Genesis 43 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Genesis 43 meaning explained in AI Summary

Jacob and his family move to Egypt and settle in the land of Goshen. Joseph provides for them during the famine. Benjamin, Joseph's younger brother, is brought to Egypt to meet Joseph. Joseph tests Benjamin and eventually reveals his identity.

Genesis 43 sees Jacob's sons returning to Egypt for food, this time with Benjamin in tow.

Famine Persists: The famine in Canaan continues, and the food Jacob's sons brought from Egypt runs out.
Reluctant Return: Jacob urges his sons to return to Egypt for more food. They hesitate, reminding him of the demand for Benjamin.
Judah's Plea: Judah convinces Jacob to let Benjamin go by promising his safety and offering himself as a guarantee.
Gifts for the Ruler: The brothers take double the silver from their previous trip, returning the money found in their sacks, plus additional gifts to appease the ruler.
Fear and Hope: They arrive in Egypt fearful of Joseph's reaction but are received kindly by the house steward.
Reunion Anticipation: Joseph is told of their arrival, particularly of Benjamin's presence. He orders a feast to be prepared for them in his own house.

Key Themes:

Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The chapter sets the stage for a potential reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, who are showing remorse and taking responsibility for their past actions.
Trust and Obedience: Jacob, though initially reluctant, puts his trust in God and allows Benjamin to go, demonstrating obedience even in difficult circumstances.
God's Providence: Despite the brothers' past sins, God continues to provide for them through Joseph, hinting at his greater plan for their family.

Genesis 43 ends with the anticipation of the brothers meeting Joseph, leaving the reader eager to discover his reaction and the outcome of this reunion.

Genesis 43 bible study ai commentary

This chapter portrays a pivotal moment in the testing and transformation of Jacob's sons. Driven by famine, they must return to Egypt, this time with Benjamin, forcing Jacob to release his youngest son and Judah to pledge his own life as a surety. At Joseph's house, the brothers are confronted with confounding kindness instead of the punishment they fear. Through a carefully orchestrated feast, Joseph tests their attitude towards Rachel's other son, Benjamin, to see if their hearts have truly changed, paving the way for the family's ultimate reconciliation and redemption.

Genesis 43 Context

The events occur against the backdrop of a severe, multi-year famine afflicting the entire Near East, including Canaan and Egypt. This crisis is the divinely appointed catalyst forcing Jacob's family to confront their past. Culturally, hospitality rituals like washing guests' feet were standard practice. Gifts were essential when approaching a high-ranking official. Egyptian social customs included dining separately from foreigners like the Hebrews, whom they considered unclean, especially as shepherds. This context highlights the strangeness of Joseph's invitation to dine in his own home, amplifying the brothers' fear and confusion.

Genesis 43:1-2

Now the famine was severe in the land. And when they had eaten the grain that they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little food.”

In-depth-analysis

The famine is "severe" (kaved), meaning heavy or grievous. This emphasizes the dire circumstances that leave Jacob no other choice.
Jacob's phrase "a little food" reveals his reluctance. He downplays the mission's scale, perhaps subconsciously minimizing the risk to Benjamin that he knows is necessary. It shows his deep-seated fear of losing another son.
This is the second divine "nudge." The first was the initial lack of food; the second is the depletion of the supply, making the dreaded journey unavoidable. Providence is closing all other doors.

Bible references

Gen 41:57: "...the famine was severe over all the earth." (Context of widespread famine)
Gen 47:13: "Now there was no food in all the land, for the famine was very severe..." (Famine's continued severity)
Acts 7:11: "Now a famine came over all of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction..." (Stephen's historical recounting)

Cross references

Gen 12:10 (Abraham in Egypt due to famine); Gen 26:1 (Isaac faces famine); Ruth 1:1 (Famine prompts Elimelech's family to move); 2 Sam 21:1 (Famine as divine judgment).

Genesis 43:3-5

But Judah said to him, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. But if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’”

In-depth-analysis

Judah's Leadership: Judah emerges as the new family leader and spokesman, displacing Reuben. His approach is direct, logical, and respectful, unlike Reuben's emotional and rash offer in Genesis 42:37.
Solemn Warning: The Hebrew is emphatic, communicating the gravity of Joseph's command. Judah accurately conveys the situation, leaving no room for negotiation. His argument is built on immovable facts.
He frames the choice clearly for Jacob: no Benjamin, no food. This forces Jacob to confront the reality he has been avoiding.

Bible references

Gen 42:20: "but bring your youngest brother to me. So your words will be verified..." (Joseph's original command)
Gen 44:23: "...‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall not see my face again.’" (The brothers recounting the warning)

Cross references

Prov 27:6 (Faithful are the wounds of a friend); Gen 37:26-27 (Judah's previous self-serving leadership).

Genesis 43:6-7

And Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?” They replied, “The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ What we said was in answer to his questions. How could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?”

In-depth-analysis

Israel's Grief: Jacob (here called Israel) speaks from a place of grief. His question is not logical but emotional; he is looking for someone to blame for his predicament.
Justification: The brothers' defense is reasonable. Joseph's questions were specific and probing. They were under intense pressure and had no reason to suspect his motive.
This exchange highlights the communication breakdown and lingering mistrust within the family, all stemming from their original sin against Joseph.

Bible references

Gen 42:13: "And they said, 'We, your servants, are twelve brothers... the youngest is this day with our father, and one is no more.'" (The original confession that sealed their fate)

Cross references

Prov 15:1 (A gentle answer turns away wrath).

Genesis 43:8-10

And Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.”

In-depth-analysis

The Pledge: This is the chapter's turning point. Judah offers himself as a surety ('aravon). This is a legal term for a pledge or security deposit. He is not offering his sons' lives (like Reuben) but his own.
Bearing Blame: He accepts perpetual guilt if he fails. This demonstrates a profound change from the man who callously sold his brother and deceived his father. He is now willing to suffer for the well-being of the family and to protect his father from further grief.
Type of Christ: Judah’s self-sacrificial pledge to stand in the place of another to guarantee their safe return is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ, our surety.
His final practical point about the delay adds urgency and shows his newfound responsible leadership.

Bible references

Gen 44:32: "For your servant became a pledge of safety for the boy to my father..." (Judah repeats his pledge to Joseph)
Heb 7:22: "This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant." (Christ as our surety)
Philem 1:18-19: "If he has wronged you... charge it to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it..." (Paul acts as a surety for Onesimus)

Cross references

Job 17:3 (Pledge); Prov 6:1 (Warning about pledges); Isa 53:4-6 (The Suffering Servant bearing sin).

Genesis 43:11-14

Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds. Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight. Take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man. May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may send back your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”

In-depth-analysis

Reluctant Surrender: Jacob acquiesces. His plan is threefold:
1. A Gift (minchah): The "best products of the land" are a painful reminder of Gen 37:25, where the Ishmaelites who bought Joseph were carrying similar goods. It's an offering to appease the ruler.
2. Double Money: Returning the original silver plus a new payment demonstrates integrity and good faith.
3. Benjamin: The ultimate concession.
El Shaddai: Jacob invokes the name "God Almighty," the name associated with covenant promises, fruitfulness, and power, especially in times of great trial (Gen 17:1, 28:3). He is casting his family on God's sovereign power and mercy.
"If I am bereaved, I am bereaved.": A statement of profound grief, faith, and resignation. It is not fatalistic despair but a relinquishment of control to God. He has done all he can do and now rests the outcome in God's hands.

Bible references

Esth 4:16: "Then I will go to the king... And if I perish, I perish." (Esther's similar statement of faith and surrender)
Gen 37:25: "...a caravan of Ishmaelites... carrying gum, balm, and myrrh..." (The haunting echo of their past sin)
Gen 17:1: "I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before me, and be blameless." (God's self-revelation to Abraham)

Cross references

Gen 32:20 (Jacob using gifts to appease Esau); Prov 18:16 (A gift opens the way); 2 Cor 9:7 (God loves a cheerful giver, contrast with Jacob's heavy heart); Job 1:21 (The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away).

Genesis 43:15-18

So the men took this present, and they took double the money with them, and Benjamin. They arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.”... But the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house, and they said, “It is because of the money that was replaced in our sacks... he will assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys.”

In-depth-analysis

Unmerited Favor: Joseph’s immediate response is not interrogation but an invitation to dine. This is an act of grace, but the brothers cannot comprehend it.
Guilty Conscience: Their fear stems entirely from their guilty consciences. They expect retribution for the money, interpreting an act of provision (from Joseph/God) as a trap.
Fear of Slavery: Their fear of being made servants is deeply ironic. They sold their own brother into servitude, and now they fear suffering the same fate. Their sin is finding them out in their own minds.

Bible references

Prov 28:1: "The wicked flee when no one pursues..." (A guilty conscience creates its own terror)
Rom 8:15: "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption..." (Contrast between fear and the grace of God)

Cross references

Gen 50:15 (Brothers' fear after Jacob's death); Lev 26:36 (The sound of a driven leaf will chase them); 1 Joh 4:18 (Perfect love casts out fear).

Genesis 43:19-23

So they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house and spoke with him at the entrance of the house... “...we found our money... so we have brought it back... And we have brought other money down...” He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I have your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.

In-depth-analysis

Preemptive Confession: Their rushed explanation to the steward at the door shows their panic.
The Steward's Theology: The steward's response is astounding. He, an Egyptian, attributes the "treasure" to "Your God and the God of your father." This is the first verbal confirmation of God's providence in the matter. It shows that Joseph has been a powerful witness in his household.
First Word of Grace: "Peace to you, do not be afraid" (shalom lakem, al-tira'u) are the first words of comfort they receive. They are meant to assuage their fears, but the brothers are likely too bewildered to fully grasp it.
Simeon's Release: The freeing of Simeon is a tangible sign of goodwill and a fulfillment of Joseph's earlier promise.

Polemics

Some scholars debate whether the steward was a convert to Yahweh or simply using the language of the Hebrews to calm them, as was common diplomatic practice. However, the specificity—"your God and the God of your father"—suggests a deeper understanding learned from Joseph, a testimony to Joseph's faithfulness in a pagan land (similar to Daniel in Babylon).

Cross references

Gen 39:3-4 (The LORD was with Joseph, and he found favor in the sight of his master); Dan 2:47 (Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges Daniel's God).

Genesis 43:24-28

And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet, and he gave their donkeys fodder. They prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there. When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present... and bowed themselves to the ground before him... He asked them of their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They answered, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves.

In-depth-analysis

Hospitality: Washing the feet was a common, gracious act of hospitality for weary travelers, yet another sign of honor that confused them.
Dreams Fulfilled (Again): The brothers bow (wayyishtachu) to Joseph, once again fulfilling his youthful dreams (Gen 37:7-9). Their humility, born of fear and desperation, is a stark contrast to their former arrogance.
Concern for Jacob: Joseph's first question is about his father, revealing his deep, abiding love and longing. He respectfully calls him "the old man of whom you spoke."
"Your Servant": The brothers call their father Jacob "your servant," a term of deference that elevates Joseph to the status of a king and fulfills the prophecy that the elder would serve the younger.

Bible references

Gen 37:7: "my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf." (Fulfillment of Joseph's first dream)
Gen 18:4: "Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree." (Abraham's hospitality to the Lord's messengers)

Cross references

1 Sam 25:23-24 (Abigail bowing to David); Lk 7:44 (Jesus on foot washing); Phil 2:10 (Every knee should bow).

Genesis 43:29-31

And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you told me?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself, he said, “Serve the food.”

In-depth-analysis

"His Mother's Son": This specific description highlights the unique bond between Joseph and Benjamin as the only two sons of Rachel. This is the emotional core of the reunion.
Overwhelming Compassion: Joseph’s compassion (racham, from the Hebrew for "womb") for Benjamin becomes overwhelming. He cannot maintain his disguise.
Controlled Emotion: Joseph’s need to retreat, weep, wash his face, and then regain his composure demonstrates incredible self-control. He is not toying with his brothers cruelly; he is managing an intensely emotional test that costs him dearly.
The blessing "God be gracious to you, my son" is a paternal, loving address, a glimpse of his true heart slipping through the facade.

