And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
And if you take this one away from me too, and something terrible happens to him, you will send me to my grave in deep sorrow with my gray hair.
Jacob is expressing his deep fear that losing Benjamin would literally kill him from grief, just as he believes losing Joseph did.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Genesis, Jacob is speaking to his sons during a time of severe famine in Canaan, expressing his deep fear of losing his youngest son, Benjamin, just as he had believed he lost Joseph years earlier. This moment occurs as the brothers prepare to return to Egypt for more grain, with Joseph secretly testing their integrity and loyalty. Jacob's words highlight the patriarchal family's vulnerability and the profound emotional bonds in ancient Hebrew culture, where the loss of a child could bring immense sorrow.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.