Bible Strands
Genesis 44:18
Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Judah approaches Joseph immediately after Joseph's decree that only the cup-bearer will remain enslaved while the others depart. He addresses Joseph directly as "Sir" and "my lord" to request permission to plead his case.
The words — The Hebrew verb וַיִּגַּשׁ (va.yiggash) describes drawing near or approaching, marking Judah's physical and rhetorical advance. His opening plea uses בִּי אֲדֹנִי (bi adoni), literally "pardon me, my lord," a standard formula for requesting audience without provoking anger.
The thread — This request for audience and warning against wrath parallels Aaron's address in Exodus 32:22 and Abraham's intercession in Genesis 18:30. The deference owed to the speaker reflects the absolute administrative authority Joseph previously received in Genesis 41:40.
Why it lands — The text records Judah's explicit request to speak and his caution against provoking anger before any argument is presented. It requires the reader to observe how fear of human authority shapes the posture required to make a plea.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.
Cross-references
- Exodus 32:22 “Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil.
- Genesis 18:30 Then Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak further. Suppose thirty are found there?” He replied, “If I find thirty there, I will not do it.”
- Genesis 41:40 You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”
- Genesis 18:32 Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.”
- Genesis 41:44 And Pharaoh declared to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your permission, no one in all the land of Egypt shall lift his hand or foot.”
- 2 Samuel 14:12 Then the woman said, “Please, may your servant speak a word to my lord the king?” “Speak,” he replied.
- Esther 1:12 Queen Vashti, however, refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs. And the king became furious, and his anger burned within him.
- Job 33:31 Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.
- Psalms 79:5 How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
- Proverbs 19:12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.