Genesis 44:18

18 Then Judah went up to him. He said, "Please, sir. Let me speak a word to you. Don't be angry with me, even though you are equal to Pharaoh himself.

Genesis 44:18 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 44:18

Then Judah came near unto him
Being the spokesman of his brethren, and the surety of Benjamin: he plucked up a spirit, put on courage, and drew nearer to the governor, and with much freedom and boldness, and in a very polite manner, addressed him: and said, O my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my
lord's ears;
not admit him to private audience, or suffer him to whisper something to him, but give him the hearing of a few words he had to say to him: and let not thine anger burn against thy servant;
do not be displeased with his boldness, and the freedom he takes, but hear him patiently: for thou [art] even as Pharaoh;
next, if not equal in power and authority with him; could exercise justice or show mercy, punish or release from punishment, at his pleasure; and having leave granted him, he began his speech, and made the following narrative.

Genesis 44:18 In-Context

16 "What can we say to you?" Judah replied. "What can we say? How can we prove we haven't done anything wrong? God has shown you that we are guilty. We are now your slaves. All of us are, including the one who was found to have the cup."

17 But Joseph said, "I would never do anything like that! Only the man who was found to have the cup will become my slave. The rest of you may go back to your father in peace."

18 Then Judah went up to him. He said, "Please, sir. Let me speak a word to you. Don't be angry with me, even though you are equal to Pharaoh himself.

19 You asked us, 'Do you have a father or a brother?'

20 We answered, 'We have an old father. A young son was born to him when he was old. His brother is dead. He's the only one of his mother's sons left. And his father loves him.'