Genesis 42:38

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, My son {H1121} shall not go down {H3381} with you; for his brother {H251} is dead {H4191}, and he is left {H7604} alone: if mischief {H611} befall {H7122} him by the way {H1870} in the which ye go {H3212}, then shall ye bring down {H3381} my gray hairs {H7872} with sorrow {H3015} to the grave {H7585}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he replied, "My son will not go down with you. His brother is dead, and he alone is left. If anything were to happen to him while traveling with you, you would bring my gray hair down to Sh'ol with grief."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he only is left: if harm befall him by the way in which ye go, then will ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jacob, overwhelmed by the presumed loss of Joseph and fiercely protective of his youngest son, Benjamin, adamantly refuses to allow him to accompany his brothers to Egypt. His declaration reveals the profound depth of his parental anguish, expressing a desperate fear that any harm befalling Benjamin would hasten his own death, bringing his advanced age and life to a sorrowful end in the grave. This moment encapsulates the devastating impact of perceived loss and the desperate measures a father would consider to protect his last remaining link to a cherished past.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 42:38 is the climactic expression of Jacob's despair and resistance in the immediate aftermath of his ten eldest sons' first journey to Egypt. They have returned from purchasing grain, but Simeon has been held captive, and the powerful Egyptian governor (who is, unbeknownst to them, Joseph) has demanded that Benjamin, Jacob's youngest and only other son by Rachel, be brought to Egypt as proof of their honesty. This verse follows the sons' recounting of the governor's harsh demands and their father's initial, vehement refusal to part with Benjamin. It sets the stage for the escalating crisis of famine that will eventually force Jacob's hand, leading to the dramatic revelation and reunion that unfolds in later chapters of [Genesis](/genesis/45 "Genesis 45 - Joseph Reveals Himself").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative is set against the backdrop of a severe, multi-year famine that gripped the entire region, forcing people from Canaan to seek sustenance in Egypt, where grain had been providentially stored ([Genesis 41:56-57](/genesis/41-56-57 "Genesis 41:56-57 - The Famine Spreads")). In ancient Near Eastern patriarchal societies, the loss of children, especially sons, was a profound tragedy, threatening the family line and legacy. Jacob's deep attachment to Rachel's sons, Joseph and Benjamin, is a recurring theme, highlighting the cultural significance of lineage and the emotional weight of family bonds. His "gray hairs" symbolize not just old age but also the accumulated wisdom and dignity of a patriarch, which he fears would be brought to an undignified, sorrowful end.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **depth of parental love and suffering**, particularly Jacob's profound anguish over the perceived loss of Joseph and the potential loss of Benjamin, his last link to his beloved Rachel. It also highlights the theme of **divine providence working through human suffering and misunderstanding**, as Jacob's despair is ironically rooted in his ignorance of Joseph's survival and exaltation in Egypt, a situation orchestrated by God for the preservation of Jacob's family and the fulfillment of the covenant promises. Furthermore, it foreshadows the **theme of reconciliation and restoration** that will culminate in the family's reunion and their eventual settlement in Egypt, demonstrating how God can turn seemingly insurmountable trials into opportunities for His redemptive plan, as seen in [Joseph's later reflection](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 5:20 - Joseph's Perspective on God's Plan").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên_):** (H1121) Jacob's use of "my son" (referring to Benjamin) emphasizes the intensely personal and familial bond. This term, derived from a root meaning "to build," highlights the son's role as a builder or perpetuator of the family name and lineage. For Jacob, Benjamin is not merely a child but the last remaining "builder" from his most beloved wife, Rachel, making his potential loss devastating to his sense of family continuity and personal legacy.
* **Mischief (Hebrew, _ʼâçôwn_):** (H611) This word denotes "hurt" or "calamity." Jacob's fear is not merely of inconvenience but of a severe, life-threatening disaster befalling Benjamin on the journey. It encapsulates the worst possible outcome, suggesting a fatal accident or violent encounter. This term reflects the deep anxiety and vulnerability felt by travelers in ancient times, where journeys were fraught with dangers.
* **Gray hairs (Hebrew, _sêybâh_):** (H7872) This feminine noun refers to "old age" or "hoary hairs." It symbolizes Jacob's advanced years and the accumulated dignity and wisdom typically associated with a patriarch. The phrase "bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave" is a powerful idiom indicating that the anticipated grief would be so overwhelming that it would literally hasten his death, stripping his old age of its natural dignity and leading him to an early, sorrowful demise in Sheol.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, My son shall not go down with you;":** Jacob's declaration is an emphatic refusal, born of deep-seated fear and protective instinct. The verb "go down" (yârad) literally means to descend, referring to the geographical descent from Canaan to Egypt, but it also carries the metaphorical weight of Benjamin entering a perilous situation from which he might not return.
* **"for his brother is dead, and he is left alone:":** This clause reveals the profound emotional wound that drives Jacob's resistance. His belief that Joseph is dead (a misconception, but a deeply held one) has left him with Benjamin as his sole remaining son by Rachel. The phrase "left alone" underscores Benjamin's perceived vulnerability and Jacob's unique attachment to him as the last vestige of a cherished past.
* **"if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go,":** Jacob articulates the specific fear that governs his decision. "Mischief" (ʼâçôwn) refers to a calamitous event or fatal injury. The "way" (derek) highlights the inherent dangers of ancient travel—bandits, wild animals, or accidents—which Jacob vividly imagines befalling his beloved son.
* **"then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.":** This is the ultimate expression of Jacob's despair. "Gray hairs" (sêybâh) symbolize his old age and life itself. To "bring down with sorrow to the grave" (shᵉʼôwl) is a poignant Hebrew idiom signifying that the grief would be so overwhelming and unbearable that it would literally cause his death, hastening his descent into the realm of the dead. It expresses a profound emotional collapse, where life itself would lose its meaning without Benjamin.

#### Literary Devices
Jacob's lament in Genesis 42:38 is rich with literary devices that amplify its emotional impact. **Hyperbole** is evident in Jacob's assertion that Benjamin's loss would "bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave." While expressing genuine and profound grief, this is an exaggerated statement intended to convey the utter devastation he anticipates, rather than a literal prediction of immediate death. The "gray hairs" themselves function as **Symbolism**, representing Jacob's advanced age, his life's journey, and the dignity of a patriarch. Their "descent with sorrow to the grave" symbolizes not just physical death but the complete crushing of his spirit and the end of his hopes. Furthermore, the entire situation is steeped in dramatic **Irony**. Jacob's deep despair is rooted in his belief that Joseph is dead, yet the very demand for Benjamin's presence in Egypt is orchestrated by Joseph himself, who is alive and in a position of power. This profound irony heightens the tension and foreshadows the dramatic revelation and joyful reunion that God is providentially orchestrating behind the veil of human suffering and misunderstanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 42:38 powerfully illustrates the depth of human suffering and parental love, yet it simultaneously serves as a profound testament to God's unseen, sovereign providence. Jacob's despair, though genuine, is born of a limited perspective, unaware that God is actively working through his family's trials to bring about a greater good and fulfill His covenant promises. This narrative reminds us that even when circumstances appear bleak and our understanding is clouded by sorrow, God's redemptive plan is unfolding, often in ways that defy human expectation, transforming apparent tragedy into ultimate triumph and reconciliation.

* [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Endure for a Night") - This verse speaks to the temporary nature of sorrow, contrasting it with the joy that comes in the morning, echoing the eventual turn of Jacob's despair into joy.
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good") - This foundational theological truth asserts that God works all things, even seemingly devastating circumstances, together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort") - This passage highlights God as the "God of all comfort," who comforts us in our affliction so that we may comfort others, reflecting the ultimate comfort Jacob finds in the restoration of his family.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's anguish in Genesis 42:38 resonates deeply with the human experience of fear, loss, and the overwhelming desire to protect those we love. His words remind us that life often presents us with agonizing choices, forcing us to confront our deepest fears and the limits of our control. In moments of profound uncertainty and perceived loss, it is natural to feel despair, just as Jacob did. However, this narrative also subtly invites us to consider the unseen hand of God at work, even when our circumstances seem utterly devastating. It challenges us to cultivate a deeper trust in divine providence, recognizing that God's plans are often far grander and more intricate than our immediate perspectives allow. Even when we are called to release what we hold most dear, or face what seems like unbearable sorrow, we are encouraged to lean into the truth that God is sovereign and can bring about unexpected restoration and joy from situations that appear to be utterly hopeless.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do Jacob's fears and protective instincts resonate with your own experiences as a parent or caregiver?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing "gray hairs with sorrow," and how might Jacob's story encourage you to trust in God's unseen providence?**
* **How does the irony of Jacob's situation (Joseph being alive) challenge your perspective on difficulties you face, where the full picture may not yet be revealed?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jacob's phrase "bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful Hebrew idiom expressing the most profound level of grief and despair. "Gray hairs" (Hebrew, _sêybâh_) symbolize old age, wisdom, and the dignity associated with a patriarch's long life. By saying his gray hairs would be "brought down with sorrow to the grave" (Hebrew, _shᵉʼôwl_), Jacob means that the loss of Benjamin would cause him such immense heartache and emotional distress that it would literally hasten his death, leading him to an early and sorrowful demise in the realm of the dead. It underscores the depth of his love for Benjamin and his presumed grief for Joseph, indicating that his very life force would be extinguished by such an unbearable sorrow, a sentiment echoed in other laments within the Old Testament, such as [Genesis 37:35](/genesis/37-35 "Genesis 37:35 - Jacob's Grief for Joseph").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's despair over his "lost" son Joseph and his profound fear of losing Benjamin, only to discover Joseph alive and exalted as a savior for his family, provides a powerful and poignant foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Came to His Own")), seemingly "lost" through His death on the cross, yet was exalted by God the Father to bring salvation and reconciliation to His people ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The reunion of Jacob's family, brought about by Joseph's providential position and the eventual revelation of his identity, mirrors the ultimate reunion and peace that Christ brings between God and humanity through His atoning sacrifice. Jacob's sorrow is turned to overwhelming joy upon seeing Joseph again ([Genesis 46:29-30](/genesis/46-29-30 "Genesis 46:29-30 - Jacob and Joseph's Reunion")), prefiguring the eschatological joy of believers who will finally see their Savior face to face, demonstrating God's sovereign plan to redeem His people through unexpected means, turning suffering and separation into glorious restoration and eternal life ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 37:35

And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

Genesis 42:4

But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.

Genesis 37:33

And he knew it, and said, [It is] my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.

Genesis 42:13

And they said, Thy servants [are] twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest [is] this day with our father, and one [is] not.

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 35:18

And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

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.