Old Testament
Genesis 43:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Judah said to his father Israel, "Let the boy come with me, and we will get up and go, so that we may survive and not starve — all of us, including you and our children."
Compare translations
And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones.
What Genesis 43:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Judah speaks to his father, Israel, urging him to allow his younger brother, Benjamin, to accompany him on a journey to Egypt. The family is facing a severe famine, and Judah emphasizes the urgency of the situation by stating that their survival depends on this trip. He reassures Israel that they will all benefit from Benjamin's presence, as it is crucial for their collective well-being. Judah's plea highlights the themes of family responsibility and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. His willingness to take risks for the sake of the family shows his growth and leadership, as he steps up to ensure their survival during a desperate time. This moment sets the stage for the unfolding drama of reconciliation and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
How to apply Genesis 43:8 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of taking responsibility for our loved ones, especially in difficult times. It encourages us to step up and make sacrifices for the well-being of our families. We should be willing to take risks and support each other to ensure everyone's survival and happiness.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Benjamin Comes to Egypt (Genesis 43:1–34)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 43:8
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 43:8
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 43:8 mean?
In Genesis 43:8, Judah urges his father Israel to send his younger brother Benjamin to Egypt with him. Judah emphasizes that their survival depends on this journey due to the famine they are facing, highlighting themes of family responsibility and sacrifice.
What is the significance of Judah's plea in Genesis 43:8?
Judah's plea in Genesis 43:8 signifies his growth as a leader within the family. He takes on the responsibility of ensuring their survival and shows his willingness to protect his loved ones during a desperate time.
What themes are present in Genesis 43:8?
Genesis 43:8 presents themes of family responsibility, survival, leadership, sacrifice, and unity. Judah's insistence on taking Benjamin to Egypt reflects the lengths families go to support each other in times of crisis.
What does Judah mean by 'we may survive and not starve' in Genesis 43:8?
When Judah says 'we may survive and not starve' in Genesis 43:8, he highlights the urgency of their situation due to famine. He stresses that their survival depends on the journey to Egypt, where they hope to find food.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.