Genesis 44:22

And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for [if] he should leave his father, [his father] would die.

And we said {H559} unto my lord {H113}, The lad {H5288} cannot {H3201} leave {H5800} his father {H1}: for if he should leave {H5800} his father {H1}, his father would die {H4191}.

We answered my lord, 'The boy can't leave his father; if he were to leave his father, his father would die.'

So we said to my lord, β€˜The boy cannot leave his father. If he were to leave, his father would die.’

And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.

Commentary

Genesis 44:22 (KJV) captures a poignant moment in the narrative of Joseph and his brothers, as Judah pleads for the release of Benjamin, their youngest brother, before Joseph in Egypt.

Context

This verse is part of Judah's impassioned appeal to Joseph, who, unbeknownst to his brothers, is testing their character and transformation. After Joseph had secretly placed his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, Benjamin was apprehended and threatened with enslavement. The brothers, especially Judah, understood the devastating impact Benjamin's permanent absence would have on their aged father, Jacob. Jacob had already experienced profound grief when he believed Joseph was dead, and Benjamin, being the only other son of Rachel, was now the apple of his eye. Jacob had reluctantly allowed Benjamin to travel to Egypt only under the solemn promise that he would be brought back safely (Genesis 43:9).

Key Themes

  • Paternal Love and Vulnerability: The verse vividly portrays Jacob's deep, almost life-dependent love for Benjamin. Judah's words, "his father would die," emphasize Jacob's fragility and the immense emotional bond. This highlights the powerful theme of family attachment and the devastating effects of loss within a family unit.
  • Brotherly Loyalty and Redemption: Judah's willingness to articulate Jacob's pain and his later offer to become a slave in Benjamin's place (Genesis 44:33) demonstrate a significant transformation from the brothers' earlier actions, particularly their betrayal of Joseph (Genesis 37:28). This plea is a pivotal moment showcasing their newfound solidarity and genuine concern for their father's well-being, marking a turning point in their family's history.
  • Divine Providence and Testing: Joseph's elaborate test of his brothers was designed to assess if they had changed from their selfish past. Judah's heartfelt plea, revealing their deep concern for Jacob and Benjamin, signifies their moral growth and readiness for reconciliation, fulfilling God's overarching plan for the family of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's use of brackets around "[if] he should leave his father, [his father]" clarifies the implied subject and condition of Judah's statement, ensuring the reader understands the dire consequence he is describing. The phrase "would die" (Hebrew: Χ™ΦΈΧžΧ•ΦΌΧͺ, yamut) conveys not necessarily a literal, immediate death, but a profound, soul-crushing grief that would lead to utter despair and potentially hasten Jacob's demise, similar to his reaction when he thought Joseph was gone.

Practical Application

Genesis 44:22 offers timeless insights into the importance of family bonds, empathy, and responsibility. It reminds us of the profound impact our actions, or inactions, can have on others, especially those we love. Judah's transformation encourages us to consider our own growth in character, moving from self-interest to selfless care for others. The narrative underscores the power of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption, even after significant past failings, paving the way for eventual reconciliation and healing within families and communities.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Genesis 44:30

    Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad [be] not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life;

  • 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.
← Back