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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 42:4 But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, "I am afraid that harm might befall him."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/42-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/01_Gen_42_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 42:4 - Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, I am afraid that harm might befall him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/42.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/42.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm may happen to him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/42.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph&#8217s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, &#8220I am afraid that harm may befall him.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/42.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm may befall him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/42.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest <i>any</i> harm befall him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/42.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s [younger] brother, with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that some harm <i>or</i> injury may come to him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/42.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he thought, “Something might happen to him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/42.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph&#8217s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he thought, &#8220Something might happen to him.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/42.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure harm befall him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/42.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph's younger brother Benjamin with them; he was afraid that something might happen to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/42.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/42.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jacob wouldn't send Joseph's brother Benjamin with the other brothers, because he was afraid that something would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/42.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />but Jacob did not send Joseph's full brother Benjamin with them, because he was afraid that something might happen to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/42.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Jacob would not send Joseph's brother Benjamin to accompany them, because he was saying, "I'm afraid that he'll come to some kind of harm." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/42.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph?s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, ?I am afraid that harm might befall him.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/42.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, "What if some accident happens to him?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/42.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph?s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, " Some harm might happen to him."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/42.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren: for he said, Lest perhaps mischief shall befall him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/42.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But Jacob didn’t send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with his brothers; for he said, “Lest perhaps harm happen to him.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/42.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob has not sent with his brothers, for he said, “Lest harm meet him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/42.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob hath not sent with his brethren, for he said, 'Lest mischief meet him.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/42.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Benjamin, Josephs brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest harm should meet him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/42.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Whilst Benjamin was kept at home by Jacob, who said to his brethren: Lest perhaps he take any harm in the journey. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/42.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Benjamin was kept at home by Jacob, who said to his brothers, “Lest perhaps he may suffer harm on the journey.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/42.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he thought some disaster might befall him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/42.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he feared that harm might come to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/42.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob did not send with his brothers; for he said, Lest some misfortune might befall him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/42.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yaquuv did not send Benyamin, the brother of Yoseph, with his brothers, because he said, “Lest calamity will come to him.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/42.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said: 'Lest peradventure harm befall him.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/42.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But <i>Jacob</i> sent not Benjamin, the brother of Joseph, with his brethren; for he said, Lest, haply, disease befall him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/42-4.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=10786" 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/42.htm">Joseph's Brothers Sent to Egypt</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>So ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">But Jacob</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.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šā·laḥ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">send</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">Joseph’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ă·ḥî (N-msc) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: bin·yā·mîn (N-proper-ms) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">Benjamin</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’e·ḥāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his brothers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">“I am afraid that</a> <a href="/hebrew/611.htm" title="611: ’ā·sō·wn (N-ms) -- Mischief, evil, harm. Of uncertain derivation; hurt.">harm</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: yiq·rā·’en·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">might befall him.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>So the sons of Israel were among those who came to buy grain, since the famine had also spread to the land of Canaan.…<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/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/44-20.htm">Genesis 44:20</a></span><br />And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-14.htm">Genesis 43:14</a></span><br />May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Genesis 44:29</a></span><br />Now if you also take this one from me and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31</a></span><br />sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Genesis 37:33-35</a></span><br />His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” / Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.<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/45-28.htm">Genesis 45:28</a></span><br />“Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.”<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="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-14</a></span><br />When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-12.htm">Matthew 18:12-14</a></span><br />What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-4.htm">Luke 15:4-7</a></span><br />“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-3.htm">John 11:3-6</a></span><br />So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.” / When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” / Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brothers; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.</p><p class="hdg">Benjamin.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Genesis 35:16-19</a></b></br> And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour… </p><p class="hdg">Lest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-38.htm">Genesis 42:38</a></b></br> And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-22.htm">Genesis 3:22</a></b></br> And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/11-4.htm">Genesis 11:4</a></b></br> And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top <i>may reach</i> unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/41-36.htm">Befall</a> <a href="/genesis/35-24.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/genesis/39-9.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/35-17.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/genesis/31-52.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/genesis/42-1.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/42-3.htm">Joseph's</a> <a href="/genesis/33-4.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/james/3-8.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/genesis/40-20.htm">Others</a> <a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Peradventure</a> <a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Perhaps</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/42-28.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/genesis/42-38.htm">Befall</a> <a href="/genesis/42-36.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/genesis/42-30.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/42-18.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/genesis/42-38.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/genesis/42-29.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/42-6.htm">Joseph's</a> <a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/genesis/42-38.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/genesis/42-5.htm">Others</a> <a href="/genesis/43-12.htm">Peradventure</a> <a href="/genesis/43-12.htm">Perhaps</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 42</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-1.htm">Jacob sends his ten sons to buy grain in Egypt.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-16.htm">They are imprisoned by Joseph as spies.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-18.htm">They are set at liberty, on condition to bring Benjamin.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">They have remorse for Joseph.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-24.htm">Simeon is kept for a pledge.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-25.htm">They return with grain, and their money.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-29.htm">Their relation to Jacob.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/42-36.htm">Jacob refuses to send Benjamin.</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/42.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/42.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers</b><br>Jacob's decision to withhold Benjamin from the journey to Egypt reflects his deep-seated fear and protective nature following the loss of Joseph, whom he believed to be dead. Benjamin, as the only remaining son of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, held a special place in Jacob's heart. This decision underscores the familial tensions and favoritism that have been a recurring theme in Jacob's family dynamics. The withholding of Benjamin also sets the stage for the unfolding drama in Egypt, where Joseph, unbeknownst to his brothers, holds a position of power.<p><b>for he said, “I am afraid that harm might befall him.”</b><br>Jacob's fear of harm coming to Benjamin is rooted in his traumatic experience of losing Joseph, which he attributes to a wild animal attack (<a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Genesis 37:33</a>). This fear is compounded by the dangerous nature of travel during that time, which included threats from bandits and harsh environmental conditions. Jacob's protective instinct is a natural response to the perceived vulnerability of his youngest son. This phrase also highlights the theme of fear and protection that runs throughout the patriarchal narratives, as well as the human tendency to try to control circumstances to prevent further loss.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>Also known as Israel, he is the patriarch of the Israelite tribes. In this verse, he is depicted as a protective father, concerned for the safety of his youngest son, Benjamin.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a></b><br>The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the only full brother of Joseph. Jacob's reluctance to send him to Egypt highlights his special status in Jacob's heart.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a></b><br>The other sons of Jacob, who are sent to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. Their journey sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan for reconciliation and provision.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where Joseph, Jacob's son, has risen to power. It is the place of refuge during the famine and a pivotal location in the account of Joseph and his brothers.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/famine.htm">Famine</a></b><br>A severe shortage of food that affects the entire region, prompting Jacob to send his sons to Egypt for grain. This event is a catalyst for the reunion of Joseph with his family.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/parental_protection_and_trust_in_god.htm">Parental Protection and Trust in God</a></b><br>Jacob's fear for Benjamin's safety is natural, yet it challenges us to balance protective instincts with trust in God's sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fear_in_decision-making.htm">The Role of Fear in Decision-Making</a></b><br>Fear can influence our decisions, as seen in Jacob's reluctance. We must discern when fear is protective and when it hinders faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_providence_in_difficult_circumstances.htm">God's Providence in Difficult Circumstances</a></b><br>The famine and the journey to Egypt are part of God's larger plan. Trusting in God's providence can bring peace in uncertain times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_favoritism.htm">Family Dynamics and Favoritism</a></b><br>Jacob's favoritism towards Benjamin echoes his earlier favoritism towards Joseph, reminding us of the potential for family discord and the need for fairness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_redemption.htm">Reconciliation and Redemption</a></b><br>The account sets the stage for reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, illustrating God's redemptive work in broken relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_42.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 42</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_genesis_44_align_with_earlier_chapters.htm">How do the events in Genesis 44 fit coherently with earlier chapters in Genesis, given the discrepancies in character motivations and the sudden moral tension introduced by Joseph's actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_jeremiah_31_15_forced_in_matthew.htm">Does Jeremiah 31:15 ('Rachel weeping for her children') align historically with Matthew's account, or is it a forced connection?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob_and_esau_reconcile_quickly.htm">How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau's 400 men?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/42.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But</span> (literally, and) <span class="cmt_word">Benjamin, Joseph's brother</span> (<span class="accented">vide Genesis</span> 35:18), <span class="cmt_word">Jacob sent not with his brethren</span>. Not because of his youth (Patrick, Lange), since he was now upwards of twenty years of age, but because he was Joseph's brother, and had taken Joseph's place in his father's affections (Lawson, Lange, Murphy, etc.), causing the old man to cherish him with tender solicitude. <span class="cmt_word">For he said</span> (to, or within, himself, perhaps recalling the fate of Joseph), <span class="cmt_word">Lest peradventure mischief befall him.</span> <span class="hebrew">אָסון</span>, from <span class="hebrew">אָסַה</span>, to hurt (Gesenius, Furst), and occurring only elsewhere in ver. 38, <a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Genesis 44:29</a>, and <a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22, 23</a>, denotes any sort of personal injury in general, and in particular here such mischance as might happen to a traveler. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/42-4.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 Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</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">send</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלַ֥ח</span> <span class="translit">(šā·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Joseph’s</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסֵ֔ף</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·sêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brother</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<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">Benjamin</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּנְיָמִין֙</span> <span class="translit">(bin·yā·mîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> </span><span class="str2">Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<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">his brothers,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶחָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḥāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<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">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he said,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third 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">“I am afraid that</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(pen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> </span><span class="str2">Removal, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">harm</span><br /><span class="heb">אָסֽוֹן׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·sō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mischief, evil, harm</span><br /><br /><span class="word">might befall him.”</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקְרָאֶ֖נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·rā·’en·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7122.htm">Strong's 7122: </a> </span><span class="str2">To encounter, befall</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/42-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 42:4 But Jacob didn't send Benjamin Joseph's brother (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/42-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 42:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 42:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/42-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 42:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 42:5" /></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>