Genesis 43:10

10 If we had gone ahead in the first place instead of procrastinating like this, we could have been there and back twice over."

Genesis 43:10 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 43:10

For except we had lingered
Delayed going down to Egypt, through the demur Jacob made of tending Benjamin with them: surely now we had returned this second time;
they would have made their journey to Egypt, and returned again with their corn, and their brother Benjamin too, as Judah supposed, before this time; so that by these delays they were losing time, and involving themselves and families in distress for want of corn.

Genesis 43:10 In-Context

8 Judah pushed his father Israel. "Let the boy go; I'll take charge of him. Let us go and be on our way - if we don't get going, we're all going to starve to death - we and you and our children too!

9 I'll take full responsibility for his safety; it's my life on the line for his. If I don't bring him back safe and sound, I'm the guilty one; I'll take all the blame.

10 If we had gone ahead in the first place instead of procrastinating like this, we could have been there and back twice over."

11 Their father Israel gave in. "If it has to be, it has to be. But do this: stuff your packs with the finest products from the land you can find and take them to the man as gifts - some balm and honey, some spices and perfumes, some pistachios and almonds.

12 And take plenty of money - pay back double what was returned to your sacks; that might have been a mistake.