Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But we said, ‘We cannot go down. Only if our youngest brother is with us will we go. We cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ New Living Translation we replied, ‘We can’t go unless you let our youngest brother go with us. We’ll never get to see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ English Standard Version we said, ‘We cannot go down. If our youngest brother goes with us, then we will go down. For we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ Berean Standard Bible But we answered, ‘We cannot go down there unless our younger brother goes with us. So if our younger brother is not with us, we cannot see the man.’ Berean Literal Bible And we said, ‘We are not able to go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down. For we are not able to see the face of the man, and our youngest brother is not with us.’ King James Bible And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us. New King James Version But we said, ‘We cannot go down; if our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we may not see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ New American Standard Bible But we said, ‘We cannot go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ NASB 1995 “But we said, ‘We cannot go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ NASB 1977 “But we said, ‘We cannot go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ Legacy Standard Bible But we said, ‘We cannot go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we cannot see the man’s face if our youngest brother is not with us.’ Amplified Bible But we said, ‘We cannot go down [to Egypt]. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down [there]; for we [were sternly told that we] cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ Berean Annotated Bible But we answered, ‘We cannot go down there unless our younger brother goes with us. So if our younger brother is not with us, we cannot see the man. Christian Standard Bible We told him, ‘We cannot go down unless our younger brother goes with us. If our younger brother isn’t with us, we cannot see the man.’ Holman Christian Standard Bible We told him, ‘We cannot go down unless our younger brother goes with us. So if our younger brother isn’t with us, we cannot see the man.’ American Standard Version And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us. Contemporary English Version But we told him, "We can't go back to Egypt without our youngest brother. We will never be let in to see the governor, unless he is with us." English Revised Version And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us. GOD'S WORD® Translation We answered, 'We can't go back. We can only go back if our youngest brother is with us. The man won't see us unless our youngest brother is with us.' Good News Translation We answered, 'We cannot go; we will not be admitted to the man's presence unless our youngest brother is with us. We can go only if our youngest brother goes also.' International Standard Version "But we told him, 'We can't go back there. If our youngest brother accompanies us, we'll go back, but we cannot see the man's face again unless our youngest brother accompanies us.' NET Bible But we replied, 'We cannot go down there. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go, for we won't be permitted to see the man's face if our youngest brother is not with us.' New Heart English Bible We said, 'We can’t go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down, for we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.' Webster's Bible Translation And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother shall be with us, then will we go down; for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother shall be with us. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut we answered, ‘We cannot go down there unless our younger brother goes with us. So if our younger brother is not with us, we cannot see the man.’ World English Bible We said, ‘We can’t go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down: for we may not see the man’s face, unless our youngest brother is with us.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand we say, We are not able to go down; if our young brother is with us, then we have gone down; for we are not able to see the man’s face, and our young brother not with us. Berean Literal Bible And we said, ‘We are not able to go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down. For we are not able to see the face of the man, and our youngest brother is not with us.’ Young's Literal Translation and we say, We are not able to go down; if our young brother is with us, then we have gone down; for we are not able to see the man's face, and our young brother not with us. Smith's Literal Translation And we shall say, We shall not be able to go down: if our little brother is with us, and we will go down; for we shall not be able to see the man's face, and our little brother not with us. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd we said to him: We cannot go: if our youngest brother go down with us, we will set out together: otherwise, without him we dare not see the man's face. Catholic Public Domain Version And we said to him: ‘We cannot go. If our youngest brother descends with us, we will set out together. Otherwise, in his absence, we do not dare to see the face of the man.’ New American Bible So we reminded him, ‘We cannot go down there; only if our youngest brother is with us can we go, for we may not see the man if our youngest brother is not with us.’ New Revised Standard Version we said, ‘We cannot go down. Only if our youngest brother goes with us, will we go down; for we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd we said to our father, We cannot go down; if our youngest brother goes down with us, then we will go down; for we cannot see the man's face unless our youngest brother is with us. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And we were saying to our father, ‘We cannot go down; if our little brother will go down with us, we will go down, because we cannot see the face of the man when our little brother is not with us.’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And we said: We cannot go down; if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down; for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us. Brenton Septuagint Translation And we said, We shall not be able to go down; but if our younger brother go down with us, we will go down; for we shall not be able to see the man's face, our younger brother not being with us. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judah Pleads for Benjamin…25Then our father said, ‘Go back and buy us some food.’ 26But we answered, ‘We cannot go down there unless our younger brother goes with us. So if our younger brother is not with us, we cannot see the man.’ 27And your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons.… Cross References But we answered, Genesis 43:7 They replied, “The man questioned us in detail about ourselves and our family: ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ And we answered him accordingly. How could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother here’?” Genesis 42:13 But they answered, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more.” Genesis 42:11 We are all sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies.” ‘We cannot go down there unless our younger brother goes with us. Genesis 43:4-5 If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you. / But if you will not send him, we will not go; for the man told us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’” Genesis 43:13 Take your brother as well, and return to the man at once. Genesis 42:20 Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented. So if our younger brother is not with us, Genesis 42:38 But Jacob replied, “My son will not go down there with you, for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If any harm comes to him on your journey, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.” Genesis 43:8-9 And Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me, and we will go at once, so that we may live and not die—neither we, nor you, nor our children. / I will guarantee his safety. You may hold me personally responsible. If I do not bring him back and set him before you, then may I bear the guilt before you all my life. Genesis 42:36 Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons. Joseph is gone and Simeon is no more. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is going against me!” we cannot see the man.’ Genesis 43:3 But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ Genesis 43:14-15 May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” / So the men took these gifts, along with double the amount of silver, and Benjamin as well. Then they hurried down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. Genesis 42:30 “The man who is lord of the land spoke harshly to us and accused us of spying on the country. Genesis 37:33-35 His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!” / Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. Genesis 42:4 But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm might befall him.” Genesis 45:28 “Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.” Genesis 46:29-30 Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. / Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!” Treasury of Scripture And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us. Genesis 43:4,5 If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food: … Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. Jump to Previous Able Except Expect Face Goes Unless Young YoungestJump to Next Able Except Expect Face Goes Unless Young YoungestGenesis 44 1. Joseph's policy to stay his brothers.6. The silver cup is found in Benjamin's sack. 14. They are brought before Joseph. 18. Judah's humble supplication to Joseph. But we answered This phrase refers to the response given by the brothers of Joseph to their father, Jacob. It highlights the dialogue and negotiation that took place between them. The context is the brothers' return to Egypt to buy grain during a severe famine. This response is part of a larger narrative where Joseph, now a powerful Egyptian official, tests his brothers' integrity and repentance. We cannot go down there unless our younger brother goes with us So if our younger brother is not with us, We cannot see the man Persons / Places / Events 1. Judah- One of Jacob's sons, who speaks on behalf of his brothers to their father, Jacob, about the conditions set by the Egyptian ruler (Joseph) for their return. 2. Jacob (Israel) - The patriarch of the family, who is hesitant to send his youngest son, Benjamin, to Egypt. 3. Joseph - The governor of Egypt, who is testing his brothers' integrity and repentance by demanding that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin. 4. Benjamin - The youngest son of Jacob, whose presence is required by Joseph for the brothers to return to Egypt. 5. Egypt - The land where Joseph has risen to power and where the brothers must go to buy grain during the famine. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite the fear and uncertainty, Jacob's family must trust in God's overarching plan, which is often beyond human understanding. Repentance and Responsibility Judah's willingness to ensure Benjamin's safety reflects a transformation from his earlier actions, teaching us the importance of repentance and taking responsibility for our actions. Family Unity and Sacrifice The brothers' commitment to return with Benjamin underscores the value of family unity and the sacrifices required to maintain it. Faith in Adversity The famine and the journey to Egypt symbolize trials that require faith and perseverance, reminding believers to rely on God during difficult times. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 44:26?2. How does Genesis 44:26 demonstrate the importance of family unity and responsibility? 3. What does Judah's response reveal about his character and leadership qualities? 4. How can Genesis 44:26 guide us in making decisions under pressure? 5. Compare Judah's actions in Genesis 44:26 with his earlier behavior in Genesis 37. 6. How can we apply Judah's commitment to our own family relationships today? 7. Why did Jacob refuse to send Benjamin to Egypt in Genesis 44:26? 8. How does Genesis 44:26 reflect family dynamics and trust issues? 9. What does Genesis 44:26 reveal about Jacob's faith in God's protection? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44? 11. In Genesis 38 overall, how does this morally complex story align with the broader biblical narrative on sexual ethics and lineage preservation? 12. If Joseph's intention in Genesis 44:18-34 was to test his brothers' repentance, why does the narrative omit any mention of divine guidance or command for this potentially manipulative plan? 13. Genesis 44:14-17 paints Joseph as fully in control of the situation; is there any external evidence of a Hebrew slave rising to such high-ranking authority in ancient Egypt so quickly? 14. Who was Cain in the Bible? What Does Genesis 44:26 Mean But we answered- Judah is recounting to Joseph what the brothers told their father when they returned from Egypt (Genesis 43:3-5). - Their “answer” shows that they had listened carefully to Joseph’s earlier command (Genesis 42:15, 20). - Integrity is in view: they repeat Joseph’s words exactly, demonstrating their commitment to truth after years of concealing the truth about Joseph (Genesis 42:21-22). We cannot go down there - “Go down” refers to the necessary journey from Canaan’s highlands to Egypt’s Nile valley (Genesis 42:2). - The brothers acknowledge their absolute dependence on Egypt’s supply of grain (Genesis 41:56-57); without the trip, the family will starve (Genesis 43:8-9). - Their statement reflects submission to circumstances God has sovereignly arranged (Romans 8:28). Unless our younger brother goes with us - The “younger brother” is Benjamin, Joseph’s full brother and Jacob’s new favorite (Genesis 35:18, 24). - Joseph’s requirement that Benjamin appear was a test of the brothers’ repentance and unity (Genesis 42:34). - Bringing Benjamin would prove they were no longer jealous of the favored son—a key step before reconciliation could occur (Genesis 45:4-5). So if our younger brother is not with us - Judah highlights the non-negotiable nature of Joseph’s demand (Genesis 43:5). - The family dilemma deepens: Jacob’s protective love for Benjamin (Genesis 42:38) clashes with the brothers’ duty to secure food. - The tension keeps the reader focused on God’s unfolding plan to preserve the covenant family (Genesis 45:7). We cannot see the man - “The man” is Joseph, still unrecognized by his brothers (Genesis 42:8). - To “see” Joseph means to be granted an audience and obtain provisions (Genesis 43:1-2). - Spiritually, the phrase pictures the truth that access to a ruler—or to God—is conditional on meeting His stated terms (John 14:6; Hebrews 4:16). - Joseph’s firm boundary foreshadows Christ’s kingly authority: blessing comes through obedience. Summary Genesis 44:26 records Judah’s faithful report to Jacob, underscoring three truths: obedience to Joseph’s command was essential, Benjamin’s presence served as a test of the brothers’ repentance, and God was orchestrating events to preserve His people. The verse invites us to the same posture—honest confession, wholehearted obedience, and trust that the Lord’s requirements, though sometimes painful, are always aimed at redemption and blessing. Hebrew But we answered,וַנֹּ֕אמֶר (wan·nō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘We cannot לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no go down there לָרֶ֑דֶת (lā·re·ḏeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend unless אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not our younger הַקָּטֹ֤ן (haq·qā·ṭōn) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant brother אָחִ֨ינוּ (’ā·ḥî·nū) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural Strong's 251: A brother, ) goes וְיָרַ֔דְנוּ (wə·yā·raḏ·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend with us. אִתָּ֙נוּ֙ (’it·tā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among So if our younger הַקָּטֹ֖ן (haq·qā·ṭōn) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant brother וְאָחִ֥ינוּ (wə·’ā·ḥî·nū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural Strong's 251: A brother, ) is not אֵינֶ֥נּוּ (’ê·nen·nū) Adverb | third person masculine singular Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle with us, אִתָּֽנוּ׃ (’it·tā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among we cannot לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no see לִרְאוֹת֙ (lir·’ō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7200: To see the man.’ הָאִ֔ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person Links Genesis 44:26 NIVGenesis 44:26 NLT Genesis 44:26 ESV Genesis 44:26 NASB Genesis 44:26 KJV Genesis 44:26 BibleApps.com Genesis 44:26 Biblia Paralela Genesis 44:26 Chinese Bible Genesis 44:26 French Bible Genesis 44:26 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 44:26 We said 'We can't go down (Gen. 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