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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 44:31 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/44-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_44_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 44:31 - Judah Pleads for Benjamin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. 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Your servants will bring the gray head of our father down to the grave in sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/44.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If he sees that the boy is not with us, our father will die. We, your servants, will indeed be responsible for sending that grieving, white-haired man to his grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/44.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />as soon as he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die, and your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/44.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad <i>is</i> not <i>with us</i>, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/44.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />it will happen, when he sees that the lad <i>is</i> not <i>with us,</i> that he will die. So your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father with sorrow to the grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/44.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />when he sees that the boy is not <i>with us,</i> he will die. So your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant, our father, down to Sheol in sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />when he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die. Thus your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />it will come about when he sees that the lad is not <i>with us</i>, that he will die. Thus your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/44.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />so it will be that when he sees that the boy is not <i>with us</i>, he will die. Thus your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/44.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />when he sees that the young man is not <i>with us,</i> he will die; and your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in [great] sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/44.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hairs of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/44.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hairs of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/44.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />it will come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants will bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/44.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />that he will die if Benjamin doesn't come back with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/44.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />it shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/44.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />and he sees that the boy isn't [with me], he'll die. The grief would drive our gray-haired old father to his grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/44.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />when he notices that the young man hasn't come back with us, he'll die, and your servants really will have brought death to your servant, our father, along with his sad, gray hair! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/44.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/44.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When he sees the boy is not with us, he will die, and your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father in sorrow to the grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/44.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />it will happen, when he sees that the boy is not with us, that he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/44.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants will bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father, with sorrow to the grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/44.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />it will happen, when he sees that the boy is no more, that he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant, our father, with sorrow to Sheol. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/44.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />then it has come to pass, when he sees that the youth is not, that he has died, and your servants have brought down the grey hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/44.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> then it hath come to pass when he seeth that the youth is not, that he hath died, and thy servants have brought down the grey hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to sheol;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/44.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it was when he having seen that the youth is not, and he will die: and thy servants brought down the old age of thy servant our father in grief to hades.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/44.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he shall see that he is not with us, he will die, and thy servants shall bring down his gray hairs with sorrow unto hell. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/44.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and if he were to see that he is not with us, he would die, and your servants will lead his grey hairs down with sorrow to the grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/44.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and your servants will thus send the white head of your servant our father down to Sheol in grief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/44.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die; and your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/44.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />It shall come to pass when he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die; and your servants shall bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/44.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And when he sees there is no boy with us, he will die, and we will bring your Servant in the old age of your Servant, our father, in wretchedness to Sheol.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/44.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />it will come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die; and thy servants will bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/44.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />- it shall even come to pass, when he sees the boy is not with us, <i>that</i> he will die, and thy servants will bring down the old age of thy servant, and our father, with sorrow to the grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/44-31.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=11650" 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">30</span>So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life, <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: kir·’ō·w·ṯōw (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">sees</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: han·na·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">the boy</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">is not with us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: wā·mêṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">he will die.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">Then your servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7872.htm" title="7872: śê·ḇaṯ (N-fsc) -- Hoary head, old age. Feminine of seyb; old age.">will have brought the gray hair</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·də·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">of your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·nū (N-msc:: 1cp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">our father</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: wə·hō·w·rî·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To come or go down, descend. ">down</a> <a href="/hebrew/7585.htm" title="7585: šə·’ō·lāh (N-cs:: 3fs) -- Or shol; from sha'al; Hades or the world of the dead, including its accessories and inmates.">to Sheol</a> <a href="/hebrew/3015.htm" title="3015: bə·yā·ḡō·wn (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Grief, sorrow. From yagah; affliction.">in sorrow.</a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>Indeed, your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father, saying, ‘If I do not return him to you, I will bear the guilt before you, my father, all my life.’…<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/37-33.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/42-36.htm">Genesis 42:36-38</a></span><br />Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons. Joseph is gone and Simeon is no more. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is going against me!” / Then Reuben said to his father, “You may kill my two sons if I fail to bring him back to you. Put him in my care, and I will return him.” / 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/43-8.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="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">1 Samuel 18:1-3</a></span><br />After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">1 Samuel 20:41-42</a></span><br />When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more. / And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-33.htm">2 Samuel 18:33</a></span><br />The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-26.htm">1 Kings 3:26</a></span><br />Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-28.htm">Psalm 119:28</a></span><br />My soul melts with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15</a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-20.htm">Jeremiah 31:20</a></span><br />Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18</a></span><br />“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-75.htm">Matthew 26:75</a></span><br />Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-48.htm">Luke 2:48-50</a></span><br />When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. “Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.” / “Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” / But they did not understand the statement He was making to them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">It shall come to pass, when he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and your servants shall bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to the grave.