Bible references

Gen 42:24: "He turned away from them and wept. Then he returned to them and spoke to them..." (Joseph's earlier emotional moment)
Joh 11:35: "Jesus wept." (Christ's similar display of deep compassion and emotion)
1 Kgs 3:26: "...her heart yearned for her son..." (The same Hebrew word for compassion used for the true mother).

Genesis 43:32

They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.

In-depth-analysis

Cultural Segregation: This verse is a key cultural insight. The Egyptians practiced ritual and social segregation, viewing foreigners (especially shepherds, see Gen 46:34) as unclean.
Maintaining the Disguise: The separate seating maintains Joseph’s Egyptian persona perfectly. It also serves to isolate the brothers, focusing all their attention on the events at their table.
The three tables emphasize the social chasm: Joseph (the ruler), the Egyptians (his people), and the Hebrews (the foreign petitioners).

Polemics

This verse has been used to argue against the historicity of the narrative, but Egyptian records do confirm a strong sense of xenophobia and a belief in their own cultural and ritual superiority. Eating with foreigners could be seen as religiously defiling. This detail lends authenticity to the account.

Bible references

Gen 46:34: "...for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians." (The specific reason for Egyptian disdain)
Acts 10:28: "And he said to them, 'You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation...'" (Later Jewish separation practices)

Cross references

Ezra 9:1-2 (Prohibition against intermingling); Gal 2:12 (Peter separating from Gentiles).

Genesis 43:33-34

And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. He sent portions to them from his own table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.

In-depth-analysis

The Seating Test: Arranging the brothers in precise birth order was humanly impossible for a stranger to know. This "miracle" would have stunned and unnerved them, suggesting this ruler had supernatural insight. It further convinced them they were dealing with no ordinary man.
The Favoritism Test: Benjamin receives a portion five times larger than the others, a sign of great honor. This is the critical test. It directly mirrors the favoritism (the coat) that sparked their murderous jealousy toward Joseph years ago.
Passing the Test: Instead of becoming jealous, "they drank and were merry with him." They celebrate Benjamin's honor rather than resenting it. This proves their hearts have changed. Their transformation is real. They no longer despise the favored son of their father.

Polemics

The significance of "five times" is debated. It may have been a customary portion of honor in Egypt. In the Bible, the number five is sometimes associated with grace or divine provision (e.g., five loaves for 5,000, David's five smooth stones). Whatever the specific meaning, its purpose in the narrative is to be an unambiguous display of favoritism for the sake of the test.

Bible references

Gen 37:3-4: "...he made him a robe of many colors... But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more... they hated him..." (The original cause of sin being re-enacted)
1 Sam 9:23-24: (Samuel gives Saul the choice portion of meat as a sign of honor.)

Cross references

2 Sam 11:8 (David sending a portion from his table); Esth 2:9 (Portions for Esther); Lk 15:23-24 (The prodigal son's celebratory feast).

Genesis chapter 43 analysis

The Surety as a Type of Christ: Judah’s transformation from the callous slave-trader (Gen 37) to the self-sacrificing surety for Benjamin (Gen 43:9) is one of the most significant character developments in Genesis. His willingness to "bear the blame forever" establishes him as a leader and prefigures his tribe's royal destiny (Gen 49:10). More importantly, his role as a guarantor who pledges his life for another is a direct picture of Jesus Christ, who became the "guarantor of a better covenant" (Heb 7:22) by bearing our sin.
The Test of Repentance: Joseph is not being cruel; he is a wise administrator of a divine test. He recreates the environment of his youth—blatant favoritism towards Rachel's other son—to see if the brothers' repentance is genuine. Their joyous feasting with Benjamin, rather than envious rage, is the proof Joseph needs before he can reveal himself and restore the family.
Providence in Action: God's unseen hand orchestrates every event: the severity of the famine, Jacob's ultimate surrender, the steward’s God-honoring words of peace, and the "magical" seating arrangement. The brothers feel they are at the mercy of a capricious Egyptian ruler, but they are actually being guided through a divine process of discipline and reconciliation.
The Glimpse of the Gospel in Genesis:
1. Sin's Consequence: Famine and fear are the consequences of the brothers' past sin.
2. Repentance: Judah's change of heart and pledge.
3. Grace: The unmerited invitation to the feast, the steward's calming words.
4. Substitution: Judah's pledge to stand in for Benjamin.
5. Reconciliation: The feast itself is the first step, where they are "merry with him," overcoming the jealousy that once tore them apart.

