Genesis 42:38

38 But he said, My son shall not go down with you, because his brother is dead, and he only has been left; and it shall come to pass that he is afflicted by the way by which ye go, then ye shall bring down my old age with sorrow to Hades.

Genesis 42:38 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:38

And he said, my son shall not go down with you
He gives a peremptory denial; this was his then present resolution and determination: for his brother is dead;
meaning Joseph, Benjamin's own brother by father and mother's side; him he supposed to be dead, such circumstances being related and produced, which made it highly probable, and he had not heard anything of him for twenty two years: and he is left alone;
Benjamin being the only surviving child of his dearly beloved Rachel, as he thought: if mischief befall him by the way in which ye go;
that is, to Egypt, whether by thieves and robbers, or by the fatigue of the journey, or by any means whatever, so that he loses his life. All the Targums interpret this mischief of death: then shall ye bring down my gray heirs with sorrow to the grave;
the sense is, should this be the case he should never lift up his head, or have any more comfort in this world, but should pass his time with continual sorrow until his gray head was laid in the grave, or till he came to the state of the dead.

Genesis 42:38 In-Context

36 And their father Jacob said to them, Ye have bereaved me. Joseph is not, Symeon is not, and will ye take Benjamin? all these things have come upon me.

37 And Ruben spoke to his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee; give him into my hand, and I will bring him back to thee.

38 But he said, My son shall not go down with you, because his brother is dead, and he only has been left; and it shall come to pass that he is afflicted by the way by which ye go, then ye shall bring down my old age with sorrow to Hades.