</p><p class="hdg">when he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/4-17.htm">1 Samuel 4:17,18</a></b></br> And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">2 Corinthians 7:10</a></b></br> For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:13</a></b></br> But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.</p><p class="hdg">servants shall.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Genesis 44:29</a></b></br> And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-26.htm">Genesis 37:26,27,35</a></b></br> And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit <i>is it</i> if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-22.htm">1 Samuel 22:22</a></b></br> And David said unto Abiathar, I knew <i>it</i> that day, when Doeg the Edomite <i>was</i> there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned <i>the death</i> of all the persons of thy father's house.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/44-30.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/genesis/44-28.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/44-22.htm">Die</a> <a href="/genesis/44-22.htm">Died</a> <a href="/genesis/41-51.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Gray</a> <a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Grey</a> <a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Hairs</a> <a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/42-22.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/genesis/44-30.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/genesis/44-23.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/genesis/44-22.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/44-32.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/genesis/45-28.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/45-28.htm">Die</a> <a href="/genesis/46-12.htm">Died</a> <a href="/genesis/46-31.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/50-5.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-32.htm">Gray</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-32.htm">Grey</a> <a href="/exodus/25-4.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-21.htm">Hairs</a> <a href="/genesis/47-31.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/44-32.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/genesis/44-32.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/genesis/45-16.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/numbers/16-30.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/genesis/47-9.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/genesis/44-32.htm">Youth</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>sees that the boy is not with us</b><br>This phrase refers to Jacob's anticipated reaction if Benjamin does not return with his brothers from Egypt. Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, holds a special place in Jacob's heart, especially after the presumed death of Joseph. The brothers' journey to Egypt was initially to buy grain during a famine, but Joseph, now a powerful Egyptian official, demanded Benjamin's presence. This reflects the deep familial bonds and the importance of lineage in ancient Israelite culture.<p><b>he will die</b><br>Jacob's life is closely tied to the well-being of his sons, particularly Benjamin. The emotional weight of losing another son would be unbearable for him. This highlights the patriarchal structure of the family and the significance of the father's role. The potential death of Jacob due to grief underscores the severe emotional and social consequences of family loss in ancient times.<p><b>Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father</b><br>The mention of "gray hair" symbolizes old age and wisdom, but also vulnerability. In ancient Near Eastern culture, elders were respected and their well-being was a family responsibility. The phrase "your servant" shows humility and respect towards Joseph, acknowledging his authority. This reflects the hierarchical social structures and the importance of family honor.<p><b>down to Sheol in sorrow</b><br>Sheol is the Hebrew term for the grave or the abode of the dead, often depicted as a place of darkness and silence. It reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of the afterlife, which was less developed than later Jewish and Christian concepts. The sorrow mentioned here is profound, indicating a life overshadowed by grief. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin and the hope for redemption, as seen in the eventual reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers, which prefigures the redemptive work of Christ.<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 pivotal role in this account. He steps forward to plead with Joseph, demonstrating leadership and responsibility for his brother Benjamin.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob (Israel)</a></b><br>The father of the twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob is deeply concerned about the welfare of his sons, particularly Benjamin, after losing Joseph years earlier.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>Now a powerful figure in Egypt, Joseph tests his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a></b><br>The youngest son of Jacob, Benjamin is central to the account as his presence in Egypt is the cause of Jacob's deep anxiety.<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_weight_of_responsibility.htm">The Weight of Responsibility</a></b><br>Judah's willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin highlights the importance of accountability and leadership within a family or community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_repentance.htm">The Power of Repentance</a></b><br>The brothers' change of heart since selling Joseph into slavery demonstrates the transformative power of repentance and redemption.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_testing_in_spiritual_growth.htm">The Role of Testing in Spiritual Growth</a></b><br>Joseph's testing of his brothers can be seen as a parallel to how God tests our faith to refine and strengthen us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_family_unity.htm">The Importance of Family Unity</a></b><br>The account underscores the significance of family unity and reconciliation, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the trials and uncertainties, the account encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when it is not immediately apparent.<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/who_was_hilkiah_in_the_bible.htm">What does Rachel weeping for her children signify?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_genesis_37_customs_match_ancient_practices.htm">(Genesis 37:34-35) Do the customs of mourning described align with verifiable ancient practices, or do they hint at anachronistic traditions introduced later?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_permit_biblical_genocides.htm">Why does God allow genocides to happen, including those commanded in the Bible (Numbers 31:17-18)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_aging.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on aging?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/44-31.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">when he sees</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּרְאוֹת֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(kir·’ō·w·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<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">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</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">the boy</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנַּ֖עַר</span> <span class="translit">(han·na·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] not [with us],</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he will die.</span><br /><span class="heb">וָמֵ֑ת</span> <span class="translit">(wā·mêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Then your servants</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבָדֶ֜יךָ</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">will have brought the gray hair</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׂיבַ֨ת</span> <span class="translit">(śê·ḇaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7872.htm">Strong's 7872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hoary head, old age</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of your servant</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדְּךָ֥</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·də·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular 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">our father</span><br /><span class="heb">אָבִ֛ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḇî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">down</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהוֹרִ֨ידוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hō·w·rî·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<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">to Sheol</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁאֹֽלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(šə·’ō·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7585.htm">Strong's 7585: </a> </span><span class="str2">Underworld (place to which people descend at death)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in sorrow.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיָג֖וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yā·ḡō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3015.htm">Strong's 3015: </a> </span><span class="str2">Grief, sorrow</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/44-31.htm">Genesis 44:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/44-31.htm">OT Law: Genesis 44:31 It will happen when he sees that (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/44-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 44:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/44-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 44:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:32" /></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>