Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.

GENESIS 44:13KJV
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Genesis 44:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 44:13 mean?

Genesis 44:13 describes how Joseph’s brothers, in deep distress, tore their clothes, loaded their donkeys, and went back to the city after discovering Benjamin was accused of theft. This shows their shock and grief at the situation, as well as their decision to face the consequences together.

The verse takes place after Joseph’s steward finds his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, making it look like Benjamin has stolen it. Tearing clothes was a traditional sign of intense sorrow or despair in ancient Israel. The brothers’ actions show their unity and willingness to return and confront Joseph, rather than abandoning Benjamin.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 44:13

  • "rent" (קָרַע, qāraʿ): This word means to tear or rip, often used for tearing garments in grief or mourning. The brothers’ act of tearing their clothes signals deep emotional pain and shock.
  • "clothes" (שִׂמְלָה, simlāh): Refers to their outer garments, which were valuable and important in daily life. Tearing these garments was a costly and public display of sorrow.
  • "laded" (עָטַן, ʿāṭan): This means to load or pack up, here describing how each man prepared his donkey for the return journey, showing they were ready to go back together.
  • "returned" (שׁוּב, shuv): This verb means to turn back or return, emphasizing their choice to go back to the city and face the situation rather than fleeing.

Why Genesis 44:13 matters

  • The verse highlights the brothers’ transformation from earlier in Genesis, where they once abandoned Joseph, to now standing together with Benjamin in a crisis.
  • The public act of tearing their clothes underscores the seriousness of the accusation and the depth of their distress, making their emotional state clear to the reader.
  • This moment sets up the dramatic confrontation with Joseph, which is crucial for the unfolding of reconciliation and forgiveness in the story.

Where else these words appear

“laded” Hebrew H6006 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 Kings 12:11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
  • Nehemiah 4:17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
  • Isaiah 46:1 Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.

“clothes” Hebrew H8071 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.
  • Exodus 19:14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.
  • Judges 8:25 And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey.

“rent” Hebrew H7167 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 37:29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
  • 1 Kings 11:12 Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

“ass” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:30 And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.