Genesis 44:24

KJV

And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass when we came up {H5927} unto thy servant {H5650} my father {H1}, we told {H5046} him the words {H1697} of my lord {H113}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We went up to your servant my father and told him what my lord had said;

Berean Standard Bible

Now when we returned to your servant my father, we relayed your words to him.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 44:24 captures Judah's report to Joseph, detailing how he and his brothers conveyed Joseph's demand for Benjamin to their aging father Jacob. This moment of difficult, yet faithful, communication was a crucial step in the unfolding divine plan, forcing Jacob to confront a painful decision that would ultimately lead to his family's preservation and reunion in Egypt.

### CONTEXT
This verse is part of Judah's impassioned plea before Joseph, the governor of Egypt, to spare Benjamin. Judah is recounting the arduous conversation they had with their aging father, Jacob, back in Canaan. Joseph had previously insisted that the brothers bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them on their next visit to Egypt to prove their honesty ([Genesis 42:20](/genesis/42-20 "Joseph's demand for Benjamin")). This verse specifically highlights the moment they conveyed Joseph's stern "words"—his demand for Benjamin's presence—to Jacob, who was deeply reluctant to part with his youngest son, especially after having seemingly lost Joseph years earlier ([Genesis 42:36](/genesis/42-36 "Jacob's distress over his sons")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 44:24 is a direct quotation within Judah's powerful intercession for Benjamin, underscoring the brothers' faithful, albeit painful, communication of Joseph's terms to Jacob. The phrase "when we came up unto thy servant my father" emphasizes the brothers' return journey and the solemnity with which they approached Jacob, recognizing his venerable age and status.

Judah's careful choice of words, referring to Jacob as "thy servant my father" and Joseph as "my lord" (Hebrew: *'adoni*) acknowledges Joseph's supreme administrative power. This strategic and heartfelt phrasing by Judah highlights his desperate attempt to secure mercy for Benjamin and, by extension, for his father, whose life was bound up with the boy's ([Genesis 44:30](/genesis/44-30 "Jacob's life bound to Benjamin's")). The act of reporting "**the words of my lord**" was a necessary, though distressing, step in the unfolding divine drama, forcing Jacob to confront the necessity of parting with Benjamin—a decision that would ultimately lead to the family's reunion and preservation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Unbeknownst to the characters, every step of this unfolding drama—from Joseph's initial demands to the brothers' difficult journey home and back—was part of God's sovereign plan to preserve Jacob's family and ultimately bring them to Egypt ([Genesis 45:7](/genesis/45-7 "God's purpose in sending Joseph ahead")). God orchestrates human interactions, even difficult ones, to fulfill His greater redemptive purposes.
* **Truth and Obedience:** The brothers, despite their fear and the distress it would cause Jacob, faithfully conveyed Joseph's demanding terms. This act of reporting, though painful, was necessary for the narrative to unfold and for Jacob to make his difficult decision, demonstrating the importance of honest communication even in challenging circumstances.
* **Familial Love and Sacrifice:** Judah's speech, culminating in this verse, underscores the deep love and concern within the family, particularly for Jacob's well-being. Judah's willingness to sacrifice himself for Benjamin and his father ([Genesis 44:33](/genesis/44-33 "Judah's offer to be a bondman")) is a powerful display of familial devotion and foreshadows later acts of self-sacrifice.
* **The Path to Reconciliation:** This painful communication and the subsequent journey to Egypt were necessary precursors to the family's eventual reconciliation with Joseph and the revelation of his identity, highlighting how God often uses trials to bring about restoration and healing.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse reminds us of the importance of honest and clear communication, even when delivering difficult news. Such truth-telling, though potentially painful, is essential for fostering trust and enabling necessary decisions, both within families and broader communities. It also speaks to the enduring bonds of family and the lengths one might go to protect loved ones. Ultimately, the broader context of this narrative teaches us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem dire or confusing, as His purposes often unfold through unexpected and challenging interactions, guiding us towards His intended good.

### FAQ
**Why does Judah emphasize "thy servant my father" to Joseph?**

Answer: Judah uses this respectful and humble phrasing to underscore Jacob's venerable age and status, appealing to Joseph's compassion by portraying their father as a vulnerable patriarch. It also acknowledges Joseph's superior position while subtly pleading for mercy on Jacob's behalf, highlighting the profound distress Jacob would suffer if Benjamin were not returned.

**What is the significance of the brothers' reporting Joseph's words to Jacob?**

Answer: This act of faithful reporting, despite the distress it caused Jacob, was crucial. It demonstrates the brothers' obedience to Joseph's command and sets the stage for Jacob's difficult decision to send Benjamin. This decision was a necessary step in God's overarching plan to bring the entire family to Egypt, preserve them during the famine, and ultimately reconcile them with Joseph, fulfilling the divine promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judah's role in this narrative, particularly his willingness to intercede and offer himself as a substitute for Benjamin, powerfully foreshadows Christ. Just as Judah stepped forward to bear the burden for his brother and father, Jesus Christ, the ultimate Intercessor and Substitute, offered Himself to bear the burden of humanity's sin, bringing about reconciliation between God and humanity. The entire journey to Egypt, orchestrated by God through Joseph's suffering and rise to power, prefigures God's sovereign plan of salvation, preserving His people through seemingly impossible circumstances. The "**words of my lord**" that the brothers conveyed, though demanding, ultimately led to the salvation of the family, much like the demanding words of God's law lead to the realization of our need for the saving grace found only in Christ.

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.