Genesis 43 summary

Faced with starvation, Jacob reluctantly allows his sons to take Benjamin to Egypt, with Judah pledging his own life for his brother's safety. In Egypt, the brothers are terrified when they are unexpectedly invited to Joseph's house for a meal. Joseph, overcome with emotion at seeing Benjamin, orchestrates a feast where he tests his brothers by seating them in birth order and giving Benjamin a five-fold portion of food. Their joyful response, instead of the jealousy of their youth, proves their hearts have changed, clearing the path for the family’s restoration.

Genesis 42 AI Genesis 44 AI

Genesis 43 AI Image Audio and Video

Genesis chapter 43 kjv

¹ And the famine was sore in the land.
² And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food.
³ And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.
⁴ If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food:
⁵ But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.
⁶ And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother?
⁷ And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?
⁸ And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones.
⁹ I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:
¹⁰ For except we had lingered, surely now we had returned this second time.
¹¹ And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
¹² And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight:
¹³ Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man:
¹⁴ And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
¹⁵ And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.
¹⁶ And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.
¹⁷ And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph's house.
¹⁸ And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.
¹⁹ And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,
²⁰ And said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food:
²¹ And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.
²² And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks.
²³ And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.
²⁴ And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.
²⁵ And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.
²⁶ And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth.
²⁷ And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?
²⁸ And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.
²⁹ And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.
³⁰ And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.
³¹ And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.
³² And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
³³ And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marveled one at another.
³⁴ And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.

Genesis chapter 43 nkjv

¹ Now the famine was severe in the land.
² And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, "Go back, buy us a little food."
³ But Judah spoke to him, saying, "The man solemnly warned us, saying, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.'
⁴ If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food.
⁵ But if you will not send him, we will not go down; for the man said to us, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.' "
⁶ And Israel said, "Why did you deal so wrongfully with me as to tell the man whether you had still another brother?"
⁷ But they said, "The man asked us pointedly about ourselves and our family, saying, 'Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?' And we told him according to these words. Could we possibly have known that he would say, 'Bring your brother down'?"
⁸ Then Judah said to Israel his father, "Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones.
⁹ I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.
¹⁰ For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time."
¹¹ And their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man?a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.
¹² Take double money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight.
¹³ Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man.
¹⁴ And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!"
¹⁵ So the men took that present and Benjamin, and they took double money in their hand, and arose and went down to Egypt; and they stood before Joseph.
¹⁶ When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, "Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon."
¹⁷ Then the man did as Joseph ordered, and the man brought the men into Joseph's house.
¹⁸ Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, "It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys."
¹⁹ When they drew near to the steward of Joseph's house, they talked with him at the door of the house,
²⁰ and said, "O sir, we indeed came down the first time to buy food;
²¹ but it happened, when we came to the encampment, that we opened our sacks, and there, each man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight; so we have brought it back in our hand.
²² And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks."
²³ But he said, "Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money." Then he brought Simeon out to them.
²⁴ So the man brought the men into Joseph's house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed.
²⁵ Then they made the present ready for Joseph's coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there.
²⁶ And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth.
²⁷ Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?"
²⁸ And they answered, "Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive." And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves.
²⁹ Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, "Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?" And he said, "God be gracious to you, my son."
³⁰ Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there.
³¹ Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, "Serve the bread."
³² So they set him a place by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.
³³ And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked in astonishment at one another.
³⁴ Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin's serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.

Genesis chapter 43 niv

¹ Now the famine was still severe in the land.
² So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, "Go back and buy us a little more food."
³ But Judah said to him, "The man warned us solemnly, 'You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.'
⁴ If you will send our brother along with us, we will go down and buy food for you.
⁵ But if you will not send him, we will not go down, because the man said to us, 'You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.'?"
⁶ Israel asked, "Why did you bring this trouble on me by telling the man you had another brother?"
⁷ They replied, "The man questioned us closely about ourselves and our family. 'Is your father still living?' he asked us. 'Do you have another brother?' We simply answered his questions. How were we to know he would say, 'Bring your brother down here'?"
⁸ Then Judah said to Israel his father, "Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our children may live and not die.
⁹ I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life.
¹⁰ As it is, if we had not delayed, we could have gone and returned twice."
¹¹ Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift?a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.
¹² Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake.
¹³ Take your brother also and go back to the man at once.
¹⁴ And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved."
¹⁵ So the men took the gifts and double the amount of silver, and Benjamin also. They hurried down to Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph.
¹⁶ When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, "Take these men to my house, slaughter an animal and prepare a meal; they are to eat with me at noon."
¹⁷ The man did as Joseph told him and took the men to Joseph's house.
¹⁸ Now the men were frightened when they were taken to his house. They thought, "We were brought here because of the silver that was put back into our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our donkeys."
¹⁹ So they went up to Joseph's steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house.
²⁰ "We beg your pardon, our lord," they said, "we came down here the first time to buy food.
²¹ But at the place where we stopped for the night we opened our sacks and each of us found his silver?the exact weight?in the mouth of his sack. So we have brought it back with us.
²² We have also brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don't know who put our silver in our sacks."
²³ "It's all right," he said. "Don't be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver." Then he brought Simeon out to them.
²⁴ The steward took the men into Joseph's house, gave them water to wash their feet and provided fodder for their donkeys.
²⁵ They prepared their gifts for Joseph's arrival at noon, because they had heard that they were to eat there.
²⁶ When Joseph came home, they presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before him to the ground.
²⁷ He asked them how they were, and then he said, "How is your aged father you told me about? Is he still living?"
²⁸ They replied, "Your servant our father is still alive and well." And they bowed down, prostrating themselves before him.
²⁹ As he looked about and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother's son, he asked, "Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?" And he said, "God be gracious to you, my son."
³⁰ Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there.
³¹ After he had washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, "Serve the food."
³² They served him by himself, the brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, for that is detestable to Egyptians.
³³ The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment.
³⁴ When portions were served to them from Joseph's table, Benjamin's portion was five times as much as anyone else's. So they feasted and drank freely with him.

Genesis chapter 43 esv

¹ Now the famine was severe in the land.
² And when they had eaten the grain that they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, "Go again, buy us a little food."
³ But Judah said to him, "The man solemnly warned us, saying, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.'
⁴ If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food.
⁵ But if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, 'You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.'"
⁶ Israel said, "Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?"
⁷ They replied, "The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, 'Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?' What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, 'Bring your brother down'?"
⁸ And Judah said to Israel his father, "Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones.
⁹ I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.
¹⁰ If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice."
¹¹ Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds.
¹² Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight.
¹³ Take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man.
¹⁴ May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, and may he send back your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved."
¹⁵ So the men took this present, and they took double the money with them, and Benjamin. They arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph.
¹⁶ When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, "Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon."
¹⁷ The man did as Joseph told him and brought the men to Joseph's house.
¹⁸ And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph's house, and they said, "It is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys."
¹⁹ So they went up to the steward of Joseph's house and spoke with him at the door of the house,
²⁰ and said, "Oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food.
²¹ And when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each man's money in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it again with us,
²² and we have brought other money down with us to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks."
²³ He replied, "Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money." Then he brought Simeon out to them.
²⁴ And when the man had brought the men into Joseph's house and given them water, and they had washed their feet, and when he had given their donkeys fodder,
²⁵ they prepared the present for Joseph's coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.
²⁶ When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground.
²⁷ And he inquired about their welfare and said, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?"
²⁸ They said, "Your servant our father is well; he is still alive." And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves.
²⁹ And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, "Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!"
³⁰ Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there.
³¹ Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, "Serve the food."
³² They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.
³³ And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement.
³⁴ Portions were taken to them from Joseph's table, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.

Genesis chapter 43 nlt

¹ But the famine continued to ravage the land of Canaan.
² When the grain they had brought from Egypt was almost gone, Jacob said to his sons, "Go back and buy us a little more food."
³ But Judah said, "The man was serious when he warned us, 'You won't see my face again unless your brother is with you.'
⁴ If you send Benjamin with us, we will go down and buy more food.
⁵ But if you don't let Benjamin go, we won't go either. Remember, the man said, 'You won't see my face again unless your brother is with you.'"
⁶ "Why were you so cruel to me?" Jacob moaned. "Why did you tell him you had another brother?"
⁷ "The man kept asking us questions about our family," they replied. "He asked, 'Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?' So we answered his questions. How could we know he would say, 'Bring your brother down here'?"
⁸ Judah said to his father, "Send the boy with me, and we will be on our way. Otherwise we will all die of starvation ? and not only we, but you and our little ones.
⁹ I personally guarantee his safety. You may hold me responsible if I don't bring him back to you. Then let me bear the blame forever.
¹⁰ If we hadn't wasted all this time, we could have gone and returned twice by now."
¹¹ So their father, Jacob, finally said to them, "If it can't be avoided, then at least do this. Pack your bags with the best products of this land. Take them down to the man as gifts ? balm, honey, gum, aromatic resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds.
¹² Also take double the money that was put back in your sacks, as it was probably someone's mistake.
¹³ Then take your brother, and go back to the man.
¹⁴ May God Almighty give you mercy as you go before the man, so that he will release Simeon and let Benjamin return. But if I must lose my children, so be it."
¹⁵ So the men packed Jacob's gifts and double the money and headed off with Benjamin. They finally arrived in Egypt and presented themselves to Joseph.
¹⁶ When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the manager of his household, "These men will eat with me this noon. Take them inside the palace. Then go slaughter an animal, and prepare a big feast."
¹⁷ So the man did as Joseph told him and took them into Joseph's palace.
¹⁸ The brothers were terrified when they saw that they were being taken into Joseph's house. "It's because of the money someone put in our sacks last time we were here," they said. "He plans to pretend that we stole it. Then he will seize us, make us slaves, and take our donkeys."
¹⁹ The brothers approached the manager of Joseph's household and spoke to him at the entrance to the palace.
²⁰ "Sir," they said, "we came to Egypt once before to buy food.
²¹ But as we were returning home, we stopped for the night and opened our sacks. Then we discovered that each man's money ? the exact amount paid ? was in the top of his sack! Here it is; we have brought it back with us.
²² We also have additional money to buy more food. We have no idea who put our money in our sacks."
²³ "Relax. Don't be afraid," the household manager told them. "Your God, the God of your father, must have put this treasure into your sacks. I know I received your payment." Then he released Simeon and brought him out to them.
²⁴ The manager then led the men into Joseph's palace. He gave them water to wash their feet and provided food for their donkeys.
²⁵ They were told they would be eating there, so they prepared their gifts for Joseph's arrival at noon.
²⁶ When Joseph came home, they gave him the gifts they had brought him, then bowed low to the ground before him.
²⁷ After greeting them, he asked, "How is your father, the old man you spoke about? Is he still alive?"
²⁸ "Yes," they replied. "Our father, your servant, is alive and well." And they bowed low again.
²⁹ Then Joseph looked at his brother Benjamin, the son of his own mother. "Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?" Joseph asked. "May God be gracious to you, my son."
³⁰ Then Joseph hurried from the room because he was overcome with emotion for his brother. He went into his private room, where he broke down and wept.
³¹ After washing his face, he came back out, keeping himself under control. Then he ordered, "Bring out the food!"
³² The waiters served Joseph at his own table, and his brothers were served at a separate table. The Egyptians who ate with Joseph sat at their own table, because Egyptians despise Hebrews and refuse to eat with them.
³³ Joseph told each of his brothers where to sit, and to their amazement, he seated them according to age, from oldest to youngest.
³⁴ And Joseph filled their plates with food from his own table, giving Benjamin five times as much as he gave the others. So they feasted and drank freely with him.