Definition: And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 42:38. It's a really important and dramatic passage about Joseph! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joseph was being accused of plotting against his brothers. The story is about Joseph, who was raised by his father, Jacob, and later became a powerful man in Egypt. His brothers, particularly his jealous brother Benjamin, were blaming him for the death of their father, Jacob. Now, let's look at the verse: “And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.” What’s happening? Joseph's Warning: Joseph is telling his brothers, “Don’t let him go with you!” This isn’t a friendly suggestion; it’s a serious warning. The Brother’s Death: The crucial part is that his brother, Benjamin, has died. This is the catalyst for all of this. The Burden of Responsibility: Joseph says, “If mischief befall him by the way in which ye go...” This means if Benjamin gets into trouble, it will cause significant hardship and sadness to Joseph. He’s warning them that their actions could have a terrible consequence. “Gray hairs with sorrow to the grave”: This is the chilling part. Joseph is saying that if Benjamin causes problems, he’ll be forced to face the consequences – his own gray hairs – and experience deep sadness and grief. It’s a very symbolic way of saying that Joseph will feel immense responsibility for what happens to his brothers. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse is a powerful warning about the potential consequences of betrayal and malice. It highlights: The Importance of Loyalty: Joseph is emphasizing the importance of loyalty and faithfulness. Responsibility: It underscores that Joseph carries a heavy responsibility for his brothers’ fate, even though he doesn't directly cause their trouble. Consequences of Actions: It shows that actions have repercussions, and those consequences can be devastating. In essence, it’s a deeply symbolic warning about the dangers of jealousy and plotting. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its context within the story? For example, I could: Discuss the symbolism behind the phrase "gray hairs." Connect it to other stories or themes in the Bible.