King James Version
What Does Genesis 44:23 Mean?
“And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more .”
Context
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.
23
And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more .
24
And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord.
25
And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**11. take of the best fruits ... a present--**It is an Oriental practice never to approach a man of power without a present, and Jacob might remember how he pacified his brother (Pr 21:14)--balm, spices, and myrrh (see on Ge 37:25),
**honey--**which some think was dibs, a syrup made from ripe dates [Bochart]; but others, the honey of Hebron, which is still valued as far superior to that of Egypt;
**nuts--**pistachio nuts, of which Syria grows the best in the world;
**almonds--**which were most abundant in Palestine.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
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 44:23 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 44:23
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge