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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/44.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But you told your servants, &#8216Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/44.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But you told us, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes with you, you will never see my face again.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/44.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall not see my face again.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/44.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/44.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/44.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You said to your servants, however, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You said to your servants, however, &#8216Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“You said to your servants, however, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall not see my face again.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/44.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You said to your servants, however, ‘If your youngest brother does not come down with you, you will not see my face again.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/44.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes with you, you shall not see my face again.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/44.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then you said to your servants, ‘If your younger brother does not come down with you, you will not see me again.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/44.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then you said to your servants, &#8216If your younger brother does not come down with you, you will not see me again.&#8217&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/44.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/44.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But you warned us that we could never see you again, unless our youngest brother came with us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/44.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/44.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then you told us, 'If your youngest brother doesn't come here with you, you will never be allowed to see me again.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/44.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then you said, 'You will not be admitted to my presence again unless your youngest brother comes with you.' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/44.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But then you told your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes back with you, you won't see my face again.' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/44.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you said to your servants, ?Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/44.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But you said to your servants, 'If your youngest brother does not come down with you, you will not see my face again.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/44.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But you said to your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/44.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And thou saidst to thy servants, Except your youngest brother shall come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/44.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will see my face no more.’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/44.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and you say to your servants, If your young brother does not come down with you, you do not add to see my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/44.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and thou sayest unto thy servants, If your young brother come not down with you, ye add not to see my face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/44.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And thou wilt say to thy servants, If your little brother shall not come down with you, ye shall not add to see my face.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/44.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And thou saidst to thy servants: Except your youngest brother come with you, you shall see my face no more. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/44.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And you said to your servants: ‘Unless your youngest brother arrives with you, you will not see my face any more.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/44.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But you told your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall not see me again.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/44.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/44.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And you said to your servants, Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/44.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And you said to your Servants, ‘If your little brother does not come down with you’ you shall not again see my face.’<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/44.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And thou saidst unto thy servants: Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/44.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But thou saidst to they servants, Except your younger brother come down with you, ye shall not see my face again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/44-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=11594" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm">Judah Pleads for Benjamin</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>So we said to my lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father. If he were to leave, his father would die.’ <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">But you said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">your servants,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">‘</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Unless</a> <a href="/hebrew/6996.htm" title="6996: haq·qā·ṭōn (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Small, young, unimportant. Or qaton; from quwt; abbreviated, i.e. Diminutive, literally or figuratively.">your younger</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ă·ḥî·ḵem (N-msc:: 2mp) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yê·rêḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">comes down</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tə·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">you will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: lir·’ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">see</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·nāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">my face</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: ṯō·si·p̄ūn (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">again.’</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Now when we returned to your servant my father, we relayed your words to him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/42-38.htm">Genesis 42:38</a></span><br />But Jacob replied, “My son will not go down there with you, for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If any harm comes to him on your journey, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Genesis 43:3-5</a></span><br />But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ / If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you. / But if you will not send him, we will not go; for the man told us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15-16</a></span><br />And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. / Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be confined so that the truth of your words may be tested. If they are untrue, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-8.htm">Genesis 43:8-9</a></span><br />And Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me, and we will go at once, so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our children. / I will guarantee his safety. You may hold me personally responsible. If I do not bring him back and set him before you, then may I bear the guilt before you all my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/42-20.htm">Genesis 42:20</a></span><br />Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3-4</a></span><br />Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. / When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a></span><br />So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-9.htm">Genesis 45:9-11</a></span><br />Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. / You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. / And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Genesis 46:29-30</a></span><br />Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. / Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a></span><br />As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Matthew 10:37</a></span><br />Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20-24</a></span><br />So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. / The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ / But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-50.htm">John 11:50-52</a></span><br />You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” / Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation, / and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-13.htm">Acts 7:13-14</a></span><br />On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. / Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And you said to your servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, you shall see my face no more.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-15.htm">Genesis 42:15-20</a></b></br> Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">Genesis 43:3,5</a></b></br> And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother <i>be</i> with you… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/37-8.htm">Add</a> <a href="/genesis/43-10.htm">Except</a> <a href="/genesis/43-31.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/43-3.htm">However</a> <a href="/genesis/44-21.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/43-5.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/genesis/44-20.htm">Young</a> <a href="/genesis/44-12.htm">Youngest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/5-7.htm">Add</a> <a href="/genesis/44-26.htm">Except</a> <a href="/genesis/44-26.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/47-13.htm">However</a> <a href="/genesis/44-31.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/44-26.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/genesis/44-26.htm">Young</a> <a href="/genesis/44-26.htm">Youngest</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 44</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/44-1.htm">Joseph's policy to stay his brothers.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/44-6.htm">The silver cup is found in Benjamin's sack.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/44-14.htm">They are brought before Joseph.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/44-18.htm">Judah's humble supplication to Joseph.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/44.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/44.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But you said to your servants,</b><br>This phrase refers to Joseph speaking to his brothers. Joseph, now a powerful figure in Egypt, is addressing his brothers who do not recognize him. The term "servants" reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Near Eastern societies, where those in power often referred to others in subservient terms. This interaction is part of a larger narrative where Joseph tests his brothers' integrity and repentance.<p><b>‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you,</b><br>Joseph's demand for Benjamin to come to Egypt is a test of his brothers' honesty and familial loyalty. Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, holds a special place in Jacob's heart, especially after the presumed loss of Joseph. This request is significant as it forces the brothers to confront their past actions against Joseph. The geographical reference to "coming down" indicates the journey from Canaan to Egypt, which is southward and downhill.<p><b>you will not see my face again.’</b><br>In ancient cultures, seeing someone's face, especially a ruler's, was a sign of favor and acceptance. Joseph's statement underscores the seriousness of his demand and the potential consequences of non-compliance. This phrase also foreshadows the eventual reconciliation and revelation of Joseph's identity. Theologically, it can be seen as a type of Christ, where seeing the face of God is contingent upon reconciliation and redemption.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>One of the twelve sons of Jacob, Judah plays a significant role in this chapter as he pleads with Joseph for the release of Benjamin. His leadership and willingness to take responsibility are highlighted.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>The governor of Egypt, who is testing his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery. He is a central figure in this account, orchestrating events to reveal his brothers' character.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a></b><br>The youngest son of Jacob and the only full brother of Joseph. His presence in Egypt is crucial to the unfolding of Joseph's plan.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob (Israel)</a></b><br>The father of the twelve tribes of Israel, who is deeply concerned about the safety of his sons, especially Benjamin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The setting of this account, where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain during a famine.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_responsibility.htm">The Importance of Responsibility</a></b><br>Judah's willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin's safety is a powerful example of leadership and accountability. In our lives, we are called to take responsibility for our actions and the well-being of others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/testing_and_transformation.htm">Testing and Transformation</a></b><br>Joseph's testing of his brothers reveals their transformation. Similarly, God may allow tests in our lives to reveal our character and growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_and_forgiveness.htm">Family and Forgiveness</a></b><br>The account underscores the importance of family unity and forgiveness. Despite past wrongs, Joseph seeks reconciliation with his brothers, reminding us of the power of forgiveness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The unfolding events demonstrate God's sovereign plan. Even in difficult circumstances, we can trust that God is working for our good and His glory.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_44.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_were_canaanites_cursed_as_slaves.htm">Why were the Canaanites cursed with enslavement?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_omit_divine_guidance_in_joseph's_test.htm">If Joseph's intention in Genesis 44:18-34 was to test his brothers' repentance, why does the narrative omit any mention of divine guidance or command for this potentially manipulative plan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_joseph_use_deception_in_genesis_44.htm">How does the elaborate scheme in Genesis 44:6-13 align with ethical principles, and why would a righteous figure like Joseph resort to deception rather than straightforward communication?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_hebrew_slaves_rising_in_egypt.htm">Genesis 44:14-17 paints Joseph as fully in control of the situation; is there any external evidence of a Hebrew slave rising to such high-ranking authority in ancient Egypt so quickly?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/44-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But you said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your servants,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Unless</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your younger</span><br /><span class="heb">הַקָּטֹ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(haq·qā·ṭōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6996.htm">Strong's 6996: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small, young, unimportant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brother</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחִיכֶ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥî·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">comes down</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵרֵ֛ד</span> <span class="translit">(yê·rêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with you,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתְּכֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tə·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">see</span><br /><span class="heb">לִרְא֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lir·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my face</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּנָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(pā·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">again.’</span><br /><span class="heb">תֹסִפ֖וּן</span> <span class="translit">(ṯō·si·p̄ūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/44-23.htm">Genesis 44:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/44-23.htm">OT Law: Genesis 44:23 You said to your servants 'Unless your (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/44-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 44:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/44-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 44:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>