Genesis 44:33
Genesis 44:33 in Multiple Translations
Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers.
Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren.
Now therefore, let thy servant, I pray thee, abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren.
So now let me be my lord's servant here in place of the boy, and let him go back with his brothers.
So please let me stay here as my lord's slave instead of the boy. Let him go back home with his brothers.
Nowe therefore, I pray thee, let me thy seruant bide for the childe, as a seruant to my Lord, and let the childe go vp with his brethren.
'And now, let thy servant, I pray thee, abide instead of the youth a servant to my lord, and the youth goeth up with his brethren,
Now therefore, please let your servant stay instead of the boy, my lord’s slave; and let the boy go up with his brothers.
Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad, a bond-man to my lord; and let the lad return with his brethren.
Therefore I thy servant will stay instead of the boy in the service of my lord, and let the boy go up with his brethren.
“So, please let me remain here as your slave instead of my youngest brother, and let the boy return home with his other older brothers.
So please, sir, let me stay here and become your work-man, instead of that young man. And let that young man go back home with his brothers.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:33
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 44:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
יֵֽשֶׁב
נָ֤א
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֙
תַּ֣חַת
הַ/נַּ֔עַר
עֶ֖בֶד
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֑/י
וְ/הַ/נַּ֖עַר
יַ֥עַל
עִם
אֶחָֽי/ו
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
יֵֽשֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
נָ֤א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֙
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הַ/נַּ֔עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
עֶ֖בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֑/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/הַ/נַּ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Conj | Art | N-ms
יַ֥עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
אֶחָֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:33
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.
יֵֽשֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
נָ֤א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֙
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.
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הַ/נַּ֔עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
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.
עֶ֖בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms
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.
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֑/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
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.
יַ֥עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אֶחָֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
Study Notes — Genesis 44:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Judah Pleads for Benjamin
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.’
33Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers.
34For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 3:16 | By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. |
| 2 | Exodus 32:32 | Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” |
| 3 | Hebrews 7:22 | Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. |
| 4 | Romans 5:7–10 | Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him! For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! |
| 5 | Romans 9:3 | For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood, |
Genesis 44:33 Summary
In this verse, Judah is offering to stay as a slave in place of his brother Benjamin, because he promised his father that he would take care of Benjamin and he doesn't want to see his father suffer. This shows how much Judah loves and cares for his family, and how he is willing to make a big sacrifice for them (as seen in Genesis 44:32). Judah's actions are a great example of what it means to put others first and to be willing to serve them, just like Jesus taught us to do in Matthew 20:26-28. By looking at Judah's selfless act, we can learn more about the importance of loving and serving our own families and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Judah to offer himself as a slave in place of Benjamin?
Judah's motivation stemmed from his sense of responsibility and guilt, as he had guaranteed Benjamin's safety to his father, Jacob, in Genesis 44:32, and he did not want to see his father suffer the loss of another son.
How does Judah's offer reflect his character?
Judah's willingness to become a slave in place of Benjamin demonstrates his selfless love and loyalty to his family, particularly his father, as seen in Genesis 44:34, where he expresses his inability to bear the misery that would overwhelm his father if Benjamin did not return.
What does this verse reveal about the importance of family in the biblical narrative?
This verse highlights the significance of family and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect and care for one another, as seen in the story of Joseph and his brothers, and echoed in other biblical accounts, such as the story of Ruth and Naomi in the book of Ruth.
How does Judah's actions in this verse relate to the broader theme of redemption in the Bible?
Judah's willingness to take the place of Benjamin foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who would later take the place of humanity as a sacrifice for sin, as described in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8.
Reflection Questions
- What would you be willing to sacrifice for the well-being of your family, and how can you demonstrate that love and loyalty in your daily life?
- In what ways can you identify with Judah's sense of responsibility and guilt, and how can you apply the lessons from this verse to your own relationships?
- How does Judah's selfless act inspire you to think about the needs of others, and what steps can you take to prioritize their well-being above your own?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of humility and servanthood, and how can you cultivate those qualities in your own life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:33
Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord,.... Being, as Jarchi observes preferable to Benjamin for strength, for war, and for service: in this Judah
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 44:33
Partly in compassion to our aged father, and partly for thy own advantage; because I can be more serviceable to thee than he, because of my greater strength and experience.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:33
33. instead of the lad] This offer on the part of Judah to remain in Egypt in the bond-service of Joseph, as substitute for Benjamin (LXX ἀντὶτοῦπαιδίου), forms the noble climax of the generous appeal to Joseph’s feelings. The unconscious irony of the situation is heightened by the fact that Judah is unaware of Joseph’s personality, and yet has succeeded in making his appeal hinge upon the reference (a) to the old age and affectionate feelings of Jacob, and (b) to the loss which he has already sustained in the death of Benjamin’s elder brother.
Sermons on Genesis 44:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Four Loves by C.S. Lewis | C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic lo |
|
To Live Is Christ - Full Length by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal encounter with a frail and humble village woman who radiated the love of Jesus. The woman, who had six sons, revealed to the speaker t |
|
Testimony - Part 7 by Jackie Pullinger | Jackie Pullinger shares her testimony of faith and sacrifice, illustrating the profound impact of unconditional love and service to others, particularly the needy. She recounts her |
|
Others by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of preaching to children on a bus route and how it changed his life. He emphasizes the importance of using simple illustratio |
|
5 Words for Easter by George Verwer | George Verwer emphasizes five key words for Easter, focusing on grace, discipline, vision, harvest, and being proactive in our faith. He highlights Galatians 2:20 as a central mess |
|
Qualifications for Spiritual Leadership - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the qualities of a true leader. He highlights the importance of brokenness and humility in leadership, contrasting it with the ambition and s |
|
Growth Follows Revival by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, B. Earl shares a personal story about his struggles as an evangelist. He describes how he prepared tough and hard-hitting sermons in an attempt to reach stubborn pe |