Genesis 44:26

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 44:26 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man`s face, expect our youngest brother be with us.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man`s face, expect our youngest brother be with us.
Genesis 44:26 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 44

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
26And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man`s face, expect our youngest brother be with us.

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, we cannot go down, etc.] With any safety to their persons, which would be in danger, or with any profit to their families, since their end in going down to buy corn would not be answered: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down; let it be agreed to, that Benjamin go along with us, to Egypt, and then no difficulty will be made of it: for we may not see the man’s face, except our youngest brother [be] with us; the face of the great man, the governor of Egypt; for that this phrase, “the man”, is not used diminutively, but as expressive of grandeur, is clear, or otherwise it would never have been made use of in his presence, and in such a submissive and polite…”
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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