Genesis 43:10

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 his father Israel, "Send the boy with me. We will be on our way so that we may live, and not die-neither we, nor you, nor our children.

9 I will be responsible for him. You can hold me personally accountable! If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, I will be guilty before you forever.

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

11 Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and take them down to the man as a gift-some balsam and some honey, aromatic gum and resin, pistachios and almonds.

12 Take twice as much money with you. Return the money that was returned [to you] in the top of your bags. Perhaps it was a mistake.