Genesis 43:3

3 Da antwortete ihm Juda und sprach: Der Mann band uns das hart ein und sprach: Ihr sollt mein Angesicht nicht sehen, es sei denn euer Bruder mit euch.

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 Die Teuerung aber drückte das Land.

2 Und da es verzehrt war, was sie an Getreide aus Ägypten gebracht hatten, sprach ihr Vater zu ihnen: Zieht wieder hin und kauft uns ein wenig Speise.

3 Da antwortete ihm Juda und sprach: Der Mann band uns das hart ein und sprach: Ihr sollt mein Angesicht nicht sehen, es sei denn euer Bruder mit euch.

4 Ist's nun, daß du unsern Bruder mit uns sendest, so wollen wir hinabziehen und dir zu essen kaufen.

5 Ist's aber, daß du ihn nicht sendest, so ziehen wir nicht hinab. Denn der Mann hat gesagt zu uns: Ihr sollt mein Angesicht nicht sehen, euer Bruder sei denn mit euch.