Verse 18 serves as an introduction to Judah’s long speech to Joseph.

Then Judah went up to him and said: went up translates a verb meaning to “come close,” “approach,” “draw near to.” Judah steps up close to the ruler to begin his frank and personal appeal on Benjamin’s behalf. Driver calls Judah’s speech in verses 18-34 “a speech of singular pathos and beauty, remarkable not less for grace and persuasive eloquence than for frankness and generosity.” Translators will note that Judah’s speech, while representing what has been said in chapters 42 and 43, is often different in wording.

O my lord, let your servant, I pray you, speak a word in my lord’s ears: Judah’s use of my lord … your servant … pray you show an inferior seeking a hearing with his superior. This must be reflected carefully in languages that use honorific terms of address. As in many previous examples, if my lord or your servant will be understood as a third party, it must be adjusted. In some languages this may be expressed as “Sir, I am only a small person in your presence” or “Sir, I am like nothing in your eyes.”

Speak a word in … ears is a very natural expression in some languages. In others it is more fitting to say, for example, “I beg you to let me speak with you” or “straight to your face.” Another view of this expression, according to Anchor Bible, is that to speak … in … ears means to “speak earnestly.” Good News Translation has “freely,” New Jerusalem Bible “have a word privately,” and Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “secretly.” Both the more literal and the adverbial use are acceptable.

Let not your anger burn against your servant: that is, “and please don’t be angry with me, sir.” The Hebrew is literally “don’t let your nostril [nose, face] burn [heat] [on] your servant.” For a similar expression see 30.2 and 39.19. As a nonfigurative expression we may say “Please be patient with me, sir.” In some languages another figurative expression will be appropriate; for example, “don’t let your heart grow hot” or “don’t let your liver boil because of me.”

For you are like Pharaoh himself: this may be understood as the reason why Judah pleads that Joseph should not get angry with Judah. Since he is equal to the king, he has the power to do as he wishes with Judah, and so Judah hopes that he will not get angry and use his power. It is also possible to understand that Judah uses this expression to admit the vast superiority of Joseph, and so place himself in a position of total weakness and in need of mercy. Bible en français courant opens verse 18 with this admission: “Sir, you who are the administrator, you are the equal of the Pharaoh. Please allow me to add some words without causing you to be angry.”

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 .