But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.

GENESIS 42:4KJV
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Genesis 42:4 (KJV)

What does Genesis 42:4 mean?

Genesis 42:4 means that Jacob did not allow Benjamin, Joseph’s younger brother, to go with his other sons to Egypt because he was afraid something bad might happen to him. Jacob was especially protective of Benjamin, fearing for his safety.

In this verse, Jacob is speaking about his sons during a time of famine, when he is sending them to Egypt to buy food. Joseph, Benjamin’s full brother, is believed by Jacob to be dead, so Benjamin is now the only remaining son of Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife. Jacob’s concern shows his deep attachment to Benjamin and his anxiety about losing another son.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 42:4

  • "Mischief" is from the Hebrew word אָסוֹן (ason, H611), which often means a serious accident, disaster, or harm. Jacob’s worry is not just about minor trouble, but about a real calamity or loss.
  • "Peradventure" comes from אוּלַי (ulai, H6435), which carries the sense of uncertainty or possibility—Jacob is expressing a fear that something might possibly happen, not certainty.
  • "Sent" is from שָׁלַח (shalach, H7971), meaning to send or dispatch. The verse emphasizes that Jacob made a deliberate decision not to send Benjamin, highlighting his protective intent.

Why Genesis 42:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies why Benjamin is not with his brothers in Egypt later in the story, setting up important events that follow.
  • Jacob’s fear for Benjamin reveals the lasting impact of Joseph’s apparent loss on the family and Jacob’s heart.
  • The verse highlights the special status of Benjamin among Jacob’s sons, which becomes a key point in the unfolding narrative between Joseph and his brothers.

Where else these words appear

“peradventure” Hebrew H6435 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Genesis 24:6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.
  • Genesis 31:31 And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.

“mischief” Hebrew H611 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 42:38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
  • Genesis 44:29 And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
  • Exodus 21:22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.

“him” Hebrew H7122 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 42:38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
  • Deuteronomy 22:6 If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:
  • Job 4:14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.