Genesis 43:3

3 Judah said to him, "The man gave us a severe warning: 'You won't be allowed to see me again unless your brother is with you.'

Genesis 43:3 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 43:3

And Judah spake unto him
Reuben the eldest son had met with a repulse already, ( Genesis 42:36 ) ; Simeon the next was now in Egypt, ( Genesis 42:24 ) , and Levi, perhaps on account of the affair of Shechem, ( Genesis 34:25-31 ) , did not yet stand well in his father's favour and affection; wherefore Judah being next, with the consent of his brethren, undertakes to manage the affair with him, who had doubtless an interest in him, as well as authority among his brethren, and was a prudent man, and could speak well: saying, the man did solemnly protest unto us;
meaning Joseph, though he then knew not that it was he; whom he calls "the man", not by way of contempt, or as thinking and speaking meanly of him, but the reverse, the great man, the honourable man, the governor of Egypt; and so the Septuagint version adds, "the man, the lord of the land"; he in the strongest terms, and in the most solemn manner, protested by the life of Pharaoh: saying, ye shall not see my face;
with acceptance, should not be admitted to come near him, or treat with him, and purchase any corn of him: except your brother [be] with you;
their youngest brother Benjamin.

Genesis 43:3 In-Context

1 The famine was severe in the land.

2 When they finished eating the grain they had brought from Egypt, Israel said to his sons, "Go back and buy us a little more food."

3 Judah said to him, "The man gave us a severe warning: 'You won't be allowed to see me again unless your brother is with you.'

4 If you let our brother go with us, we'll go and buy food for you.

5 If you won't let him go, we won't go. The man said to us, 'You won't be allowed to see me again unless your brother is with you.'"