But Jacob did not send Benjamin: But introduces the fact that Jacob sent all but one of his sons. Did not send Benjamin may also be translated “did not allow Benjamin … to go.”

Joseph’s brother: the term in some languages must indicate “younger brother.”

With his brothers: that is, “with the other ten.” See comments on Gen 42.3.

He feared that harm might befall him: by this comment the narrator forges a link with the events beginning in 37.12, in which Jacob sent Joseph to inquire about his brothers’ welfare, and as a result he lost his beloved son. He is determined not to repeat this tragedy with Benjamin, who has now taken Joseph’s place in his old father’s heart. See verse 38. Harm renders a word that suggests a fatal accident, or as Anchor Bible translates, “a disaster.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .