Genesis 44:20 And we answered, 'We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy's brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother's sons left, and his father loves him.'

[フレーム]
◄ Genesis 44:20 ►
New International Version
And we answered, ‘We have an aged father, and there is a young son born to him in his old age. His brother is dead, and he is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’

New Living Translation
And we responded, ‘Yes, my lord, we have a father who is an old man, and his youngest son is a child of his old age. His full brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him very much.’

English Standard Version
And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a young brother, the child of his old age. His brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’

Berean Standard Bible
And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’

Berean Literal Bible
And we said to my lord, ‘We have to us a father, an old man, and a son of his old age, who is young. And his brother died, and he alone is left to his mother, and his father loves him.’

King James Bible
And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

New King James Version
And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, who is young; his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’

New American Standard Bible
And we said to my lord, ‘We have an old father and a little boy born in our father’s old age. Now his brother is dead, so he alone is left of his mother, and his father loves him.’

NASB 1995
“We said to my lord, ‘We have an old father and a little child of his old age. Now his brother is dead, so he alone is left of his mother, and his father loves him.’

NASB 1977
“And we said to my lord, ‘We have an old father and a little child of his old age. Now his brother is dead, so he alone is left of his mother, and his father loves him.’

Legacy Standard Bible
And we said to my lord, ‘We have an old father and a little child of his old age. Now his brother is dead, so he alone is left of his mother, and his father loves him.’

Amplified Bible
We said to my lord, ‘We have an old father and a young [brother, Benjamin, the] child of his old age. Now his brother [Joseph] is dead, and he alone is left of [the two sons born of] his mother, and his father loves him.’

Berean Annotated Bible
And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.

Christian Standard Bible
and we answered my lord, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and we answered my lord, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’

American Standard Version
And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother; and his father loveth him.

Contemporary English Version
So we told you, "Our father is a very old man. In fact, he was already old when Benjamin was born. Benjamin's brother is dead. Now Benjamin is the only one of the two brothers who is still alive, and our father loves him very much."

English Revised Version
And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We answered, 'We have a father who is old and a younger brother born to him when he was already old. The boy's brother is dead, so he's the only one of his mother's sons left, and his father loves him.'

Good News Translation
We answered, 'We have a father who is old and a younger brother, born to him in his old age. The boy's brother is dead, and he is the only one of his mother's children still alive; his father loves him very much.'

International Standard Version
and we answered Your Excellency, 'We have an aged father and a younger child who was born when he was old. His brother is now dead, so he's the only surviving son of his mother. His father loves him.'

NET Bible
We said to my lord, 'We have an aged father, and there is a young boy who was born when our father was old. The boy's brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother's sons left, and his father loves him.'

New Heart English Bible
And we said to my lord, 'We have a father, an old man, and a child born when he was old, a little one, and his brother is dead, and he is his mother's only child, and his father loves him.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And we said to my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one: and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’

World English Bible
We said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother; and his father loves him.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And we say to my lord, We have a father, an aged one, and a child of old age, a little one; and his brother died, and he is left alone of his mother, and his father has loved him.

Berean Literal Bible
And we said to my lord, ‘We have to us a father, an old man, and a son of his old age, who is young. And his brother died, and he alone is left to his mother, and his father loves him.’

Young's Literal Translation
and we say unto my lord, We have a father, an aged one, and a child of old age, a little one; and his brother died, and he is left alone of his mother, and his father hath loved him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And we said to my lord, There is a father to us, an old man, and a child of old age, a little one: and his brother died, and he will be left alone to his mother; and his father loved him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And we answered thee, my lord: We have a father an old man, and a young boy, that was born in his old age; whose brother by the mother is dead: and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him tenderly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And we answered you, my lord: ‘There is our father, an old man, and a young boy, who was born in his old age. His brother of the same womb has died, and he alone is left to his mother and father, who truly love him tenderly.’

New American Bible
So we said to my lord, ‘We have an aged father, and a younger brother, the child of his old age. This one’s full brother is dead, and since he is the only one by his mother who is left, his father is devoted to him.’

New Revised Standard Version
And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a young brother, the child of his old age. His brother is dead; he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And we said to my lord, We have a father, an old man, and he has a young son, the child of his old age; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loves him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And we were saying to my Lord, ‘We have an old father and a son, a little son of his old age, and his brother died, and he alone is left by his mother, and his father loves him.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And we said unto my lord: We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And we said to my lord, We have a father, an old man, and he has a son of his old age, a young one, and his brother is dead, and he alone has been left behind to his mother, and his father loves him.

Additional Translations ...
[フレーム]


Context
Judah Pleads for Benjamin
…19My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ 20And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’ 21Then you told your servants, ‘Bring him down to me so that I can see him for myself.’…
Cross References
And we answered,

Genesis 42:10-11
“Not so, my lord,” they replied. “Your servants have come to buy food. / We are all sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies.”

Genesis 43:3-5
But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’ / If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy food for you. / But if you will not send him, we will not go; for the man told us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’”

Genesis 42:31-34
But we told him, ‘We are honest men, not spies. / We are twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in the land of Canaan.’ / Then the man who is lord of the land said to us, ‘This is how I will know whether you are honest: Leave one brother with me, take food to relieve the hunger of your households, and go. …
‘We have an elderly father

Genesis 48:10
Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

Genesis 47:9
“My travels have lasted 130 years,” Jacob replied. “My years have been few and hard, and they have not matched the years of the travels of my fathers.”
and a younger brother,

Genesis 43:29
When Joseph looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Then he declared, “May God be gracious to you, my son.”

Genesis 42:13
But they answered, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more.”
the child of his old age.

Genesis 37:3
Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors.

Genesis 24:36
My master’s wife Sarah has borne him a son in her old age, and my master has given him everything he owns.

Genesis 21:2
So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised.
The boy’s brother is dead.

Genesis 37:31-33
Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. / They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.” / 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!”

Genesis 42:36
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!”

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.
He is the only one of his mother’s sons left,

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.”

Genesis 35:16-18
Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. / During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.” / And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.

Genesis 30:22-24
Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb, / and she conceived and gave birth to a son. “God has taken away my shame,” she said. / She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.”


Treasury of Scripture

And we said to my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loves him.

we said.

Genesis 49:8
Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

a child.

Genesis 35:18
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

Genesis 37:3,19
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours…

Genesis 43:7,8
And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down? …

and his brother.

Genesis 37:33-35
And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces…

Genesis 42:36,38
And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me…

he alone.

Genesis 44:27-29
And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two sons: …

Luke 7:12
Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

Jump to Previous
Age Aged Alone Born Child Children Dead Dear Little Mother Mother's Young
Jump to Next
Age Aged Alone Born Child Children Dead Dear Little Mother Mother's Young
Genesis 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.










(追記) (追記ここまで)

And we answered,
This phrase refers to the response given by Joseph's brothers to the steward of Joseph's house. It highlights the ongoing dialogue between Joseph's brothers and the Egyptian authorities, emphasizing the tension and drama of the narrative. This interaction is part of a larger narrative where Joseph tests his brothers' integrity and repentance.

‘We have an elderly father
The mention of an "elderly father" refers to Jacob, also known as Israel. Jacob's advanced age is significant as it underscores his vulnerability and the deep emotional ties within the family. In the broader biblical context, Jacob is a patriarch whose life and experiences are foundational to the history of Israel. His age also highlights the generational continuity of God's covenant promises.

and a younger brother,
The "younger brother" is Benjamin, the only full brother of Joseph, both being sons of Rachel. Benjamin's youth and position in the family are crucial to the narrative, as he becomes the focal point of Joseph's test. The mention of a younger brother also evokes themes of favoritism and sibling rivalry, which are recurrent in the Genesis narrative.

the child of his old age.
This phrase emphasizes Benjamin's special status as the son born to Jacob in his later years, similar to Joseph's earlier description. It reflects the deep affection Jacob has for Benjamin, reminiscent of his love for Joseph. This special status is a recurring theme in Genesis, where younger sons often play pivotal roles in God's plans.

The boy’s brother is dead.
This refers to Joseph, whom the brothers believe to be dead. This statement is laden with irony, as Joseph is very much alive and the one orchestrating the events in Egypt. It also highlights the brothers' guilt and the consequences of their earlier actions when they sold Joseph into slavery.

He is the only one of his mother’s sons left,
This phrase underscores the unique bond between Joseph and Benjamin as the only sons of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Rachel's death during Benjamin's birth adds a layer of poignancy to the narrative, as Jacob's affection for Benjamin is intensified by the loss of Rachel and Joseph.

and his father loves him.’
Jacob's love for Benjamin mirrors his earlier love for Joseph, which had previously incited jealousy among the brothers. This love is central to the unfolding drama, as it motivates the brothers' actions and Joseph's tests. The theme of a father's love is a powerful motif in Scripture, often reflecting God's love for His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judah
- One of Jacob's sons, who is speaking to Joseph in this passage. He is advocating for his brother Benjamin.

2. Joseph
- The governor of Egypt, who is testing his brothers' integrity and repentance.

3. Benjamin
- The youngest son of Jacob, beloved by his father, and the only remaining son of Rachel.

4. Jacob (Israel)
- The aged father of the twelve tribes of Israel, deeply attached to Benjamin after losing Joseph.

5. Egypt
- The land where Joseph has risen to power and where this interaction takes place.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Family Bonds
The account emphasizes the deep emotional connections within a family and the lengths to which family members will go to protect one another.

The Consequences of Favoritism
Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph and Benjamin creates tension and jealousy among the brothers, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unequal treatment.

Repentance and Redemption
Judah's willingness to speak on behalf of Benjamin shows a transformation from his earlier actions, illustrating the power of repentance and change.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
The unfolding events demonstrate God's hand in using trials to bring about growth, reconciliation, and the fulfillment of His promises.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 44:20?

