Genesis 43:14

KJV

And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved [of my children], I am bereaved.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H410} Almighty {H7706} give {H5414} you mercy {H7356} before {H6440} the man {H376}, that he may send away {H7971} your other {H312} brother {H251}, and Benjamin {H1144}. If {H834} I be bereaved {H7921} of my children, I am bereaved {H7921}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May El Shaddai give you favor in the man's sight, so that he will release to you your other brother as well as Binyamin. As for me, if I must lose my children, lose them I will."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

and God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release unto you your other brother and Benjamin. And if I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 43:14 captures Jacob's poignant and deeply resigned prayer as his sons prepare to return to Egypt, compelled to bring his youngest son, Benjamin. Faced with the potential loss of Benjamin, Jacob surrenders to the divine will, invoking "God Almighty" for mercy and expressing a profound, almost fatalistic, acceptance of whatever outcome may come, trusting in God's providence even amidst overwhelming sorrow and fear.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of Jacob's family and their interactions with Egypt during a severe famine. It immediately follows Judah's impassioned plea and guarantee for Benjamin's safety, which finally persuades Jacob to send his youngest son. The preceding chapters detail the initial journey to Egypt, Joseph's disguised demands, the discovery of the money in their sacks, and Simeon's detainment ([Genesis 42](/genesis/42 "Genesis 42 - Joseph's Brothers in Egypt")). Jacob's desperate prayer here marks his reluctant but ultimate submission to the seemingly impossible demands, setting the stage for the dramatic reunion and revelation that will follow in [Genesis 44](/genesis/44 "Genesis 44 - The Silver Cup") and [Genesis 45](/genesis/45 "Genesis 45 - Joseph Reveals Himself"). His words reflect the culmination of his fear and grief, harkening back to his long-held sorrow over Joseph's presumed death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative is set against the backdrop of a widespread famine, a common and devastating occurrence in the ancient Near East, which often forced migrations and desperate measures for survival. Egypt, with its predictable Nile floods, was a reliable source of grain, making it a natural destination for those suffering from drought. The concept of a powerful "governor" or "man" (Joseph) holding immense authority over life and death was typical of ancient monarchical systems. Jacob's deep attachment to Benjamin, as the last son of his beloved Rachel, reflects the patriarchal family structure where lineage and the preservation of the family line were paramount. The practice of holding a family member hostage to ensure compliance was also a known tactic, highlighting the precarious position of Jacob's sons.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates events, even through human suffering and difficult choices, to fulfill His ultimate purposes, as Joseph himself later articulates in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's words on God's intentions"). The theme of **Faith in Adversity** is also central, as Jacob, despite his profound despair and resignation, still turns to "God Almighty" for intervention, revealing a deep, albeit struggling, reliance on God's power. Furthermore, the narrative explores the complexities of **Family Reconciliation and Forgiveness**, as Jacob's willingness to risk Benjamin ultimately paves the way for the healing of deep-seated family wounds and the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel. The poignant expression of **Parental Grief** is also a significant theme, echoing Jacob's earlier lament over Joseph's presumed death in [Genesis 37:35](/genesis/37-35 "Jacob's inconsolable grief").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 43:14 encapsulates Jacob's profound emotional state and his ultimate reliance on God in a moment of extreme vulnerability and perceived powerlessness.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God Almighty (Hebrew, _ʼêl Shadday'_):** This divine title combines H410 (_ʼêl_), meaning "strength" or "mighty," often referring to God, and H7706 (_Shadday_), meaning "the Almighty." Jacob's invocation of _El Shaddai_ is highly significant. This name emphasizes God's omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and His ability to fulfill His covenant promises, particularly in situations that seem humanly impossible. It is the name by which God appeared to Abraham when establishing the covenant of fruitfulness and blessing ([Genesis 17:1](/genesis/17-1 "God appears to Abram as El Shaddai")). By using this name, Jacob acknowledges God's absolute power to intervene, provide, and alter circumstances, even when all human options have been exhausted.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _racham'_):** H7356 (_racham_) refers to compassion, tender love, or pity, often associated with the womb, implying a deep, visceral, and nurturing affection. Jacob's prayer for "mercy" before the "man" (Joseph) is a plea for divine favor and compassion to be extended to his sons. It's not just a request for a favorable outcome, but for a softening of the heart of the powerful Egyptian governor, hoping that this divine intervention will lead to the safe return of both Simeon and Benjamin.
* **Bereaved (Hebrew, _shâkôl'_):** H7921 (_shâkôl_) is a primitive root meaning "to miscarry," "suffer abortion," or by analogy, "to bereave (literally or figuratively)." It conveys the profound sorrow of losing children or being made childless. Jacob's repetition, "If I be bereaved, I am bereaved," uses this word to express an utter and complete resignation to an inevitable, painful outcome. It signifies a profound surrender to fate, acknowledging that all human efforts have failed and the situation is now entirely in God's hands, for better or worse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God Almighty give you mercy before the man,"**: Jacob, having been persuaded by Judah, turns to the only remaining source of hope: God. His address to "God Almighty" (_El Shaddai_) is a recognition of God's supreme power and ability to intervene in human affairs. The plea for "mercy" is directed towards the unknown Egyptian governor, Joseph, whom Jacob perceives as a harsh and demanding figure. Jacob's deepest desire is for divine favor to influence this powerful individual, ensuring his sons' safety and the release of Simeon.
* **"that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin."**: This clause specifies the precise outcome Jacob desperately seeks from God's intervention. "Your other brother" refers to Simeon, who was held captive in Egypt. The inclusion of "and Benjamin" highlights the immense emotional weight attached to his youngest son, the last remaining child of his beloved Rachel. This part of the prayer underscores the immediate and dire need of the family: the safe return of both brothers to prevent further dissolution of his lineage.
* **"If I be bereaved [of my children], I am bereaved."**: This is a powerful Hebrew expression of utter and complete resignation to an inevitable, painful outcome. Having already experienced the presumed loss of Joseph and now facing the potential loss of Benjamin, Jacob declares that he has emotionally prepared himself for the worst possible scenario. It is a cry of deep anguish, yet also an act of releasing control to a higher power, acknowledging that human efforts have reached their limit and the situation is now entirely in God's hands, for better or worse.

#### Literary Devices
This is a powerful Hebrew **Idiom** (_Im shakkolti shakkolti_) expressing utter and complete resignation to an inevitable, painful outcome. It conveys Jacob's profound sense of **Pathos** and fatalistic acceptance. Having already experienced the presumed loss of Joseph and now facing the potential loss of Benjamin, Jacob declares that he has emotionally prepared himself for the worst possible scenario. It is a cry of deep anguish, yet also an act of releasing control to a higher power, acknowledging that human efforts have reached their limit and the situation is now entirely in God's hands, for better or worse. This statement is imbued with **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows that God's plan is not one of further bereavement but of reunion and salvation through Joseph.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's desperate prayer in Genesis 43:14 serves as a profound testament to the human condition grappling with divine sovereignty. Despite his deep anguish and perceived hopelessness, Jacob's turning to "God Almighty" demonstrates an enduring, albeit struggling, faith in God's ultimate control. This narrative powerfully illustrates God's providential hand guiding events, even through famine, separation, and Jacob's profound sorrow, to fulfill His purposes for the nascent nation of Israel. It underscores that even in moments of utter despair, prayer remains the believer's most vital recourse, a surrender of control to the One who holds all things in His hands.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "God is our refuge and strength")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/ philippians/4-6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's prayer and resignation in Genesis 43:14 offer a profound lesson for believers today. In moments of profound uncertainty, fear, or when circumstances seem utterly beyond our control, we are called to emulate Jacob's ultimate surrender. This means acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty, trusting that He is working all things for good, even when we cannot discern His plan or when the path ahead seems fraught with potential pain. Like Jacob, there are times when we must release our grip on desired outcomes and commit them to God, even if it means confronting potential loss or suffering. This act of surrender, though deeply challenging, can lead to a profound peace and a deeper reliance on God's unfailing providence, reminding us that prayer is our most powerful recourse, even when the situation appears hopeless. It teaches us that true faith is not the absence of fear or sorrow, but the ability to entrust our deepest fears and sorrows to the Almighty God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a sense of helplessness or fear, similar to Jacob's situation?**
* **How does Jacob's invocation of "God Almighty" challenge or encourage your own understanding of God's power and ability to intervene in your circumstances?**
* **What does it mean for you to truly "surrender" a situation to God, especially when the outcome is uncertain or potentially painful?**

### FAQ
**What does 'If I be bereaved, I am bereaved' signify?**

Answer: This Hebrew idiom, *Im shakkolti shakkolti*, expresses a profound and complete resignation to an inevitable, painful outcome. It signifies that Jacob has emotionally prepared himself for the worst-case scenario – the loss of Benjamin, his last remaining son by Rachel – and accepts that if this tragedy occurs, it is simply what will be. It is a declaration of deep sorrow and a surrender of control, acknowledging that all human efforts have reached their limit and the situation is now entirely in God's hands. It reflects a deep, almost fatalistic, acceptance of divine will, even in the face of immense personal grief. This phrase is a poignant expression of Jacob's despair, yet it simultaneously marks a turning point where he relinquishes his grip on the situation and entrusts it to God's providence, however painful that might prove to be.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, culminating in Jacob's desperate prayer and eventual reunion with his lost sons, profoundly foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Jacob's willingness to "lose" Benjamin for the sake of his family's survival, and his deep suffering, mirrors the Father's ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, for the salvation of humanity. Joseph, who was rejected by his brothers, suffered, and was thought lost ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold into slavery")), yet rose to a position of power to save his family from famine ([Genesis 45:7-8](/genesis/45-7-8 "Joseph's explanation of God's purpose")), serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as God used Joseph's suffering to bring about salvation for Israel, so too did God use Christ's suffering and death to bring about eternal salvation for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God demonstrates His love")). Jacob's ultimate surrender to God's will, even in the face of perceived loss, points to Christ's own surrender in Gethsemane, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Jesus prays in Gethsemane")), leading to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the cross and resurrection, offering true mercy and deliverance from sin and death ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ entered once for all into the holy places")).

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

Esther 4:16

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

Genesis 17:1

¶ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Acts 21:14

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Psalms 100:5

For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.

Genesis 22:14

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

Proverbs 16:7

¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.