King James Version

What Does Genesis 44:20 Mean?

Genesis 44:20 in the King James Version says “And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dea...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.”

Genesis 44:20 · KJV

Context

18

Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.

19

My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother?

20

And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

21

And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him.

22

And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.

Read Genesis 44 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; an... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַנֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 18

“And we said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל2 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲדֹנִ֔י3 of 18

“unto my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

יֶשׁ4 of 18

“We have”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

לָ֙נוּ֙5 of 18
H0
וְאָבִ֥יו6 of 18

“a father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

זָקֵ֔ן7 of 18

“an old man”

H2205

old

וְיֶ֥לֶד8 of 18

“and a child”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

זְקֻנִ֖ים9 of 18

“of his old age”

H2208

old age

קָטָ֑ן10 of 18

“a little one”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

וְאָחִ֨יו11 of 18

“and his brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

מֵ֜ת12 of 18

“is dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַיִּוָּתֵ֨ר13 of 18

“and he alone is left”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

ה֧וּא14 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְבַדּ֛וֹ15 of 18
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

לְאִמּ֖וֹ16 of 18

“of his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וְאָבִ֥יו17 of 18

“a father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אֲהֵבֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“loveth”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 44:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 44:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 37:3Genesis 42:38Genesis 49:8Genesis 42:13Genesis 35:18Genesis 37:33-35

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 44 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 44 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes