In the previous chapter Reuben pleaded unsuccessfully with Jacob to allow Benjamin to return with the brothers to Egypt. Now, however, we hear Judah, the fourth son of Leah (29.35), acting as spokesman for the brothers. Since this is the second discussion about the same matter, some translations begin by saying “Father, we told you before, that headman….”

The man solemnly warned us: The man, which refers to Joseph as the ruler of Egypt, is the same expression as in 42.30. There The man is identified as “lord of the land.” It may be necessary in the present context to say “the man who rules Egypt” or “the ruler.” Solemnly warned translates a special intensive construction of the Hebrew verb “to warn,” in which the sense is “sternly [severely] warned us.” In some languages this is translated “he clearly threatened us” or “he told us for certain.”

You shall not see my face: this is an idiom meaning “You [plural] will not be given an audience with me,” “I will not receive you,” “I will refuse to speak with you,” or “You cannot approach me.” In some translations the reference to what Joseph had said is given in indirect speech; for example, “he said that he will not agree to see us again, if our brother….”

Unless your brother is with you: here brother must often be rendered by a term for younger brother. A term for half-brother will be inappropriate, as Joseph has only been told that Benjamin is their youngest brother. In some languages it may be necessary to state the condition before the consequence; for example, “Unless your brother is with you, I will not allow you to speak with me” or “If your brother does not come with you, ….” Another way of expressing this condition is “warned us that we could not go back there to him. But if we have our [youngest] brother with us, it will be all right, we can go back.”

If you will send our brother with us: in many languages this is more naturally “if you let our brother go with us” or “if you agree that our brother can come with us.”

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 .