Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version sees that the boy isn’t there, he will die. Your servants will bring the gray head of our father down to the grave in sorrow. New Living Translation If he sees that the boy is not with us, our father will die. We, your servants, will indeed be responsible for sending that grieving, white-haired man to his grave. English Standard Version as soon as he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die, and your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. Berean Standard Bible sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. Berean Literal Bible and it will come to pass when he sees that the boy is no more, then he will die. And your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant, our father, in sorrow to Sheol. King James Bible It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave. New King James Version it will happen, when he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die. So your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father with sorrow to the grave. New American Standard Bible when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. So your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant, our father, down to Sheol in sorrow. NASB 1995 when he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die. Thus your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. NASB 1977 it will come about when he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die. Thus your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. Legacy Standard Bible so it will be that when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Thus your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. Amplified Bible when he sees that the young man is not with us, he will die; and your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in [great] sorrow. Berean Annotated Bible sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. Christian Standard Bible when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hairs of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. Holman Christian Standard Bible when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hairs of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. American Standard Version it will come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants will bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. Contemporary English Version that he will die if Benjamin doesn't come back with me. English Revised Version it shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave. GOD'S WORD® Translation and he sees that the boy isn't [with me], he'll die. The grief would drive our gray-haired old father to his grave. International Standard Version when he notices that the young man hasn't come back with us, he'll die, and your servants really will have brought death to your servant, our father, along with his sad, gray hair! NET Bible When he sees the boy is not with us, he will die, and your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father in sorrow to the grave. New Heart English Bible it will happen, when he sees that the boy is not with us, that he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. Webster's Bible Translation It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants will bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father, with sorrow to the grave. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblesees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. World English Bible it will happen, when he sees that the boy is no more, that he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant, our father, with sorrow to Sheol. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthen it has come to pass, when he sees that the youth is not, that he has died, and your servants have brought down the grey hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol; Berean Literal Bible and it will come to pass when he sees that the boy is no more, then he will die. And your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant, our father, in sorrow to Sheol. Young's Literal Translation then it hath come to pass when he seeth that the youth is not, that he hath died, and thy servants have brought down the grey hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to sheol; Smith's Literal Translation And it was when he having seen that the youth is not, and he will die: and thy servants brought down the old age of thy servant our father in grief to hades. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he shall see that he is not with us, he will die, and thy servants shall bring down his gray hairs with sorrow unto hell. Catholic Public Domain Version and if he were to see that he is not with us, he would die, and your servants will lead his grey hairs down with sorrow to the grave. New American Bible and your servants will thus send the white head of your servant our father down to Sheol in grief. New Revised Standard Version when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die; and your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt shall come to pass when he sees that the lad is not with us, he will die; and your servants shall bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when he sees there is no boy with us, he will die, and we will bring your Servant in the old age of your Servant, our father, in wretchedness to Sheol. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917it will come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die; and thy servants will bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave. Brenton Septuagint Translation - it shall even come to pass, when he sees the boy is not with us, that he will die, and thy servants will bring down the old age of thy servant, and our father, with sorrow to the grave. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judah Pleads for Benjamin…30So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life, 31 sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. 32Indeed, your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father, saying, ‘If I do not return him to you, I will bear the guilt before you, my father, all my life.’… Cross References sees that the boy is not with us, Jeremiah 31:15 This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Matthew 2:18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” 2 Samuel 19:1-4 Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” / And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.” / So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. … he will die. 2 Samuel 18:33 The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 12:16-18 David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. / The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them. / On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.” 1 Samuel 4:17-18 The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” / As soon as the ark of God was mentioned, Eli fell backward from his chair by the city gate, and being old and heavy, he broke his neck and died. And Eli had judged Israel forty years. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father 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.” 1 Kings 2:6 So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 1 Kings 2:9 Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.” down to Sheol in sorrow. Genesis 37:35 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. Psalm 116:3 The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. Psalm 88:3-5 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. / I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength. / I am forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, who are cut off from Your care. 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 42:36-38 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!” / Then Reuben said to his father, “You may kill my two sons if I fail to bring him back to you. Put him in my care, and I will return him.” / 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 45:28 “Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.” Treasury of Scripture It shall come to pass, when he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and your servants shall bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to the grave. when he. 1 Samuel 4:17,18 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken… 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. servants shall. Genesis 44:29 And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. Genesis 37:26,27,35 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? … 1 Samuel 22:22 And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house. Jump to Previous Boy Death Die Died Father's Grave Gray Grey Hair Hairs Head Lad Servant Servants Sheol Sorrow YouthJump to Next Boy Death Die Died Father's Grave Gray Grey Hair Hairs Head Lad Servant Servants Sheol Sorrow YouthGenesis 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. sees that the boy is not with us This phrase refers to Jacob's anticipated reaction if Benjamin does not return with his brothers from Egypt. Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, holds a special place in Jacob's heart, especially after the presumed death of Joseph. The brothers' journey to Egypt was initially to buy grain during a famine, but Joseph, now a powerful Egyptian official, demanded Benjamin's presence. This reflects the deep familial bonds and the importance of lineage in ancient Israelite culture. he will die Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahOne of the twelve sons of Jacob, Judah plays a pivotal role in this account. He steps forward to plead with Joseph, demonstrating leadership and responsibility for his brother Benjamin. 2. Jacob (Israel) The father of the twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob is deeply concerned about the welfare of his sons, particularly Benjamin, after losing Joseph years earlier. 3. Joseph Now a powerful figure in Egypt, Joseph tests his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery. 4. Benjamin The youngest son of Jacob, Benjamin is central to the account as his presence in Egypt is the cause of Jacob's deep anxiety. 5. Egypt The setting of this account, where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain during a famine. Teaching Points The Weight of ResponsibilityJudah's willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin highlights the importance of accountability and leadership within a family or community. The Power of Repentance The brothers' change of heart since selling Joseph into slavery demonstrates the transformative power of repentance and redemption. The Role of Testing in Spiritual Growth Joseph's testing of his brothers can be seen as a parallel to how God tests our faith to refine and strengthen us. The Importance of Family Unity The account underscores the significance of family unity and reconciliation, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Trusting God's Sovereignty Despite the trials and uncertainties, the account encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when it is not immediately apparent. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 44:31?2. How does Genesis 44:31 illustrate the importance of family responsibility and unity? 3. What consequences arise from failing to protect loved ones, as seen in Genesis 44:31? 4. How does Genesis 44:31 connect with the commandment to honor your parents? 5. How can we apply Judah's sense of responsibility to our family relationships today? 6. What does Genesis 44:31 teach about the impact of our actions on others? 7. How does Genesis 44:31 reflect the importance of family responsibility in biblical times? 8. What theological implications arise from Judah's plea in Genesis 44:31? 9. How does Genesis 44:31 illustrate the theme of sacrifice and redemption? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44? 11. What does Rachel weeping for her children signify? 12. (Genesis 37:34-35) Do the customs of mourning described align with verifiable ancient practices, or do they hint at anachronistic traditions introduced later? 13. Why does God allow genocides to happen, including those commanded in the Bible (Numbers 31:17-18)? 14. What is the Bible's perspective on aging? What Does Genesis 44:31 Mean SettingJoseph’s silver cup has just been discovered in Benjamin’s sack (Genesis 44:1-13). The brothers are hauled back to Joseph, and Judah steps forward to plead. Remember, he had pledged himself as surety for Benjamin (Genesis 43:8-9). Verse 31 lands in the middle of his impassioned speech, revealing how deeply the family drama has spiraled since Joseph’s earlier “death” (Genesis 37:31-35). When he sees • “When he sees” refers to Jacob, waiting anxiously in Canaan. • Judah pictures the very moment the old patriarch scans the returning caravan and counts heads—Joseph gone, Simeon only recently restored (Genesis 42:24), and now Benjamin missing. • Cross reference: Genesis 44:34 shows Judah still thinking about what Jacob will see and feel. The boy is not with us • Benjamin is repeatedly called “the boy” (Genesis 44:20, 30). Although grown, he remains Jacob’s youngest, treasured son—the last living link with Rachel after Joseph’s presumed demise. • Losing Benjamin would feel like losing Rachel a second time and Joseph all over again (Genesis 42:4). • This phrase underscores the family’s accountability: “with us” means under their care. Failure here equals betrayal of both father and vow. He will die • Judah speaks literally. The grief that nearly destroyed Jacob when Joseph disappeared (Genesis 37:35) would now finish him. • The statement also reflects ancient recognition of how intense sorrow can cut life short (2 Samuel 18:33; Psalm 31:10). • It is not melodrama but a sober reading of Jacob’s frailty (Genesis 47:9). Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow • “Gray hair” signals advanced age and dignity (Proverbs 16:31). • “Sheol” is the abode of the dead—Judah envisions Jacob descending there consumed by mourning. Similar language appears in Genesis 42:38. • Judah accepts responsibility: “your servants will have brought.” He owns the potential consequence of failing his father. • The phrase ties grief, dishonor, and death into one stark image, motivating Judah’s offer to stay in Egypt as a substitute slave (Genesis 44:32-33). Gospel echoes • Judah’s self-substitution foreshadows the Greater Son who would offer Himself for His brothers (John 15:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • The passage highlights covenant faithfulness—keeping promises made to the father (Genesis 43:9) even at personal cost. • It also illustrates genuine repentance; the brothers who once sold Joseph now risk everything to save Benjamin (Genesis 50:20). summary Genesis 44:31 shows Judah picturing the devastating impact Benjamin’s loss would have on Jacob: a father’s heart would break, and grief would usher him to the grave. The verse underscores filial responsibility, the high value of a single life, and the weight of keeping one’s word. Ultimately, Judah’s plea points ahead to a greater Substitute who would give His life to spare His brothers from death. Hebrew when he seesכִּרְאוֹת֛וֹ (kir·’ō·w·ṯōw) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see that כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the boy הַנַּ֖עַר (han·na·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer [is] not [with us], אֵ֥ין (’ên) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle he will die. וָמֵ֑ת (wā·mêṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill Then your servants עֲבָדֶ֜יךָ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant will have brought the gray hair שֵׂיבַ֨ת (śê·ḇaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 7872: Hoary head, old age of your servant עַבְדְּךָ֥ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant our father אָבִ֛ינוּ (’ā·ḇî·nū) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural Strong's 1: Father down וְהוֹרִ֨ידוּ (wə·hō·w·rî·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend to Sheol שְׁאֹֽלָה׃ (šə·’ō·lāh) Noun - common singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 7585: Underworld (place to which people descend at death) in sorrow. בְּיָג֖וֹן (bə·yā·ḡō·wn) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3015: Grief, sorrow Links Genesis 44:31 NIVGenesis 44:31 NLT Genesis 44:31 ESV Genesis 44:31 NASB Genesis 44:31 KJV Genesis 44:31 BibleApps.com Genesis 44:31 Biblia Paralela Genesis 44:31 Chinese Bible Genesis 44:31 French Bible Genesis 44:31 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 44:31 It will happen when he sees that (Gen. 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