Genesis 44:22

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 44:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.
Genesis 44:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 44

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
22And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And we said unto my lord, the lad cannot leave his father, etc.] That is, his father will not be willing to part with him: for [if] he should leave his father, [his father] would die; with grief and trouble, fearing some evil was befallen him, and he should see him no more.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- The Ten Brothers Were Tested Joseph has had the satisfaction of seeing his brother Benjamin safe and well. He has heard his brothers acknowledging their guilt concerning himself. He resolves to put their attachment to Benjamin, and the genuineness of their change of disposition, to a test that will at the same time expose Benjamin to no hazard. Genesis 44:1-5 And my cup. - Besides returning each man’s money as before, a silver cup of Joseph’s is put in Benjamin’s bag, after which, when daylight comes, they are dismissed. They are scarcely out of the town when Joseph’s steward is ordered to overtake them, and charge them with stealing the cup. “And whereby indeed he divineth.” Divining by…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification