Genesis 43:8

And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, [and] also our little ones.

And Judah {H3063} said {H559} unto Israel {H3478} his father {H1}, Send {H7971} the lad {H5288} with me, and we will arise {H6965} and go {H3212}; that we may live {H2421}, and not die {H4191}, both we, and thou, and also our little ones {H2945}.

Y'hudah said to Isra'el his father, "Send the boy with me; and we will make preparations and leave; so that we may stay alive and not die, both we and you, and also our little ones.

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.

And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones.

Commentary

In Genesis 43:8, Judah makes a passionate and critical plea to his father, Jacob (also called Israel), urging him to allow their youngest brother, Benjamin, to accompany them back to Egypt. This verse highlights the desperate circumstances facing Jacob’s family and Judah's willingness to take significant responsibility for their survival.

Context

The land of Canaan was gripped by a severe famine, forcing Jacob’s family to seek sustenance in Egypt, where they had previously bought grain (Genesis 42:1-2). Upon their first visit, Joseph, who was now the powerful governor of Egypt and unrecognized by his brothers, had accused them of being spies. To prove their honesty, Joseph demanded that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to him (Genesis 42:19-20). Jacob was immensely reluctant to part with Benjamin, his youngest son and the only full brother of the presumed-dead Joseph, fearing that harm would befall him, just as he believed had happened to Joseph (Genesis 37:34-35). However, with their food supply depleted and the threat of starvation looming, Judah steps forward, emphasizing the dire choice between sending Benjamin and certain death for the entire family.

Key Themes

  • Survival and Preservation: The most immediate and pressing concern is the literal survival of the entire family. Judah's plea underscores the existential threat posed by the famine, emphasizing that inaction means death for "both we, and thou, and also our little ones." This highlights the brutal reality of their situation.
  • Judah's Leadership and Responsibility: This verse marks a significant moment in Judah's development. While Reuben had initially offered a desperate pledge, Judah’s appeal here is more pragmatic and decisive. He takes the initiative, demonstrating a burgeoning sense of responsibility and leadership that will later define his tribe. He will further guarantee Benjamin's safety in Genesis 43:9, offering himself as collateral.
  • Family Solidarity in Crisis: Despite past familial tensions, the severity of the famine unites the family in a common struggle for survival. Judah's words reflect a deep concern for his father and the younger generation, showing a commitment to the preservation of the patriarchal line.

Linguistic Insight

The term "lad" (Hebrew: na'ar - נַעַר) used for Benjamin here, often refers to a young man or even a servant. While Benjamin was likely in his early twenties at this time, Jacob's perception of him as a vulnerable "lad" reflects his protective instincts and deep affection. The stark contrast between "live" (חָיָה - chayah) and "die" (מוּת - muth) underscores the gravity of their predicament, presenting a clear, life-or-death decision to Jacob.

Practical Application

Judah's plea serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of courageous leadership and self-sacrifice in times of crisis. It teaches us about:

  • Taking Responsibility: Judah didn't just lament the situation; he stepped up and offered a solution, taking personal accountability.
  • Prioritizing Life: In dire circumstances, difficult decisions must be made to ensure the greater good and the preservation of life.
  • Trust and Providence: Ultimately, this journey, though fraught with danger, was part of God's sovereign plan to preserve Jacob's family and bring them to Egypt, setting the stage for their future growth into a nation. This echoes themes of divine providence seen in Joseph's later words to his brothers in Genesis 50:20.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 42:2 (5 votes)

    And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.

  • Deuteronomy 33:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ Let Reuben live, and not die; and let [not] his men be few.

  • Ezra 8:21 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

  • Genesis 50:21 (2 votes)

    Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

  • Genesis 45:19 (2 votes)

    Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.

  • 2 Kings 7:13 (2 votes)

    And one of his servants answered and said, Let [some] take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (behold, they [are] as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, [I say], they [are] even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed:) and let us send and see.

  • Genesis 44:26 (2 votes)

    And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother [be] with us.