Genesis 44:17

44:17 But Joseph said, “Far be it from me to do this! The man in whose hand the cup was found will become my slave, but the rest of ¹  you may go back ²  to your father in peace.”

Genesis 44:31

44:31 When he sees the boy is not with us, ³  he will die, and your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father in sorrow to the grave.

Genesis 44:34

44:34 For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn’t bear to see ⁴  my father’s pain.” ⁵ 

¹ tn The words “the rest of” have been supplied in the translation for clarification and for stylistic reasons.

² tn Heb “up” (reflecting directions from their point of view – “up” to Canaan; “down” to Egypt).

³ tn Heb “when he sees that there is no boy.”

⁴ tn The Hebrew text has “lest I see,” which expresses a negative purpose – “I cannot go up lest I see.”

⁵ tn Heb “the calamity which would find my father.”