King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.
Complete Jewish Bible:
except for Binyamin, Yosef's brother. Ya'akov did not send him with his brothers, because he was afraid something might happen to him.
Berean Standard Bible:
But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm might befall him.”
American Standard Version:
But Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure harm befall him.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
But Benjamin{H1144}, Joseph's{H3130} brother{H251}, Jacob{H3290} sent{H7971} not with his brethren{H251}; for he said{H559}, Lest peradventure{H6435} mischief{H611} befall him{H7122}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 42:38
- 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.
Genesis 3:22
- ¶ 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:
Genesis 44:27
- And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two [sons]:
Genesis 44:34
- For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad [be] not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.
Genesis 35:16
- ¶ And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.
Genesis 35:19
- And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which [is] Bethlehem.
Genesis 44:20
- And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.
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Commentary for Genesis 42:4
Genesis 42:4 is part of the narrative about Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis. The historical context of this verse is set during a famine in Canaan, which prompts Joseph's brothers to travel to Egypt to buy grain. At this time, Joseph is the second-in-command in Egypt, but his identity is unknown to his brothers who had previously sold him into slavery.
The themes present in this verse include:
1. **Family Dynamics and Favoritism**: Jacob (Israel) shows favoritism towards Benjamin, Joseph's full brother, due to the loss of Joseph, whom he believed was dead. Benjamin is the youngest son, and Jacob is overly protective of him, fearing that any harm might come to him as it did to Joseph.
2. **Fear and Loss**: Jacob's actions are driven by his fear of losing another son. His reluctance to send Benjamin to Egypt reflects the deep sorrow and loss he experienced when Joseph was taken from him.
3. **Providence and God's Plan**: This verse also hints at the providential hand of God in the unfolding story. Although the characters are acting according to their own understanding and emotions, the narrative is leading towards a divine plan of redemption and reconciliation.
4. **Protection and Overprotection**: The theme of protection is evident as Jacob seeks to keep Benjamin safe. However, this protective instinct is also presented as overprotective and potentially detrimental, as it could hinder God's plan and the necessary journey for the family's survival and future.
In summary, Genesis 42:4 reflects the complex family relationships within the household of Jacob, the lingering effects of past traumas, and the beginnings of a divinely orchestrated reunion that will ultimately lead to the family's preservation and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1144
There are 156 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בִּנְיָמִין
Transliteration: Binyâmîyn
Pronunciation: bin-yaw-mene'
Description: from בֵּן and יָמִין; son of (the) right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; Benjamin. - Strong's Number: H3130
There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יוֹסֵף
Transliteration: Yôwçêph
Pronunciation: yo-safe'
Description: future of יָסַף; let him add (or perhaps simply active participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites; Joseph. Compare יְהוֹסֵף. - Strong's Number: H251
There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָח
Transliteration: ʼâch
Pronunciation: awkh
Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. - Strong's Number: H3290
There are 319 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יַעֲקֹב
Transliteration: Yaʻăqôb
Pronunciation: yah-ak-obe'
Description: from עָקַב; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch; Jacob. - Strong's Number: H7971
There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלַח
Transliteration: shâlach
Pronunciation: shaw-lakh'
Description: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). - Strong's Number: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H6435
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פֵּן
Transliteration: pên
Pronunciation: pane
Description: from פָּנָה; properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest; (lest) (peradventure), that...not. - Strong's Number: H611
There are 102 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָסוֹן
Transliteration: ʼâçôwn
Pronunciation: aws-sone'
Description: of uncertain derivation; hurt; mischief. - Strong's Number: H7122
There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרָא
Transliteration: qârâʼ
Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
Description: a primitive root; to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner; befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet.