Genesis 43:16 kjv

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.

Genesis 43:16 nkjv

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."

Genesis 43:16 niv

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."

Genesis 43:16 esv

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."

Genesis 43:16 nlt

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."

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 16 Meaning

Genesis 43:16 describes Joseph's immediate reaction upon seeing his full brother Benjamin with his other brothers. He commanded his house steward to bring them into his house, prepare a substantial meal, and ensure they would eat with him at noon. This act signals a significant turning point in the unfolding narrative of Joseph and his brothers, moving from indirect interaction to a direct and personal encounter. Joseph's instruction for a meal signifies hospitality, a desired re-establishment of fellowship, and is part of his larger, concealed plan for his family.

Genesis 43 16 Context

Genesis chapter 43 follows the deeply emotional plea of Judah to Jacob, urging him to allow Benjamin to accompany his brothers back to Egypt to fulfill the unknown Egyptian governor's demand. Without Benjamin, they could not purchase food and would starve. Jacob, after initial intense resistance and mourning over Joseph's assumed death, relents, recognizing the dire necessity and trusting in God's mercy. They arrive in Egypt with double the money and a gift for the governor. Genesis 43:16 specifically details the moment Joseph sees Benjamin, his full brother by Rachel, for the first time since he was sold into slavery. Joseph’s subsequent actions in this verse initiate a crucial phase of their interaction, transitioning from official decree to intimate, familial connection through shared meals.

Historically, in the Ancient Near East, sharing a meal was a deeply significant act. It symbolized trust, friendship, reconciliation, and established a bond that implied a shared future. Offering a feast, especially to strangers, was the highest form of hospitality and was often a prelude to significant discussion, negotiation, or relationship building.

Genesis 43 16 Word analysis

• When Joseph (וַיַּרְא יוֹסֵף - vayyar' Yosef):

  • vayyar': Hebrew imperfect consecutive, "and he saw." Implies immediate action upon seeing Benjamin.
  • Yosef: Joseph, the powerful governor of Egypt, yet still emotionally bound to his family. This seeing is profoundly personal and affects his subsequent actions. He maintained a strong internal world of family affections despite his high office and long separation.

• saw Benjamin (אֶת־בִּנְיָמִן - et-Binyamin):

  • Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִן - Binyamin): "Son of the right hand" or "Son of the South." He was Joseph's only full brother, the youngest and most precious to Jacob. His presence fulfilled Joseph's earlier condition and signaled the potential for true family reconciliation. His name's significance points to strength and Jacob's special affection.

• with them, (אִתָּם - ittām):

  • ittām: "with them" or "along with them." Benjamin was indeed accompanied by the other brothers, confirming their words.

• he said to the steward of his house, (וַיֹּאמֶר לַאֲשֶׁר עַל־בֵּיתוֹ - vayyomer la'asher al-beitō):

  • vayyomer: "and he said." Another imperfect consecutive, emphasizing his immediate verbal command.
  • asher al-beitō: "he who was over his house," referring to his chief steward or household manager. This individual would be of high authority and trust, responsible for Joseph's entire household affairs. The command given is weighty, indicating a major event.

• "Bring these men to the house, (הָבֵא אֶת־הָאֲנָשִׁים הַבַּיְתָה - havei et-ha'anashim habbaytah):

  • havei: Imperative, "bring." A direct and urgent command.
  • ha'anashim: "the men." Referring to his brothers.
  • habbaytah: "to the house." Joseph's personal residence, not merely the governmental receiving area. This elevates the meeting from official business to personal hospitality.

• and slaughter an animal and make ready, (וּטְבֹחַ טֶבַח וְהָכֵן - uṭəboach tevaḥ vehakhen):

  • uṭəboach tevaḥ: "and slaughter a slaughter." The doubling of the root (verb and noun) emphasizes the action; literally "to slaughter a slaughtering," meaning to make a significant kill, typically for a large feast. It implies the preparation of abundant and quality meat.
  • vehakhen: "and make ready" or "prepare." Indicating detailed preparation beyond mere slaughter, for a grand meal.

