Genesis 43:5

5 But if you don't agree to send him, then we can't go down because the man said to us, ‘You may not see me again without your brother with you.'"

Genesis 43:5 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 43:5

But if thou wilt not send [him], we will not go down
This they said not as undutiful, and from a spirit of rebellion and disobedience to their father, or of stubbornness and obstinacy, but because they durst not go down, nor could they with any safety; they might expect to be taken up as spies, and put to death as they were threatened; and besides, it would be in vain, and to no purpose, since there was no likelihood of succeeding, or of getting any provision: for the man said unto us, ye shall not see my face, except your
brother [be] with you;
which they repeat both for the confirmation of it, and as an apology for themselves, to clear them from any charge of unfaithfulness.

Genesis 43:5 In-Context

3 Judah said to him, "The man was absolutely serious when he said, ‘You may not see me again without your brother with you.'

4 If you agree to send our brother with us, then we will go down and buy you food.

5 But if you don't agree to send him, then we can't go down because the man said to us, ‘You may not see me again without your brother with you.'"

6 Israel said, "Why have you caused me such pain by telling the man you had another brother?"

7 They said, "The man asked us pointedly about our family: ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have a brother?' So we told him just what we've said. How were we to know he'd say, ‘Bring your brother down here'?"