← Back to Search

Genesis 42:4

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
But Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, along with his other sons, because he said, 'I'm afraid something bad might happen to him.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Jacob was so protective of Benjamin, his youngest son, that he wouldn't let him go on the dangerous journey to Egypt because he couldn't bear to lose another beloved child.

📚 Historical Context

In the book of Genesis, Jacob and his family are facing a severe famine in the land of Canaan, prompting him to send his sons to Egypt to buy grain. At this point, Joseph, Jacob's son who was sold into slavery by his brothers, is alive and in a position of authority in Egypt, though Jacob believes him to be dead. Jacob decides not to send his youngest son, Benjamin, with the brothers out of deep fear that harm might come to him, as Benjamin is the only remaining child of his beloved wife Rachel.

Ask the AI Assistant

Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.

Share or Save