23 But you told your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.'
23 And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.
23 Then you said to your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall not see my face again.'
23 "And then you said, 'If your youngest brother doesn't come with you, you won't be allowed to see me.'
23 But you said to your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.'
23 But you told us, 'Unless your youngest brother comes with you, you will never see my face again.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 44:23
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.