Genesis 44:27

KJV

And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two [sons]:

KJV (with Strong's)

And thy servant {H5650} my father {H1} said {H559} unto us, Ye know {H3045} that my wife {H802} bare {H3205} me two {H8147} sons:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then your servant my father said to us, 'You know that my wife bore me two sons:

Berean Standard Bible

And your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons.

American Standard Version

And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two sons:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 44:27 captures a poignant moment in Judah's impassioned plea to Joseph, where he relays Jacob's own words, emphasizing the patriarch's profound and unique attachment to his two sons born of Rachel. This verse serves to underscore the deep emotional bond Jacob held for Joseph and Benjamin, highlighting the devastating impact that the potential loss of Benjamin, Rachel's only remaining son, would have on his aged father, thereby strengthening Judah's desperate argument for Benjamin's release and the preservation of their family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic climax of the Joseph narrative, specifically during Judah's powerful and transformative intercession before Joseph in [Genesis 44](/genesis/44 "Genesis 44 - Judah's Intercession"). Following Joseph's strategic and testing act of planting his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, the brothers are brought back to Joseph, who intends to retain Benjamin as his slave. Judah, having matured significantly from his earlier role in selling Joseph into slavery, steps forward as the family's spokesman. His eloquent and heartfelt plea meticulously recounts their family's history, Jacob's enduring grief over Joseph's presumed death, and his profound dependency on Benjamin. Judah's willingness to sacrifice himself as a substitute for Benjamin, as detailed in [Genesis 44:33](/genesis/44-33 "Judah's Offer to Joseph"), marks a pivotal moment, showcasing the profound change in the brothers' character and setting the stage for Joseph's emotional revelation and the family's long-awaited reconciliation, all orchestrated by divine providence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, lineage and the continuity of the family line were paramount. The loss of sons, especially those from a favored wife, carried immense social and emotional weight for a patriarch like Jacob. The concept of "sons" was not merely about offspring but about the perpetuation of the family's name, inheritance, and covenant promises. Jacob's deep affection for Rachel and her children was culturally understandable, as a first wife or a beloved wife's children often held a special status. Furthermore, the practice of a younger brother being held as a slave or pawn was not uncommon in the region, making Judah's plea for substitution a powerful and culturally resonant act of loyalty and familial responsibility. The journey to Egypt for grain, prompted by a severe famine across the land as described in [Genesis 41:56-57](/genesis/41-56-57 "The Famine Spreads"), underscores the desperate circumstances that forced Jacob's sons into this perilous encounter.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 44:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Joseph narrative and the book of Genesis. It highlights the theme of **Familial Love and Grief**, showcasing the depth of Jacob's affection for Rachel and her sons, and the enduring pain of loss that has shaped his life since Joseph's disappearance. It also underscores the theme of **Transformation and Redemption**, as Judah's self-sacrificing intercession contrasts sharply with the brothers' past betrayal, demonstrating a profound change of heart that is crucial for the family's future. The verse also subtly points to **Divine Providence**, as Jacob's words, though spoken in human grief, are part of the larger divine tapestry leading to the preservation of the covenant family in Egypt, a theme that culminates in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Plan"). The emphasis on the "two sons" also reinforces the theme of **Covenant Lineage**, as Joseph and Benjamin represent a vital branch of the family through whom God's promises would continue.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** (H1) This primitive word denotes a progenitor, but extends to a broader sense of a chief, forefather, or patriarch. In this context, Judah's use of "my father" (from Jacob's perspective, "my father" referring to himself) emphasizes Jacob's patriarchal status, his advanced age, and his vulnerability, appealing to Joseph's empathy. It highlights the deep respect and filial piety Judah now demonstrates.
* **wife (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** (H802) This feminine noun refers to a woman, often specifically a wife. In Jacob's quoted words, "my wife" unequivocally refers to Rachel, his beloved and deeply cherished wife, for whom he labored fourteen years ([Genesis 29:20](/genesis/29-20 "Jacob's Love for Rachel")). The emphasis on "my wife" rather than simply naming Rachel underscores the unparalleled affection Jacob held for her, distinguishing her and her offspring from his other wives and their children, and imbuing the mention of her sons with immense emotional weight.
* **bare (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** (H3205) This primitive root means "to bear young" or "to beget," but can also refer to the act of a midwife or to show lineage. Here, it signifies the direct, personal act of birth by Rachel. The KJV's "bare me two [sons]" is a poignant translation, emphasizing the unique origin of these two children from Jacob's most beloved spouse. This word highlights the physical and emotional connection of Rachel to these two specific sons, making their existence and their bond with Jacob uniquely precious.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thy servant my father said unto us,"**: Judah begins by quoting Jacob directly, using the respectful and humble term "thy servant" to refer to his aged father. This address is a strategic rhetorical device, designed to soften Joseph's stance and evoke compassion. It positions Jacob as a vulnerable, elderly man deserving of consideration, and Judah as a faithful son relaying his father's profound distress. This opening sets the stage for the emotional core of Jacob's message.
* **"Ye know that my wife bare me two [sons]:"**: This is the pivotal statement Judah attributes to Jacob. The phrase "Ye know" implies a shared understanding or a fact that should be obvious, especially to Joseph himself, who is one of those two sons. The "wife" is Rachel, Jacob's beloved, whose story of barrenness, long-awaited children, and tragic death in childbirth with Benjamin ([Genesis 35:18](/genesis/35-18 "Rachel's Death")) would have been deeply ingrained in the family's memory. The "two sons" are Joseph and Benjamin, Rachel's only children. This seemingly simple statement carries immense emotional weight, highlighting Jacob's unique and profound attachment to these two sons, setting them apart from his other ten children and underscoring the irreplaceable void Joseph's presumed death had created, and the even greater devastation the loss of Benjamin would bring.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Quotation**, as Judah directly recites Jacob's words, lending authenticity and immediate emotional impact to his plea. This direct address from the patriarch, albeit relayed, serves to underscore the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, the passage is imbued with **Pathos**, an appeal to emotion, as Judah strategically highlights Jacob's deep affection for Rachel and her sons, aiming to elicit sympathy and compassion from Joseph. The emphasis on "my wife" and "two sons" relies on the shared family history and the implied tragedy of Rachel's death, creating a powerful emotional resonance. The entire narrative, culminating in this verse, also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Judah's transformation and his self-sacrificing plea for Benjamin's life subtly anticipate Joseph's revelation and the ultimate reconciliation of the family, a key turning point in the larger biblical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 44:27, within the broader narrative of Judah's intercession, powerfully demonstrates God's intricate work of **Divine Providence**, orchestrating human choices and circumstances to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The family's journey to Egypt, born out of famine and Joseph's earlier suffering, is ultimately revealed as a divine plan to preserve the covenant lineage and bring about a profound familial reconciliation. This verse highlights the depth of **Parental Love and Grief**, portraying Jacob's unique and enduring bond with Rachel's sons, and the profound pain of loss that has shaped his life. It also points to the theme of **Transformation and Redemption**, as Judah's willingness to stand in the gap for Benjamin marks a profound shift from his past complicity in Joseph's sale, illustrating the transformative power of God's grace in human hearts, preparing them for reconciliation and a renewed future.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Purpose in Joseph's Suffering")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [Psalm 105:16-17](/psalms/105-16-17 "God's Provision through Joseph")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 44:27 offers profound insights into the power of empathy, intercession, and the enduring strength of familial bonds. Judah's ability to articulate his father's deep pain and unique attachment to Benjamin serves as a powerful model for understanding and advocating for others. It reminds us that true compassion often requires delving into a person's history, recognizing their specific burdens, attachments, and vulnerabilities that shape their present circumstances. As believers, we are called to bear one another's burdens, and Judah's example encourages us to step into the gap for those who are vulnerable or suffering, even at personal cost. This narrative also highlights the transformative power of sacrificial love, demonstrating how past wrongs can be redeemed through genuine repentance and a willingness to put others' needs before our own. It urges us to consider how we might stand as intercessors, reflecting God's own compassionate heart, in our families, churches, and communities, fostering reconciliation and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jacob's deep love for Rachel and her sons deepen your appreciation for Judah's plea?**
* **In what ways can we, like Judah, demonstrate empathy and intercession for those who are vulnerable or suffering in our lives?**
* **How does this narrative challenge us to consider the long-term impact of our actions on family relationships and the importance of reconciliation?**

