Definition: And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children [are] tender, and the flocks and herds with young [are] with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 33:13. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Joseph, a young man who was sold into slavery to Egypt, experiencing a moment of panic when he realized his brothers were planning to overfeed their flock – essentially, they were going to feed them too much and cause the animals to die. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he said unto him…” : This is Joseph speaking directly to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. “…My lord knoweth that the children [are] tender…” : This means Joseph realized that the children were delicate and easily upset. He understood they were vulnerable. "...and the flocks and herds with young [are] with me:” This is the key part. Joseph explained that his brothers were planning to feed their flock excessively . They were going to overfeed it, potentially causing the animals to die. “And if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.” : This is the terrifying consequence of their plan. If they fed the animals too much, it would lead to a catastrophic loss of livestock. The Significance & Interpretation: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of greed and overbearing ambition. It highlights: Responsibility: Joseph’s worry shows that he was aware of the potential consequences of his brothers' actions. Divine Foresight: It suggests that God knew this impending danger and was watching over them. Warning Against Hubris: The verse speaks to the dangers of being overly confident or ambitious, especially when it comes at a cost – the loss of life. In short, it's a story about a man who understood a serious threat and acted to avert disaster. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this verse within the larger story of Joseph’s life? Discuss what it might symbolize beyond just a warning about animals?