Genesis 43:3

And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother [be] with you.

And Judah {H3063} spake {H559} unto him, saying {H559}, The man {H376} did solemnly {H5749} protest {H5749} unto us, saying {H559}, Ye shall not see {H7200} my face {H6440}, except {H1115} your brother {H251} be with you.

Y'hudah said to him, "The man expressly warned us, 'You will not see my face unless your brother is with you.'

But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’

And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 43:3 captures a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of Jacob's family and Joseph's intricate plan. The land was gripped by a severe famine, forcing Jacob's sons to return to Egypt for more grain. However, on their first trip, Joseph (unrecognized by his brothers, though he knew them) had accused them of being spies and demanded they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty. He held Simeon as a hostage until Benjamin arrived. This verse records Judah, a prominent son of Jacob, reiterating Joseph's strict and non-negotiable condition to their hesitant father, Jacob. It underscores the desperate situation and the brothers' inability to return to Egypt without Benjamin, as stated in Genesis 42:20.

Key Themes

  • Joseph's Unfolding Plan: Joseph's demand for Benjamin was not arbitrary but a crucial step in his larger, divinely orchestrated plan. He aimed to bring his entire family to Egypt, test his brothers' character (especially regarding their treatment of Benjamin, contrasting it with their past actions towards him), and ultimately reveal his true identity. This complex series of events highlights God's providential hand working through difficult circumstances to preserve His chosen line.
  • Judah's Emerging Leadership: Judah, who previously suggested selling Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:27), now steps forward as a responsible and persuasive leader among his brothers. He takes the initiative to convince Jacob, and later, he even offers himself as surety for Benjamin (Genesis 43:9). This commitment and leadership foreshadow his significant role in Israel's history and the lineage of the Messiah.
  • The Weight of an Oath: The brothers clearly understood the gravity of Joseph's demand. They knew that without Benjamin, they would not only fail to secure food but also face severe consequences from the powerful Egyptian governor.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "did solemnly protest" translates a Hebrew verb ('ud) that conveys a strong, emphatic warning or testimony, often involving an oath or a serious declaration. It emphasizes the absolute and non-negotiable nature of Joseph's demand. The brothers were not merely relaying a suggestion but a binding condition that Joseph had made with the utmost seriousness, implying that failure to comply would result in dire consequences, including potentially their deaths or perpetual imprisonment.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Unseen Plan: Like Jacob and his sons, we often face challenging circumstances where the path forward is unclear, and demands seem impossible. This narrative reminds us that God is often working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for a greater, redemptive purpose, even through seemingly harsh conditions.
  • Stepping Up in Responsibility: Judah's willingness to confront his father and later offer himself as a guarantor demonstrates the importance of taking responsibility and acting with integrity, even when it involves personal risk.
  • The Power of Necessity: Sometimes, difficult conditions (like the famine) force us to confront our fears and take steps we might otherwise avoid, leading to unexpected growth and divine intervention.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 44:23 (5 votes)

    And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.

  • Genesis 43:5 (3 votes)

    But if thou wilt not send [him], we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother [be] with you.

  • Genesis 42:15 (2 votes)

    Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.

  • Genesis 42:20 (2 votes)

    But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.

  • Acts 20:25 (2 votes)

    And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

  • Acts 7:34 (2 votes)

    I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

  • Genesis 42:33 (2 votes)

    And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye [are] true [men]; leave one of your brethren [here] with me, and take [food for] the famine of your households, and be gone: