Genesis 44:30
Genesis 44:30 in Multiple Translations
So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life,
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;
Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad is not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad’s life;
If then I go back to your servant, my father, without the boy, because his life and the boy's life are one,
So if the boy isn't with us when I go back to my father, whose life depends on the life of the boy,
Nowe therefore, when I come to thy seruant my father, and the childe be not with vs (seeing that his life dependeth on the childes life)
'And now, at my coming in unto thy servant my father, and the youth not with us (and his soul is bound up in his soul),
Now therefore when I come to your servant my father, and the boy is not with us; since his life is bound up in the boy’s life;
Now therefore, when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad is not with us; (seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life)
Therefore if I shall go to thy servant our father, and the boy be wanting, (whereas his life dependeth upon the life of him,)
“So please listen. My father will remain alive only if his youngest son remains alive.
Judah kept on talking to Joseph. He said, “Sir, our father really loves that young man. He loves him more than anything else. And you know, our father is very old. I’m telling you, if I go back home to my father, and if that young man is not with us, then my father will be so sad that he will die. Yes, as soon as he sees that the young man is not with us, he will die straight away. We don’t want to do that to our father.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:30
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 44:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
כְּ/בֹאִ/י֙
אֶל
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֣
אָבִ֔/י
וְ/הַ/נַּ֖עַר
אֵינֶ֣/נּוּ
אִתָּ֑/נוּ
וְ/נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
קְשׁוּרָ֥ה
בְ/נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
כְּ/בֹאִ/י֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֣
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
אָבִ֔/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/הַ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Conj | Art | N-ms
אֵינֶ֣/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
אִתָּ֑/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Conj | N-cs | Suff
קְשׁוּרָ֥ה
qâshar
H7194
to conspire
V-Qal-Inf-c
בְ/נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:30
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
כְּ/בֹאִ/י֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֣
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אָבִ֔/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/הַ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Conj | Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
אֵינֶ֣/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אִתָּ֑/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וְ/נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
קְשׁוּרָ֥ה
qâshar
H7194
"to conspire"
V-Qal-Inf-c
In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.
בְ/נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Genesis 44:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 44:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 44:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:30
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:30
- Sermons on Genesis 44:30
Context — Judah Pleads for Benjamin
28When one of them was gone, I said: “Surely he has been torn to pieces.” And I have not seen him since.
29Now if you also take this one from me and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’
30So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life,
31sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. 32Indeed, your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father, saying, ‘If I do not return him to you, I will bear the guilt before you, my father, all my life.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 18:1 | After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 18:33 | The king was shaken and went up to the gate chamber and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” |
| 3 | Genesis 44:31 | sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. |
| 4 | Genesis 44:17 | But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.” |
| 5 | Genesis 44:34 | For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.” |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 25:29 | And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling. |
Genesis 44:30 Summary
This verse shows how much Jacob loves and cares for his son Benjamin, and how his life is deeply connected to Benjamin's. Jacob is worried that if anything happens to Benjamin, he will be filled with sorrow and grief, as mentioned in Genesis 44:29. This reminds us that our lives are connected to those around us, and that our actions can have a big impact on others, as seen in Galatians 6:2. Just like Jacob, we can trust God to care for those we love, and trust that He has a plan to bring good out of difficult situations, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Jacob's life is wrapped up in the boy's life?
This phrase indicates that Jacob's well-being and emotional state are deeply tied to the boy's, Benjamin, as seen in Genesis 44:30. This is because Benjamin is the last surviving son of Rachel, Jacob's favorite wife, as mentioned in Genesis 35:24.
Why is Jacob so concerned about Benjamin's safety?
Jacob is concerned about Benjamin's safety because he has already lost one son, Joseph, and the thought of losing another is unbearable, as expressed in Genesis 44:29 and Genesis 37:35.
What is the significance of the phrase 'my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow'?
This phrase is an expression of the deep grief and sorrow that Jacob would experience if anything were to happen to Benjamin, as seen in Genesis 44:29 and Genesis 42:38. It is a metaphor for a life of sorrow and mourning, as also mentioned in Genesis 37:35.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Joseph?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Joseph's story, where his brothers are forced to confront their past sins and ultimately reconcile with Joseph, as seen in Genesis 45:1-15 and Genesis 50:15-21.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel like my life is wrapped up in the well-being of someone else, and what does this reveal about my trust in God?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my love and concern for others, as Jacob does for Benjamin in this verse?
- How can I balance my natural desire to protect and care for those I love with the need to trust God with their well-being, as seen in Psalm 55:22 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of family relationships and the impact that our actions can have on those around us, as also mentioned in Ephesians 6:1-4?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:30
Now therefore, when I come to thy servant my father,.... That is, should he return to him in the land of Canaan with the rest of his brethren: and the lad [be] not with us; his brother Benjamin, so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:30
And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 44:30
The death of the child, which upon this occasion he will firmly believe, will unavoidably procure his death also.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:30
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;Ver. 30. Seeing that his life is bound up.] God loved his Son Jesus infinitely more than Jacob did Benjamin; he exalts his love far above that of any earthly parent; which is but a spark of his flame, a drop of his ocean. And yet be freely parted with him, to certain and shameful death, for our sakes. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son," &c. This is a Sic without a Sicut; there is nothing in nature whereby to resemble it.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:30
30. his life … the lad’s life] Better, as R.V. marg., his soul is knit with the lad’s soul. See 1 Samuel 18:1, “the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” It is the affections, not the lives, of two loving persons which are intertwined.
Sermons on Genesis 44:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 44:18-34 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Judah pleading for his brother Benjamin's life in the presence of Joseph. The speaker highlights how Judah's confession and plea |
|
The Apostolic Church by Gipsey Smith | The preacher discusses the concept of 'kindred spirit' or 'isopsuchos' as seen in the relationship between Paul and Timothy, highlighting their like-mindedness, shared feelings, an |
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God's Everlasting, Unchanging Love by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes God's everlasting and unchanging love, as declared in Jeremiah 31:3, highlighting that this profound love is extended even in the face of human rebellio |
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Possibilities of Friendship by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the timeless nature of friendship, illustrating its necessity for human hearts across all ages. He reflects on the unselfish and faithful friendship between |
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The Something Missing by Ernest O'Neill | Ernest O'Neill delves into the deep sense of uniqueness and longing for something more that many of us experience, exploring the eternal aspect of our beings and the spiritual perc |
|
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:34-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the grief of Jacob over the loss of his son Joseph. Jacob is seen mourning for his son and refusing to be comforted. The speaker suggests tha |
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(2 Samuel) the Death of Absalom by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Absalom's crime and his ultimate fate. The preacher mentions that some ancient rabbis believed that Absalom's crime was so sever |