fear of causing harm to a loved one. This moment is significant because it reveals Judah's changed character. He shows deep remorse for his actions in selling Joseph into slavery years earlier and is willing to sacrifice himself to save Benjamin and prevent suffering to his father.
Genesis 44:34 - 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.”
What does "Genesis 44:34" mean?
This verse, from Genesis 44:34, is spoken by Judah as he pleads with Joseph (whom he doesn't know is his brother) to release Benjamin. Let's break down what it means:
"For how will I go up to my father, if the boy isn’t with me?" Judah is deeply concerned about the well-being of his father, Jacob (also known as Israel). He knows that Jacob is especially attached to Benjamin, who is the only remaining son of his beloved wife Rachel (Joseph was presumed dead). Judah feels a personal responsibility for Benjamin's safety and promised Jacob he would bring Benjamin back. He knows that if he returns without Benjamin, it will devastate his father.
"lest I see the evil that will come on my father.” This is the core of Judah's distress. He fears that if Benjamin is lost, Jacob will be so heartbroken and grief-stricken that he will suffer a terrible fate. The "evil" here refers to the devastating emotional pain and possible physical decline that Jacob would experience.
In essence, Judah is saying:
"I cannot bear to face my father if I return without Benjamin. The grief of losing Benjamin will cause my father immense pain and suffering, and I cannot bring myself to witness that happening to him."
Judah prioritizes his father's well-being above his own freedom or convenience. This verse demonstrates Judah's sense of responsibility, his love for his father, and his deep empathy for the potential suffering Jacob would endure. His words are a powerful plea, highlighting the strong family bonds and the fear of causing harm to a loved one. This moment is significant because it reveals Judah's changed character. He shows deep remorse for his actions in selling Joseph into slavery years earlier and is willing to sacrifice himself to save Benjamin and prevent suffering to his father.