2. How does Genesis 44:20 highlight the importance of family responsibility and care?

3. What does "his brother is dead" reveal about Joseph's brothers' understanding of his fate?

4. How can we apply the principle of protecting family in our daily lives?

5. How does Genesis 44:20 connect to God's covenant promises to Abraham's descendants?

6. In what ways does Genesis 44:20 demonstrate the theme of brotherly love and sacrifice?

7. How does Genesis 44:20 reflect the importance of family in biblical narratives?

8. What does Genesis 44:20 reveal about the cultural significance of the youngest son in ancient times?

9. How does Genesis 44:20 contribute to the theme of favoritism in the Bible?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44?

What Does Genesis 44:20 Mean
And we answered

– The words recall the brothers’ immediate reply when the Egyptian governor (Joseph) demanded family details.

– Their confession is simple, transparent, and—without knowing it—part of God’s plan to bring truth into the open (Genesis 42:13).

– The statement shows a shift from earlier deceit (selling Joseph, Genesis 37:28) to a growing willingness to speak honestly.

We have an elderly father

– Jacob is now well over 100 (Genesis 47:9), frail and leaning on God’s promises.

– Mentioning him underscores that their household is vulnerable; every decision in Egypt will ripple back to a fragile patriarch.

– Scripture often honors the aged—“You shall rise in the presence of the gray-headed” (Leviticus 19:32)—so highlighting Jacob’s age appeals to Joseph’s compassion.

and a younger brother, the child of his old age

– Benjamin, born when Jacob was already advanced in years (Genesis 35:16-18), embodies both joy and risk: joy because he is Rachel’s second son, risk because childbirth cost Rachel her life.

– Calling him “child of his old age” echoes the earlier description of Joseph (Genesis 37:3), tying the two brothers together in Jacob’s affections.

– God often works through “younger” or unlikely figures—Isaac over Ishmael, David over his brothers—hinting that He delights to upend human expectations (1 Samuel 16:11-12).

The boy’s brother is dead.

– From their perspective Joseph is gone forever (Genesis 37:31-33); they speak what they believe to be fact.

– Ironically, the very one they mourn stands before them. God is weaving restitution into the narrative, fulfilling Romans 8:28 long before Paul penned it.

– Their statement exposes lingering guilt; conscience has never fully quieted since the day they dipped the coat in goat’s blood (Genesis 42:21-22).

He is the only one of his mother’s sons left,

– Rachel bore only Joseph and Benjamin (Genesis 30:22-24; 35:18-19). With Joseph “dead,” Benjamin carries the entire legacy of their beloved mother.

– The phrase heightens the stakes: any harm to Benjamin would crush Jacob, repeating the heartbreak of Genesis 37.

– Scripture frequently highlights the “only” son to prefigure deeper truths—Isaac (Genesis 22:2) and ultimately Christ (John 3:16).

and his father loves him.

– Jacob’s favoritism, first toward Joseph (Genesis 37:3) and now toward Benjamin (Genesis 43:14), is undeniable.

– While the partiality once bred jealousy, God now uses that same love to press the brothers toward repentance and unity.

– The father’s deep affection foreshadows the heavenly Father’s love for His children, compelling them to approach Him through the beloved Son (Matthew 3:17).

summary

Genesis 44:20 is more than a factual report; it is a Spirit-orchestrated confession revealing vulnerability, past sin, and abiding love. Each clause underscores Jacob’s fragility, Benjamin’s unique place, and the brothers’ emerging honesty. God turns their words into instruments of conviction and reconciliation, demonstrating that He faithfully directs every detail to bring His people from guilt to grace.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And we answered,
וַנֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (wan·nō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘We have
יֶשׁ־ (yeš-)
Adverb
Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is

an elderly
זָקֵ֔ן (zā·qên)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2205: Old

father
אָ֣ב (’āḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

and a younger brother,
קָטָ֑ן (qā·ṭān)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant

the child
וְיֶ֥לֶד (wə·ye·leḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring

of his old age.
זְקֻנִ֖ים (zə·qu·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2208: Old age

The boy’s brother
וְאָחִ֨יו (wə·’ā·ḥîw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

is dead.
מֵ֜ת (mêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

He
ה֧וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is the only
לְבַדּ֛וֹ (lə·ḇad·dōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of

one of his mother’s
לְאִמּ֖וֹ (lə·’im·mōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 517: A mother, )

sons left,
וַיִּוָּתֵ֨ר (way·yiw·wā·ṯêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve

and his father
וְאָבִ֥יו (wə·’ā·ḇîw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

loves him.’
אֲהֵבֽוֹ׃ (’ă·hê·ḇōw)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f


Links
Genesis 44:20 NIV
Genesis 44:20 NLT
Genesis 44:20 ESV
Genesis 44:20 NASB
Genesis 44:20 KJV

Genesis 44:20 Study Bible
Genesis 44:20 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 44:20 Chinese Bible
Genesis 44:20 French Bible
Genesis 44:20 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 44:20 We said to my lord 'We have (Gen. Ge Gn)

AltStyle によって変換されたページ (->オリジナル) /