Genesis 44:29 Meaning and Explanation
“And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob warns that if Benjamin is lost, the sorrow will kill him and he will die heartbroken.
The Context of Genesis 44:29
Jacob warns that losing Benjamin would kill him.
What Does Genesis 44:29 Mean?
Jacob articulates the unbearable weight of losing a second son. The phrase 'bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave' is a poetic expression of death caused by overwhelming grief. Jacob is not merely expressing sadness but describing a terminal condition: if Benjamin dies or is taken, he will follow in death, unable to endure another loss of such magnitude.
This statement reveals the true cost of the brothers' mission: they are bringing their father's beloved youngest son to Egypt knowing that if harm comes to him, Jacob will die of grief. The weight of this responsibility is the hidden burden the brothers carry as they travel to Egypt. Every action they take in Egypt must be weighed against the father's survival.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 44:29
What does Genesis 44:29 mean?
Jacob warns that if Benjamin is lost, the sorrow will kill him and he will die heartbroken.
What is the context of Genesis 44:29?
Jacob warns that losing Benjamin would kill him.