And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.

GENESIS 43:14KJV
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Genesis 43:14 (KJV)

What does Genesis 43:14 mean?

Genesis 43:14 records Jacob praying that God Almighty would show mercy to his sons as they return to Egypt, hoping that the Egyptian official will release both Simeon (their other brother) and Benjamin. Jacob resigns himself to the risk, saying that if he loses his children, he must accept it.

In this verse, Jacob is speaking to his sons before they go back to Egypt during the famine. He is anxious because he must send Benjamin, his youngest and most beloved son, along with them to satisfy the demands of the Egyptian ruler (who is actually Joseph, though Jacob does not know this). Jacob’s words show both his deep concern and his willingness to entrust the outcome to God’s mercy.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 43:14

  • "God" (אֵל, El, H410) and "Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, Shaddai, H7706): Jacob uses the title "El Shaddai," often translated "God Almighty," which emphasizes God's supreme power and ability to protect or provide.
  • "Mercy" (רַחֲמִים, rachamim, H7356): This word carries the sense of deep compassion or tender care, not just a legal pardon but heartfelt kindness.
  • "Bereaved" (שָׁכַל, shakol, H7921): Jacob repeats this word for emphasis, showing his acceptance of possible loss and grief, highlighting the depth of his anxiety and surrender.

Why Genesis 43:14 matters

  • This verse shows Jacob’s struggle between fear and faith, as he must let go of his beloved son Benjamin and trust God with the outcome.
  • The use of "El Shaddai" connects this moment to earlier promises God made to the patriarchs, reminding the reader of God’s ongoing role in their story.
  • Jacob’s words set the emotional tone for the reunion that is about to happen, showing the cost and risk involved in reconciliation and trust.

Where else these words appear

“bereaved” Hebrew H7921 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • 2 Kings 2:19 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.
  • Ezekiel 5:17 So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the LORD have spoken it.

“mercy” Hebrew H7356 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 43:30 And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.
  • Psalms 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
  • Isaiah 47:6 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

“Almighty” Hebrew H7706 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
  • Job 11:7 Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?
  • Job 29:5 When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;

“If” Hebrew H834 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • Deuteronomy 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: