Genesis 44:34

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 44:34 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For how shall I go up to my father, if the lad be not with me? lest I see the evil that shall come on my father.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For how shall I go up to my father, if the lad be not with me? lest I see the evil that shall come on my father.
Genesis 44:34 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 44

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
34For how shall I go up to my father, if the lad be not with me? lest I see the evil that shall come on my father.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad [be] not with me? etc.] Signifying that he must abide in Egypt, and chose to do it, and could not go up to the land of Canaan any more or see his father’s face without Benjamin along with him, to whom he was a surety for him: lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father; see him die, or live a life of sorrow worse than death: this he could not bear, and chose rather to be a slave in Egypt, than to be the spectator of such an affecting scene. By this speech of Judah, Joseph plainly saw the great affection which his brethren, especially Judah, had for his father and his brother Benjamin, as well as the sense they had of their…”
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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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Sources and verification