Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.
Then Judah approached him and said, 'Please, my lord, let me speak a word to you, and don't let your anger burn against me. You have the same power as Pharaoh himself.'
Judah humbly approaches Joseph (who he doesn't recognize) with great respect, acknowledging his authority and asking permission to speak without making him angry.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during the dramatic climax when Joseph's brothers have returned to Egypt with Benjamin, and Joseph has accused Benjamin of stealing his silver cup. Judah is about to make an impassioned plea to save Benjamin, not knowing he's speaking to his own brother Joseph whom they had sold into slavery years earlier. Joseph held the second-highest position in Egypt, making Judah's comparison to Pharaoh both accurate and diplomatically wise.
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