• for these men are to eat with me at noon." (כִּי אִתִּי יֹאכְלוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים בַּצָּהֳרָיִם - ki itti yokhlu ha'anashim batstsohorayim):

  • ki: "for" or "because." Introduces the reason for the lavish preparations.
  • itti yokhlu: "with me they will eat." Emphasizes Joseph's personal desire to share a meal with them, a gesture of intimacy and trust. In ancient cultures, eating together sealed bonds and signified fellowship.
  • ha'anashim: "the men." Again, referring to his brothers.
  • batstsohorayim: "at the noon," "at midday," or "at the brightest part of the day." This specifies a set time for the main meal, indicating a formal, planned occasion, not a casual stop. It also could imply a significant event unfolding during the most visible part of the day.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "When Joseph saw Benjamin with them...": This phrase captures the immediate emotional catalyst. Joseph's hidden strategy begins to shift, fueled by the sight of his long-lost brother. It highlights the deeply personal nature of this narrative, far beyond a simple administrative task.
  • "...he said to the steward of his house, 'Bring these men to the house...'": This shows Joseph leveraging his position of authority to arrange a private, intimate meeting. His command is authoritative yet driven by deeply personal motivations, illustrating his complete control over the situation and his intent to extend hospitality on a grand scale.
  • "...slaughter an animal and make ready, for these men are to eat with me at noon.": This reveals the extraordinary level of hospitality intended. A substantial feast signals honor, welcome, and a desire to form a strong bond. The specified time of "noon" indicates a pre-meditated event, a deliberate step in Joseph's plan to interact personally with his brothers and further test or reconcile with them. This prepared meal goes beyond sustenance, symbolizing fellowship and future reconciliation.

Genesis 43 16 Bonus section

• The detail of "at noon" (צָהֳרַיִם - tzahorayim) is interesting. It literally refers to the brightest part of the day. Main meals in ancient Egypt often occurred later in the day. Scheduling it precisely at noon suggests a planned and significant event, implying Joseph's specific intention to deal with them in the full light of day, or simply a convenient time in his schedule for an important engagement.
• Joseph's strategic actions throughout these chapters, culminating in this verse, exemplify divine providence. While Joseph is orchestrating events, he understands that a greater purpose is unfolding through his life and his family's trials, aiming towards the preservation of a remnant (Gen 45:5, Gen 50:20).
• The lavish preparations hint at Joseph's status and wealth, contrasting sharply with his brothers' former desperate hunger. This stark difference underscores God's elevation of Joseph from slave to a position of power, enabling him to fulfill his God-given purpose of saving his family.

Genesis 43 16 Commentary

Genesis 43:16 is a pivotal verse, signaling a significant shift in Joseph's intricate dealings with his brothers. Up to this point, Joseph had maintained a detached, official persona, using the famine crisis as an opportunity to orchestrate a profound test of his family's character, particularly their change of heart concerning their younger brother. The immediate command to his steward upon seeing Benjamin reveals a deeply emotional and premeditated plan finally set in motion.

Joseph's decision to bring his brothers to his private house for a meal, rather than continue discussions in an official setting, speaks volumes. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was more than sustenance; it was an act of profound hospitality, establishing trust, kinship, and often a prelude to covenant or significant dialogue. The command to "slaughter an animal and make ready" for a meal at "noon" signifies a feast, not merely a modest meal. This suggests lavish preparation, honor, and a special occasion.

This moment reflects Joseph's underlying affection and sorrow for his family, despite his stern facade. His actions are not solely about testing their integrity (which will continue in the next chapter) but also about discerning whether their hearts have changed, especially regarding Benjamin, the last tangible link to his mother, Rachel, and his cherished past. His intention to eat with them emphasizes a desire for fellowship and reunion, even while he maintains his disguise. Joseph is moving them from the position of humble supplicants to honored guests, albeit guests he intends to examine closely. The careful staging of this meal highlights Joseph's shrewdness, patience, and his faith that God is working out His redemptive plan through these very family dynamics.