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Genesis 44:13

Genesis 44:13 in Multiple Translations

Then they all tore their clothes, loaded their donkeys, and returned to the city.

Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.

Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.

Then in bitter grief they put the bags on the asses again and went back to the town.

The brothers tore their clothes in grief. Then they loaded their sacks back on their donkeys and headed back to the city.

Then they rent their clothes, and laded euery man his asse, and went againe into the citie.

and they rend their garments, and each ladeth his ass, and they turn back to the city.

Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey, and returned to the city.

Then they rent their clothes, and loaded every man his ass, and returned to the city.

Then they rent their garments, and loading their asses again, returned into the town.

The brothers tore their clothes because they were so dismayed. They loaded the sacks on the donkeys again and returned to the city.

Then all those men got a big shock, and they thought, “Now Benjamin will have to stay in Egypt country and work for that man.” So they got really upset. They were so upset that they tore their clothes. Then they put their bags back on their donkeys, and they went back to the town where Joseph lived.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:13

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 44:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יִּקְרְע֖וּ שִׂמְלֹתָ֑/ם וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹס֙ אִ֣ישׁ עַל חֲמֹר֔/וֹ וַ/יָּשֻׁ֖בוּ הָ/עִֽירָ/ה
וַֽ/יִּקְרְע֖וּ qâraʻ H7167 to tear Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שִׂמְלֹתָ֑/ם simlâh H8071 mantle N-fp | Suff
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹס֙ ʻâmaç H6006 to lift Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
חֲמֹר֔/וֹ chămôwr H2543 donkey N-cs | Suff
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֖בוּ shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/עִֽירָ/ה ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:13

וַֽ/יִּקְרְע֖וּ qâraʻ H7167 "to tear" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to tear or rend something, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in the case of reviling or enlarging the eyes. In the book of the Prophet Joel, it describes the heavens being torn open. It can also describe the action of wild beasts.
Definition: 1) to tear, tear in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear, rend 1a2) to tear away or out 1a3) to tear, rend asunder 1a3a) to make wide or large (of eyes) 1a3b) to rend open (of heavens) 1a4) to tear, rend (of wild beasts) 1b) (Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. See also: Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 5:8; Psalms 35:15.
שִׂמְלֹתָ֑/ם simlâh H8071 "mantle" N-fp | Suff
A mantle or dress, like a cloak, is what 'simlah' refers to in the Bible, often translated as 'apparel' or 'garment'.
Definition: wrapper, mantle, covering garment, garments, clothes, raiment, a cloth
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, -ing), garment, raiment. Compare H8008 (שַׂלְמָה). See also: Genesis 9:23; Deuteronomy 21:13; Proverbs 30:4.
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹס֙ ʻâmaç H6006 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to lift or load something, and it can also mean to impose a burden on someone. It is used in the Bible to describe physical labor or the weight of responsibility. In some cases, it can also be used figuratively to describe emotional burdens.
Definition: 1) to load, carry, carry a load 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to load 1a2) to carry a load 1b)(Hiphil) to lay a load on
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: be borne, (heavy) burden (self), lade, load, put. See also: Genesis 44:13; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 68:20.
אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חֲמֹר֔/וֹ chămôwr H2543 "donkey" N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֖בוּ shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
הָ/עִֽירָ/ה ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

Study Notes — Genesis 44:13

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 1:11 Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same.
2 Genesis 37:29–34 When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes, returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?” Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.” His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
3 2 Samuel 1:2 On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage.
4 2 Samuel 13:19 And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her robe. And putting her hand on her head, she went away crying bitterly.
5 Numbers 14:6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes

Genesis 44:13 Summary

In Genesis 44:13, the brothers are devastated when they discover that the cup is in Benjamin's sack, and they tear their clothes as a sign of distress. They then load their donkeys and return to the city, preparing to face the consequences of their actions. This verse teaches us about the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and being humble in the face of judgment, as seen in other verses like Proverbs 28:13 and Matthew 5:3-4. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to respond to difficult situations with humility and a willingness to face the consequences, trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the brothers tear their clothes in Genesis 44:13?

The brothers tore their clothes as a sign of distress, grief, and possibly even repentance, which was a common practice in ancient times, similar to what Jacob did when he heard about Joseph's supposed death in Genesis 37:34.

What does it mean that they loaded their donkeys and returned to the city?

Loading their donkeys and returning to the city indicates that the brothers were preparing to face the consequences of their actions, and to potentially face judgment from Joseph, as seen in Genesis 44:14-15.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph, as it sets the stage for the brothers' confrontation with Joseph and ultimately, the revelation of Joseph's true identity, which is a fulfillment of the dreams God gave him in Genesis 37:5-11.

What can we learn from the brothers' actions in this verse?

The brothers' actions demonstrate a sense of responsibility and accountability, as they take ownership of their actions and prepare to face the consequences, which is a principle also seen in Galatians 6:7-8, where we reap what we sow.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when faced with the consequences of my actions, and what can I learn from the brothers' example in Genesis 44:13?
  2. What are some areas in my life where I need to take responsibility and face the consequences of my choices, and how can I apply the principle of Galatians 6:7-8?
  3. How can I demonstrate remorse and repentance, like the brothers did by tearing their clothes, and what does this look like in my daily life?
  4. What can I learn from the brothers' experience about the importance of humility and seeking forgiveness, as seen in Genesis 44:14-15 and other verses like Matthew 5:3-4?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:13

Then they rent their clothes,.... In token of sorrow and distress, being at their wits' end, like distracted persons, not knowing what to do: this was usually done in the eastern countries when any

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:13

Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 44:13

Being afraid and ashamed to go to their father without Benjamin, concerning whom they had received so severe a charge, and made such solemn promises and imprecations.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:13

Genesis 44:13 Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.Ver. 13. Then they rent their clothes.] In token of the rending of their hearts for their sins, which now had found them out, and they their sins: for misery is the best art of memory; being like to that helve Elisha cast into the waters, which fetched up the iron in the bottom. Conscience is like a looking glass, which while it lieth all covered with dust, showeth not a man his natural visage: but when it is wiped, then it makes the least blemish appear. Never till now could we hear these men confess. Now, what shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? saith Judah, the Confessor - so his name signifieth. Or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants. Not this, that they were now charged with (for why should they be false to their own innocency?); but their cruelty to Joseph, and other like foul offences; for the which God in his just judgment had now brought them to condign punishment. How could Joseph hold, when he heard all this; and not cry out, as Paul did, in a like case, to his disconsolate Corinthians: “ Though I made you sorry with a letter" (with a cup), "I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that this same epistle" (cup) "hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing … For behold this self-same thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it hath wrought in you, yea, what apology, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” Aπολογιαν, Satisfaction, saith the old interpreter. It may be he meant a new life, to make amends thereby to the congregation offended, saith Bradford. - Serm. of Repent., 14.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:13

13. rent their clothes] See Genesis 37:29.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 44:13

13. Rent their clothes — They were now horror-stricken, and utterly overwhelmed with dismay. They could not utter any word of explanation, and they hastened back to the city.

Sermons on Genesis 44:13

SermonDescription
John Nelson Darby Thoughts on 2 Samuel by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby reflects on the themes of leadership and divine sovereignty in 2 Samuel, illustrating how David's rise to kingship reveals both his generosity and failures. He em
Jackie Pullinger Running Your Race (Bilingual) by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their own struggles and doubts in teaching the word of God. They mention how a group of teenagers encouraged them and reminded them that the
Paris Reidhead Incomplete Repentance by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker describes the promised land as a fertile and abundant land, flowing with milk and honey. He emphasizes that God's purpose is to make us like Jesus Chris
Willie Mullan (Men God Made) Caleb by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living as heirs of God and joined heirs with Christ. He shares a personal anecdote about a friend who believed that if peo
Compilations Go All the Way Whit Jesus (Voice Only) by Compilations In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying solely on the Bible for guidance and belief. He urges the audience to not be swayed by charismatic personalities o
Stephen Kaung The Spirit of Caleb by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of possessing what God has promised to us. He encourages both young and old believers to enter into and possess the blessings
Denny Kenaston 25. Fighting Battles for the Next Generation by Denny Kenaston This sermon emphasizes the importance of fighting battles for the next generation, drawing inspiration from the story of Caleb in Numbers. It highlights the need for first and seco

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