Genesis 43:10

10 As it is, if we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned twice.”

Genesis 43:10 in Other Translations

10 For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time.

10 If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice."

10 If we hadn’t wasted all this time, we could have gone and returned twice by now.”

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

10 If we had not wasted time, we could have come back twice by now."

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 Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our children may live and not die.

9 I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life.

10 As it is, if we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned twice.”

11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.

12 Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 45:9