Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version As it is, if we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned twice.” New Living Translation If we hadn’t wasted all this time, we could have gone and returned twice by now.” English Standard Version If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.” Berean Standard Bible If we had not delayed, we could have come and gone twice by now.” Berean Literal Bible For if we had not lingered, surely now we would have returned these two times.” King James Bible For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time. New King James Version For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.” New American Standard Bible For if we had not delayed, surely by now we could have returned twice.” NASB 1995 “For if we had not delayed, surely by now we could have returned twice.” NASB 1977 “For if we had not delayed, surely by now we could have returned twice.” Legacy Standard Bible For if we had not delayed, surely by now we could have returned twice.” Amplified Bible For if we had not delayed like this, surely by now we would have returned the second time.” Berean Annotated Bible If we had not delayed, we could have come and gone twice by now. Christian Standard Bible If we had not delayed, we could have come back twice by now.” Holman Christian Standard Bible If we had not wasted time, we could have come back twice by now.” American Standard Version for except we had lingered, surely we had now returned a second time. Contemporary English Version If we had not wasted all this time, we could already have been there and back twice." English Revised Version for except we had lingered, surely we had now returned a second time. GOD'S WORD® Translation If we hadn't waited so long, we could have made this trip twice by now." Good News Translation If we had not waited so long, we could have been there and back twice by now." International Standard Version After all, if we hadn't delayed, we could have been there and back twice by now!" NET Bible But if we had not delayed, we could have traveled there and back twice by now!" New Heart English Bible for if we hadn’t delayed, surely we would have returned a second time by now." Webster's Bible Translation For except we had delayed, surely now we had returned this second time. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf we had not delayed, we could have come and gone twice by now.” World English Bible for if we hadn’t delayed, surely we would have returned a second time by now.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor if we had not lingered, surely now we had returned these two times.” Berean Literal Bible For if we had not lingered, surely now we would have returned these two times.” Young's Literal Translation for if we had not lingered, surely now we had returned these two times.' Smith's Literal Translation For unless we lingered we had turned back this twice. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf delay had not been made, we had been here again the second time. Catholic Public Domain Version If a delay had not intervened, by now we would have returned here a second time.” New American Bible Had we not delayed, we could have been there and back twice by now!” New Revised Standard Version If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor if we had not delayed, perhaps we would have now returned a second time. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Also, if we had not delayed, doubtless we would have returned a second time.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For except we had lingered, surely we had now returned a second time.' Brenton Septuagint Translation For if we had not tarried, we should now have returned twice. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Return to Egypt with Benjamin…9I will guarantee his safety. You may hold me personally responsible. If I do not bring him back and set him before you, then may I bear the guilt before you all my life. 10If we had not delayed, we could have come and gone twice by now.” 11Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.… Cross References If we had not delayed, Genesis 19:16 But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them. Matthew 24:48-51 But suppose that servant is wicked and says in his heart, ‘My master will be away a long time.’ / And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. / The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. … Matthew 25:5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. we could have come and gone Joshua 14:11 still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out. As my strength was then, so it is now for war, for going out, and for coming in. Deuteronomy 31:2 he said to them, “I am now a hundred and twenty years old; I am no longer able to come and go, and the LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ Psalm 121:8 The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. twice by now.” Acts 7:13 On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. Matthew 26:42 A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” John 21:16 Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” Genesis 42:1-2 When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?” / “Look,” he added, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.” Genesis 44:1-2 Then Joseph instructed his steward: “Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each one’s silver in the mouth of his sack. / Put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the silver for his grain.” So the steward did as Joseph had instructed. Genesis 45:9-11 Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. / You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own. / And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’ Genesis 46:1-4 So Israel set out with all that he had, and when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. / And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob. / “I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. … Genesis 47:29-31 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, / but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.” / “Swear to me,” Jacob said. So Joseph swore to him, and Israel bowed in worship at the head of his bed. Exodus 12:31-33 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. / Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.” / And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!” Numbers 14:40-45 Early the next morning they got up and went up toward the ridge of the hill country. “We have indeed sinned,” they said, “but we will go to the place the LORD has promised.” / But Moses said, “Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed! / Do not go up, lest you be struck down by your enemies, because the LORD is not among you. … Treasury of Scripture For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time. Genesis 19:16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. this second time. Jump to Previous Already Delayed Except Hadn't Lingered Second Surely Time Times TwiceJump to Next Already Delayed Except Hadn't Lingered Second Surely Time Times TwiceGenesis 43 1. Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin.15. Joseph entertains his brothers. 19. They discover their fears to the steward. 26. Joseph makes them a feast. If we had not delayed, This phrase reflects the urgency and frustration of the brothers, particularly Judah, in their situation. The delay was due to their father Jacob's reluctance to send Benjamin to Egypt, which was necessary to secure more grain and prove their honesty to Joseph, whom they did not recognize. This highlights the tension between obedience to parental authority and the necessity of action in dire circumstances. The delay also serves as a narrative device to heighten the drama and anticipation of the brothers' second journey to Egypt. we could have come and gone twice by now.” Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahOne of Jacob's sons, who takes a leadership role in persuading his father to send Benjamin to Egypt. 2. Jacob (Israel) The patriarch of the family, who is hesitant to send his youngest son, Benjamin, to Egypt. 3. Benjamin The youngest son of Jacob, whose presence is required in Egypt to secure more grain. 4. Egypt The land where Joseph, Jacob's son, is a powerful official and where the brothers must go to buy grain. 5. Famine A severe famine affecting Canaan and surrounding regions, prompting the need for grain from Egypt. Teaching Points The Importance of Timely ObedienceDelays in obedience can lead to missed opportunities and prolonged suffering. Judah's statement highlights the consequences of hesitation. Leadership and Responsibility Judah steps up as a leader, taking responsibility for Benjamin's safety. This reflects the importance of leadership in family and community. Trust in God's Provision Despite fear and uncertainty, trusting in God's plan is crucial. Jacob's eventual decision to send Benjamin shows a surrender to God's will. The Role of Faith in Decision-Making Faith involves taking action even when the outcome is uncertain. The brothers' journey to Egypt required faith in God's protection and provision. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 43:10?2. How does Genesis 43:10 emphasize the importance of timely obedience to God? 3. What can we learn about leadership from Judah's initiative in Genesis 43:10? 4. How does Genesis 43:10 connect with the theme of God's providence in Genesis? 5. In what ways can we apply Judah's urgency to our spiritual responsibilities today? 6. How does Genesis 43:10 illustrate the consequences of delayed action in biblical narratives? 7. How does Genesis 43:10 reflect the urgency in Joseph's brothers' mission to Egypt? 8. What historical context supports the events described in Genesis 43:10? 9. How does Genesis 43:10 illustrate themes of responsibility and accountability? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 43? 11. How do these events in Genesis 30 align or conflict with other biblical texts that describe God's involvement in fertility and inheritance? 12. What are the different types of demons? 13. If Romans 13:3 claims rulers promote good and punish bad, why have some historical governments done the opposite without facing apparent divine judgment? 14. Acts 10:47-48 - How does the immediate baptism of Gentiles align with other biblical passages emphasizing a longer process of conversion? What Does Genesis 43:10 Mean If we had not delayedJudah’s words draw a straight line between hesitation and hardship. Earlier, Jacob refused to let Benjamin go (Genesis 42:38), even while Simeon remained jailed in Egypt (Genesis 42:24). • Delay sprang from fear, not faith—echoing Lot lingering in Sodom (Genesis 19:16) and Moses hesitating at God’s call (Exodus 4:13). • Prolonged reluctance magnified the famine’s pressure (Genesis 43:1) and endangered the family line carrying God’s covenant promises (Genesis 35:11-12). • Scripture repeatedly warns that postponing obedience multiplies pain (Proverbs 13:12; Psalm 95:7-8). we could have come Judah stresses what swift action would have achieved. A quick return trip to Egypt offered: • Provision: immediate grain for starving households (Genesis 42:2; Matthew 6:11). • Freedom: Simeon restored from captivity (Genesis 42:36). • Peace: reassurance to a worried father, much like David hastening to bring news after battle (2 Samuel 18:19-28). Obedience opens doors God already prepared (Joshua 1:9; John 2:5). and gone twice by now Time lost is never reclaimed. Two full journeys were forfeited—weeks, perhaps months—because fear stalled faith. • While the brothers lingered, Egypt maintained ample supplies (Genesis 41:56-57), highlighting opportunity squandered. • Judah’s math exposes how delay compounds need, a truth echoed in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Redeem the time, because the days are evil.” • God still works within human sluggishness, yet His best is experienced by those who move when He speaks (Numbers 14:40-45 contrasted with 14:24). summary Genesis 43:10 is a candid reminder that hesitation hampers God-given rescue and provision. Judah’s plain calculation shows how fear-based delay prolongs suffering, wastes opportunity, and tests faith. Swift obedience aligns us with God’s timely care, liberating captives, feeding the hungry, and guarding covenant promises. Hebrew If we had notכִּ֖י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction delayed, הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְנוּ (hiṯ·mah·mā·hə·nū) Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 4102: To question, hesitate, to be reluctant we could have come and gone שַׁ֖בְנוּ (šaḇ·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again twice פַעֲמָֽיִם׃ (p̄a·‘ă·mā·yim) Noun - fd Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence by now.” עַתָּ֥ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time Links Genesis 43:10 NIVGenesis 43:10 NLT Genesis 43:10 ESV Genesis 43:10 NASB Genesis 43:10 KJV Genesis 43:10 BibleApps.com Genesis 43:10 Biblia Paralela Genesis 43:10 Chinese Bible Genesis 43:10 French Bible Genesis 43:10 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 43:10 For if we hadn't delayed surely we (Gen. Ge Gn) |
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