Genesis 44:30

30 Now then, if I should go in to they servant, and our father, and the boy should not be with us, (and his life depends on this life)

Genesis 44:30 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 44:30

Now therefore, when I come to thy servant my father
That is, should he return to him in the land of Canaan with the rest of his brethren: and the lad [be] not with us;
his brother Benjamin, so called here, and in the following verses, though thirty years of age and upwards, see ( Genesis 43:8 ) ; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life;
he is as closely united to him in affection, and is as dear to him as his own soul; quite wrapped up in him, and cannot live without him; should he die, he must die too; see ( 1 Samuel 18:1 ) ; so it follows:

Genesis 44:30 In-Context

28 and one is departed from me; and ye said that he was devoured of wild beasts, and I have not seen him until now.

29 If then ye take this one also from my presence, and an affliction happen to him by the way, then shall ye bring down my old age with sorrow to the grave.

30 Now then, if I should go in to they servant, and our father, and the boy should not be with us, (and his life depends on this life)

31 —it shall even come to pass, when he sees the boy is not with us, he will die, and thy servants will bring down the old age of thy servant, and our father, with sorrow to the grave.

32 For thy servant has received the boy from his father, saying, If I bring him not to thee, and place him before thee, I shall be guilty towards my father for ever.