What does Genesis 43:13 mean?

Jacob has been giving instructions to his sons about their return to Egypt to buy more grain for the family (Genesis 43:1–2). The second trip is necessary because of the continued famine. On the first trip, Jacob's ten oldest sons were strangely accused of being spies and forced to leave one of their number behind, until they could return with the youngest brother to prove their innocence (Genesis 42:14, 19–20). Worse, on the way home with grain, they discovered that they still had the money they meant to use to pay for the food (Genesis 42:25–28).

Despite the dire situation, Jacob greatly delayed in allowing his sons to include Benjamin in a return trip (Genesis 43:10). Faced with starvation, he finally relents, with a plan to send gifts and restitution to the Egyptian leader (Genesis 43:11–12). Only now, with great reluctance, he finally says out loud what he had initially refused. He tells them to take Benjamin with them, after all.

Only later will Jacob learn that this Egyptian vizier is his own long-lost son, Joseph (Genesis 42:8), whose intentions are good (Genesis 47:11–12).