### FAQ
**Why does Judah emphasize "my wife bare me two [sons]" instead of just naming Joseph and Benjamin?**

Answer: Judah's phrasing, quoting Jacob, is deliberate and profoundly emotionally charged, designed to evoke the deepest possible sympathy from Joseph. By stating "my wife bare me two [sons]," he implicitly yet powerfully refers to Rachel, Jacob's most beloved wife, whose identity and unique place in Jacob's heart would have been instantly understood by Joseph (who was, after all, one of those two sons). This emphasis on Rachel's unparalleled significance to Jacob, coupled with the tragic circumstances of her death during Benjamin's birth ([Genesis 35:18](/genesis/35-18 "Rachel's Death in Childbirth")), adds immense emotional weight to the plea. It underscores that Joseph and Benjamin were not merely "two sons" among many, but the cherished, irreplaceable offspring of the wife Jacob loved above all others, making their significance to him unparalleled and their potential loss unbearable. This rhetorical strategy aimed to appeal to Joseph's own emotional connection to his mother and brother, even before his true identity was revealed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative surrounding [Genesis 44:27](/genesis/44-27 "Genesis 44:27 - Judah's Plea"), particularly Judah's profound intercession, powerfully foreshadows the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Judah's willingness to offer himself as a substitute for Benjamin, a beloved son whose loss would devastate his father, strikingly mirrors Christ's ultimate act of substitutionary atonement. Just as Judah stepped into the place of the condemned Benjamin to preserve his family and prevent his father's utter despair, so Christ, the beloved Son of God ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "God's Declaration of Jesus as His Son")), offered Himself as the perfect, spotless sacrifice to redeem humanity from the penalty of sin ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Christ's Love for Sinners")). Through His sacrifice, Christ reconciles estranged humanity to our Heavenly Father, breaking down the wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")) and bringing us into fellowship with God and with one another. The subsequent reconciliation of the brothers and the restoration of the fractured family, facilitated by Joseph's revelation and forgiveness, also points to Christ as the great Reconciler, who not only redeems individuals but also restores broken relationships and brings unity to the family of God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "The Ministry of Reconciliation")).

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 46:19

The sons of Rachel Jacob's wife; Joseph, and Benjamin.

Genesis 30:22

And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

Genesis 30:25

¶ And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.

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 29:28

And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.

Genesis 29:18

And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.