34 For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.
34 How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come on my father."
34 For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the evil that would find my father."
34 How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? Oh, don't make me go back and watch my father die in grief!"
34 For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that would come upon my father?"
34 For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn't bear to see the anguish this would cause my father!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 44:34
Commentary on Genesis 44:18-34
(Read Genesis 44:18-34)
Had Joseph been, as Judah supposed him, an utter stranger to the family, he could not but be wrought upon by his powerful reasonings. But neither Jacob nor Benjamin need an intercessor with Joseph; for he himself loved them. Judah's faithful cleaving to Benjamin, now, in his distress, was recompensed long afterwards by the tribe of Benjamin keeping with the tribe of Judah, when the other tribes deserted it. The apostle, when discoursing of the mediation of Christ, observes, that our Lord sprang out of Judah, Hebrews 7:14; and he not only made intercession for the transgressors, but he became a Surety for them, testifying therein tender concern, both for his Father and for his brethren. Jesus, the great antitype of Joseph, humbles and proves his people, even after they have had some tastes of his loving-kindness. He brings their sins to their remembrance, that they may exercise and show repentance, and feel how much they owe to his mercy.