Genesis 43:1

1 In the meantime hunger oppressed greatly all the land, (In the meantime the famine greatly oppressed all the land,)

Genesis 43:1 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 43:1

And the famine [was] sore in the land.
] In the land of Canaan; it increased yet more and more: this is observed for the sake of what follows, showing the reason and necessity of Jacob's sons taking a second journey into Egypt.

Genesis 43:1 In-Context

1 In the meantime hunger oppressed greatly all the land, (In the meantime the famine greatly oppressed all the land,)

2 and when the meats were wasted, which they [had] brought from Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, Turn ye again, and buy ye a little of meats to us. (and when all the corn, or all the grain. which they had brought from Egypt, had been eaten, Jacob said to his sons, Return ye, and buy ye a little food for us.)

3 (And) Judah answered, That man announced to us, under witnessing of an oath, and said, Ye shall not see my face, if ye shall not bring with you your least brother (if ye do not bring your youngest brother with you);

4 therefore if thou wilt send him with us, we shall go (down) together, and we shall buy necessaries to thee (and we shall buy all the necessities for thee);

5 else if thou wilt not, we shall not go (down); for as we said oft, the man announced to us, and said, Ye shall not see my face without your least brother (for as we have often said to you, the man announced to us, Ye shall not see my face without your youngest brother).