Genesis 43:10 Meaning and Explanation
“For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judah notes that their delay in obtaining Jacob's permission has cost them time and increased the family's hunger.
The Context of Genesis 43:10
Judah points out that the time spent deliberating has cost them a potential second grain-buying journey.
What Does Genesis 43:10 Mean?
Judah's remark is pragmatic and slightly pointed: every moment spent in discussion is a moment of famine continuing. The brothers' hesitation to pressure Jacob has had a real cost—they could have already completed a second journey and returned with more grain by now. The urgency is genuine.
This comment serves as both a logical argument for swift decision and a hint of impatience. Judah is saying that Jacob's reluctance, however understandable, is itself a form of risk—the family continues to starve while he deliberates. The calculus of delay works against inaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 43:10
What does Genesis 43:10 mean?
Judah notes that their delay in obtaining Jacob's permission has cost them time and increased the family's hunger.
What is the context of Genesis 43:10?
Judah points out that the time spent deliberating has cost them a potential second grain-buying journey.