Genesis 43:5

5 But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down, for the man said unto us, `Ye shall not see my face, unless your brother be with you.'"

Genesis 43:5 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 43:5

But if thou wilt not send [him], we will not go down
This they said not as undutiful, and from a spirit of rebellion and disobedience to their father, or of stubbornness and obstinacy, but because they durst not go down, nor could they with any safety; they might expect to be taken up as spies, and put to death as they were threatened; and besides, it would be in vain, and to no purpose, since there was no likelihood of succeeding, or of getting any provision: for the man said unto us, ye shall not see my face, except your
brother [be] with you;
which they repeat both for the confirmation of it, and as an apology for themselves, to clear them from any charge of unfaithfulness.

Genesis 43:5 In-Context

3 And Judah spoke unto him, saying, "The man did solemnly declare unto us, saying, `Ye shall not see my face, unless your brother be with you.'

4 If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food.

5 But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down, for the man said unto us, `Ye shall not see my face, unless your brother be with you.'"

6 And Israel said, "Why dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?"

7 And they said, "The man asked us strictly about our state, and about our kindred, saying, `Is your father yet alive? Have ye another brother?' And we told him according to the tenor of these words. Could we certainly know that he would say, `Bring your brother down'?"