Gen 43:14 | NETfull | STEP | May the sovereign God grant you mercy before the man so that he may release your other brother and Benjamin! As for me, if I lose my children I lose them.”

Genesis 43:14

14 May the sovereign God ^{▼▼ Heb “El Shaddai.” See the extended note on the phrase “sovereign God” in Gen 17:1.} grant you mercy before the man so that he may release ^{▼▼ Heb “release to you.” After the jussive this perfect verbal form with prefixed vav (ו) probably indicates logical consequence, as well as temporal sequence.} your other brother ^{▼▼ Several Jewish commentators suggest that the expression your other brother refers to Joseph. This would mean that Jacob prophesied unwittingly. However, it is much more likely that Simeon is the referent of the phrase “your other brother” (see Gen 42:24).} and Benjamin! As for me, if I lose my children I lose them.” ^{▼▼ Heb “if I am bereaved I am bereaved.” With this fatalistic sounding statement Jacob resolves himself to the possibility of losing both Benjamin and Simeon.}