Genesis 43:11 kjv

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:

Genesis 43:11 nkjv

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.

Genesis 43:11 niv

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.

Genesis 43:11 esv

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.

Genesis 43:11 nlt

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.

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 11 Meaning

Genesis 43:11 depicts Jacob's instruction to his sons as they prepare for a second journey to Egypt during a severe famine. Having learned that the Egyptian viceroy (Joseph) requires Benjamin to be brought and that he must appease the viceroy's demands, Jacob, moved by the desperate circumstances, instructs his sons to take "the best fruits of the land" as a gift. This gift, consisting of specific valuable commodities such as balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds, serves a twofold purpose: to appease the powerful Egyptian ruler, potentially softening his stance and overcoming the earlier accusation of being spies, and to show respect and earnestness in their plea for more food and for the release of their brother Simeon. It reflects both a practical attempt to navigate a difficult situation and an act of humility and appeasement in the face of perceived authority and need.

Genesis 43 11 Context

Genesis chapter 43 follows the dramatic events of the first journey to Egypt, where Joseph, unrecognizable to his brothers, tested them by accusing them of being spies, imprisoning Simeon, and demanding they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, back with them. A severe famine gripped Canaan, and the grain from the first journey was nearly exhausted. Jacob, still grieving for Joseph (whom he believed was dead) and protective of Benjamin (Rachel's only other son), adamantly refused to send Benjamin. However, the escalating famine forces his hand, and Judah eventually pledges his own life as collateral for Benjamin's safe return. This verse occurs immediately after Judah's convincing argument, showing Jacob's desperate and final concession, coupled with a strategic move to soften the powerful Egyptian's disposition. The gifts are an attempt to influence the situation humanly, while Jacob also commits to trust in God's mercy (Gen 43:14).

Genesis 43 11 Word analysis

• Then (וַיֹּאמֶר, vayyomer, "And he said"): Connects the action to the previous narrative flow, signifying Jacob's response after Judah's appeal.
• their father Israel (אָבִיהֶם יִשְׂרָאֵל, avihem Yisrael): "Israel" is used here, denoting Jacob's spiritual name and representing his elevated status and relationship with God, suggesting his wisdom in this decision despite his deep distress. This emphasizes the gravity of the decision from a divinely appointed leader.
• said (וַיֹּאמֶר, vayyomer): Introduces direct speech, highlighting the authority and seriousness of Jacob's instructions.
• to them (אֲלֵהֶם, alehem): Directed specifically to his sons, setting the stage for their mission.
• If it must be so, then do this: (אִם־כֵּן אֵפוֹא עֲשׂוּ זֹאת, im-ken efo asu zot): Reveals Jacob's reluctance and resignation ("If it must be so") but also his firm instruction ("then do this"), indicating a pivot from despair to action.
• take (קְחוּ, qehu): An imperative verb, a direct command.
• from the best fruits (מִזְמְרַת, mizimrat, "from the song/choicest part of the land"): Implies "the choicest" or "what the land produces of value." This phrase emphasizes quality and what is worthy of presentation.
• of the land (הָאָרֶץ, ha'aretz): Specifically refers to the land of Canaan, differentiating its produce from that of Egypt.
• in your vessels (בִּכְלֵיכֶם, bikhleikhem): Refers to the containers they carried for provisions.
• and carry down (וְהוֹרִידוּ, vehoridu): Direct instruction for their journey.
• a present (מִנְחָה, minchah): This term frequently means an offering or a tribute, often given to superiors. It signifies appeasement, respect, or a token of submission. It's the same term used for Cain and Abel's offerings.
• for the man (לָאִישׁ, la'ish): Refers to the viceroy, Joseph, emphasizing his powerful individual status.
• A little balm (מְעַט צֹרִי, me'at tsori): "Balm" (צֳרִי, tsori from Gilead) was a valued aromatic resin, often used for medicinal purposes (e.g., Jer 8:22) or perfumes. "A little" suggests the preciousness or small quantity they possessed due to the famine.
• and a little honey (וּמְעַט דְּבַשׁ, u'me'at devash): Honey was a highly valued commodity and a symbol of abundance and blessing in the Promised Land.
• spices (נְכֹאת, nekha'ot): Refers to aromatic gum, perhaps tragacanth or labdanum. Valued for perfumes and incense.
• and myrrh (וָלוֹט, valot): A resinous exudate from certain plants, used as an embalming agent, perfume, or medicine. These items often feature in valuable trade goods (Gen 37:25).
• pistachio nuts (בָּטְנִים, botnim): A type of nut tree native to the Near East, highly prized.
• and almonds (וּשְׁקֵדִים, u'shqedim): Almonds, too, were a valuable and desired commodity. These two nuts represent the rich agricultural produce of Canaan.

Genesis 43 11 Bonus section

The items listed as gifts (balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, almonds) highlight the economic and botanical distinctiveness of Canaan. These were premium goods, some with medicinal or aromatic properties, indicating their high value for trade and as luxury items. Their inclusion suggests Jacob is putting forward a serious, culturally appropriate gesture of honor and appeasement, far beyond a simple exchange for food. This choice of gifts underlines the importance of quality and appropriateness in offerings and dealings, a principle woven throughout the Bible concerning sacrifices and interpersonal relationships. The act of bringing a present to a powerful foreign ruler also indirectly counters any lingering accusations of the brothers being "spies," as genuine tribute-bearers would not typically be spies. It signals a shift from desperation to a hopeful, strategic attempt to rectify a dire situation.

Genesis 43 11 Commentary

Genesis 43:11 showcases Jacob's profound shift from resolute refusal to pragmatic action. Driven by the unrelenting famine and Judah's persuasive plea, he devises a plan that blends human wisdom with a measure of faith. The instruction to take "the best fruits of the land" as a "present" for the powerful Egyptian reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of gift-giving to honor, to seek favor, to atone, or to open a path for negotiation. It's a strategic move to assuage the viceroy's perceived anger and secure mercy, moving beyond mere payment for food to an act of submission and conciliation. The specific items listed – balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds – are not random; they represent luxury items, valued produce of Canaan that would be rare in Egypt, signaling the high esteem and seriousness with which the brothers approach the viceroy. These items were not common staples but specialty goods, showcasing the unique bounty of their land and demonstrating their willingness to give something truly valuable. This act of giving foreshadows the reconciliation and grace that await them, reminding us that humility and strategic benevolence can pave the way for breakthrough, especially when coupled with earnest trust in divine providence, as seen in Jacob's accompanying prayer in verse 14.