Genesis 43:17 kjv

And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph's house.

Genesis 43:17 nkjv

Then the man did as Joseph ordered, and the man brought the men into Joseph's house.

Genesis 43:17 niv

The man did as Joseph told him and took the men to Joseph's house.

Genesis 43:17 esv

The man did as Joseph told him and brought the men to Joseph's house.

Genesis 43:17 nlt

So the man did as Joseph told him and took them into Joseph's palace.

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 17 Meaning

Genesis 43:17 details the immediate and dutiful execution of Joseph's command by his household steward, who brought Joseph's brothers into the privacy of his home. It records the provision of standard ancient Near Eastern hospitality—water for foot washing to refresh them after their journey and fodder for their donkeys—setting the scene for the significant meal and encounter to follow. This act of care, initiated by Joseph, begins to alleviate the brothers' apprehension, yet simultaneously deepens the mystery of the Egyptian ruler's intentions.

Genesis 43 17 Context

Genesis chapter 43 resumes the brothers' second journey to Egypt from Canaan, now including Benjamin, as instructed by their father Jacob. Famine had compelled them to return to buy more grain, and Joseph, still unrecognized by them as the Egyptian viceroy, had demanded Benjamin be brought before he would release more food or return their silver. Their arrival with Benjamin in verse 15 fulfills Joseph's demand from chapter 42. Following this, Joseph observes Benjamin, orders his steward (the "man" in this verse) to bring all the brothers to his house for a midday meal, and gives specific instructions in verse 16 to "slaughter an animal and make ready." Verse 17 depicts the steward's immediate compliance with Joseph's command, demonstrating both Joseph's immense authority and the initial steps of elaborate hospitality which would confuse and frighten the brothers even further. Historically and culturally, inviting someone into one's private home for a meal, especially with a high-ranking official, signified significant honor and trust.

Genesis 43 17 Word analysis

• So the man (וַיָּבֵא הָאִישׁ - va-ya-ve ha-ish):

  • וַיָּבֵא (va-ya-ve): Hip‘hil form of the verb "bo" (בּוֹא), meaning "to cause to come, bring in." This signifies an active bringing in, not merely allowing entrance. The "waw-consecutive" indicates immediate sequence to the previous verse.
  • הָאִישׁ (ha-ish): "The man." This refers specifically to Joseph's steward or chief servant, first mentioned in Gen 43:16. His immediate action highlights the decisive authority of Joseph and the prompt obedience of his subordinates in a hierarchical Egyptian household.

• brought the men (אֶת־הָאֲנָשִׁים - et-ha-anashim):

  • אֶת־ (et): A direct object marker.
  • הָאֲנָשִׁים (ha-anashim): "The men." This refers to the eleven brothers of Joseph (Jacob's ten elder sons and Benjamin), who are currently in a precarious position, fearing being arrested or enslaved.

• into Joseph’s house (בֵּיתָה יוֹסֵף - beitah Yosef):

  • בֵּיתָה (beitah): "Into the house of." The feminine ending "-ah" often denotes direction "to/into." This is not a general guest chamber or public reception area, but Joseph's private residence, which adds to the unusual and high-honor nature of the invitation, deepening the brothers' confusion. A "house" (bayit) in the ancient Near East was the center of family life and often included the household staff and possessions.

• and provided water (וַיִּתֶּן־מַיִם - vayit-ten-mayim):

  • וַיִּתֶּן (vayit-ten): "And he gave." Waw-consecutive again indicates immediate, consecutive action. The singular "he" refers to the steward.
  • מַיִם (mayim): "Water." Essential for travelers in a hot, dusty land, signifying basic, but profound, hospitality.

• and they washed their feet (וַיִּרְחֲצוּ רַגְלֵיהֶם - vayir-cha-tzu rag-le-hem):

  • וַיִּרְחֲצוּ (vayir-cha-tzu): "And they washed." Plural verb indicating the brothers themselves performed this action, perhaps facilitated by the water provided by the steward or his servants.
  • רַגְלֵיהֶם (rag-le-hem): "Their feet." Feet would be incredibly dusty from travel by foot and donkey, making foot washing a critical act of comfort and hygiene before rest or a meal. This customary act signals a transition from travel to a state of rest and readiness for a social interaction.

• and he gave fodder (וַיִּתֵּן מִסְפּוֹא - vayit-ten mispo):

  • וַיִּתֵּן (vayit-ten): "And he gave." Again, the steward's action.
  • מִסְפּוֹא (mispô): "Fodder, provisions for animals." This specifically refers to animal feed like hay, straw, or cut greens.

• to their donkeys (לַחֲמוֹרֵיהֶם׃ - la-cha-mo-rei-hem):

  • לַחֲמוֹרֵיהֶם (la-cha-mo-rei-hem): "For their donkeys." Donkeys were common pack and riding animals, essential for trade and travel. Caring for a traveler's animals was an extension of complete hospitality in the ancient Near East, demonstrating thoroughness in welcome.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "So the man brought the men into Joseph’s house": This phrase highlights the steward's prompt obedience to Joseph's command, bringing the apprehensive brothers into the most intimate space of the Egyptian ruler's dwelling, an unexpected and intimidating honor for foreign merchants.
  • "and provided water, and they washed their feet": This group describes the initiation of crucial hospitality, reflecting ancient Near Eastern customs. The provision of water followed by their personal washing suggests a humble yet practical act of refreshment for dusty, weary travelers, signaling a transition from their journey to a state of temporary rest and preparation.
  • "and he gave fodder to their donkeys": This demonstrates comprehensive hospitality that extended beyond the human guests to their means of transportation, showcasing the steward's diligent fulfillment of all aspects of proper reception. It signifies thorough care for every aspect of the guests' welfare and journey.

Genesis 43 17 Bonus section

• The detail of providing "fodder" for the donkeys, in addition to washing feet, emphasizes the completeness of the hospitality shown, reflecting a truly lavish and welcoming reception. This generosity stood in stark contrast to the brothers' fearful mindset (Gen 43:18) and underscores Joseph's hidden intention of care.
• The fact that it is "Joseph's house" (not just any dwelling) further emphasizes the significant, private, and personal nature of the invitation, heightening the drama and suspense for the brothers. This was an invitation into the very seat of power and intimate space of the man who held their destiny in his hands.
• This verse is a crucial part of the escalating tension and misdirection Joseph employs. The unexpected warmth of the welcome following the previous severe treatment confuses the brothers, drawing them deeper into Joseph's plan without revealing his identity or ultimate intentions.

Genesis 43 17 Commentary

Genesis 43:17 provides a glimpse into the meticulous nature of Joseph's household and the cultural expectations of hospitality in the ancient Near East, executed through the swift action of Joseph's steward. By bringing the brothers into Joseph's private residence, not just a public reception area, an immediate sense of intimacy and heightened significance is conveyed, a gesture highly unusual for strangers, let alone individuals recently suspected as spies.

The core actions—providing water for feet washing and fodder for donkeys—were standard courtesies for long-distance travelers in a dusty environment, vital for physical comfort and reflecting profound respect. The act of feet washing, though perhaps self-administered by the brothers in this instance with the provided water, historically carried connotations of servant work and humility, themes that echo later in the New Testament with Jesus washing his disciples' feet (Jn 13:4-10). Here, it prepares the brothers, both physically and symbolically, for a significant interaction. Similarly, the care for their donkeys was essential, acknowledging the entire entourage and their vital means of sustenance and travel.

From the brothers' perspective, these acts of kindness from the terrifying Egyptian official would have been bewildering, contrasting sharply with their previous harsh treatment and adding to their growing apprehension (Gen 43:18). Unbeknownst to them, this hospitality was an expression of Joseph's deeply suppressed brotherly affection and a key step in God's intricate plan to bring reconciliation and ultimately preserve His covenant people. It is a moment of hidden benevolence and strategic staging, leading directly into the emotional and dramatic dinner in the subsequent verses. This verse thus underscores God's sovereign control over seemingly mundane events to bring about His purposes, as well as Joseph's thoughtful, albeit mysterious, orchestrating of events towards revelation and forgiveness.