Definition: It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad [is] not [with us], that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 44:31. It’s a really powerful and sad passage about a man named Jacob who is being held captive by God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of extreme distress and impending death for Jacob when God decides he needs to be released. It’s a dramatic foreshadowing of his ultimate fate. Let’s unpack the parts: “It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad [is] not with us…” – This is the key part. "The lad" refers to Jacob. God is saying that if Jacob isn't with him (meaning he's not being freed or released), then something terrible will happen. The word “seeth” means to look closely at something. It’s a direct observation by God. “…that he will die:” – This is a very clear statement: Jacob will die. He won’t just be suffering; he'll die. “and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.” - This is where it gets really impactful. "Gray hairs" – this is a figurative way of saying old age and experience. “Our father” refers to Jacob’s father, Isaac. The phrase "bring down the gray hairs" means to bring him to his death – to cause him to fade away and stop existing. “With sorrow” adds a layer of pain and regret. It suggests that this is not a sudden event but a gradual decline. “To the grave” implies a final, peaceful end. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of profound suffering and loss. God's decision to keep Jacob captive isn’t just about him being unhappy; it’s about God's plan for Jacob to experience a very difficult and painful fate. It speaks to themes of: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control, and He decides what happens to people. Fate & Foreboding: It suggests that events are predetermined, even if we don’t understand them. The Importance of Faith: Jacob's faith and trust in God are tested here; he must persevere despite the impending doom. In short, it’s a powerful moment of impending tragedy where God makes a decisive choice about Jacob’s fate. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Provide a little context about the story of Jacob and his life?