Genesis 43:32 kjv
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.
Genesis 43:32 nkjv
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.
Genesis 43:32 niv
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.
Genesis 43:32 esv
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.
Genesis 43:32 nlt
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.
Genesis 43 32 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 46:34 | "...ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle... that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians." | Egyptian abhorrence of shepherds (Hebrew trade). |
| Exod 8:26 | "And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God..." | Hebrew sacrifices might be offensive to Egyptians. |
| Lev 11:47 | "...To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten." | Distinction in diet, foreshadowing Mosaic Law. |
| Deut 7:6 | "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself..." | Israel's identity as a separate, chosen people. |
| Deut 14:3 | "Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing." | General prohibition against abominable food. |
| Prov 15:8 | "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight." | "Abomination" used for moral/spiritual repugnance to God. |
| Prov 28:9 | "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." | Abomination when God's ways are disregarded. |
| Dan 1:8 | "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank..." | Refusal to eat defiled food, maintaining distinction. |
| Matt 15:11 | "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." | Jesus' teaching on spiritual vs. ceremonial defilement. |
| Mark 7:19 | "...Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats." | Jesus declares all foods clean. |
| Acts 10:28 | "...Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation..." | Peter learns to break man-made ethnic barriers. |
| Acts 11:3 | "...Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them." | Peter criticized for eating with Gentiles, prior to understanding. |
| Gal 2:12 | "For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself..." | Peter's initial separation due to fear of "the circumcision." |
| Rom 14:1-3 | "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye... One believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs." | Dietary differences among believers; do not judge. |
| 1 Cor 8:9 | "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak." | Avoid causing a brother to stumble over food. |
| 1 Cor 10:27-29 | "If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast... if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake..." | Guideline for eating with unbelievers, considering conscience. |
| 2 Cor 6:14 | "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?" | Call to spiritual separation from worldly values. |
| Isa 52:11 | "Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD." | Call for separation and purity for God's people. |
| Eph 2:14 | "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;" | Christ breaking down ethnic and ceremonial barriers. |
| Col 2:16 | "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:" | Christian liberty regarding ceremonial food laws. |
Genesis 43 verses
Genesis 43 32 Meaning
Gen 43:32 describes the meticulous segregation of seating arrangements at Joseph's feast, explicitly stating the cultural and religious taboo that prevented Egyptians from eating food with the Hebrews. For Egyptians, eating alongside Hebrews was considered an abomination, signifying something deeply detestable or ritually impure. This separation highlighted the distinct cultural and religious identities present at the meal.
Genesis 43 32 Context
Gen 43:32 is set during the climax of Joseph's second encounter with his brothers in Egypt. Joseph, now the powerful Vizier of Egypt, has brought Benjamin to his house for a noon meal. This gesture is part of Joseph's plan to test his brothers and eventually reveal himself to them. The chapter highlights Joseph's control over the situation, his hospitality, and the brothers' growing bewilderment and fear. Historically and culturally, the Egyptians held many superstitions and practices. They considered themselves purer than other nations, and their reverence for certain animals (especially cattle, often considered sacred) meant they abhorred those who slaughtered and ate such creatures or those whose primary occupation (like shepherding, Gen 46:34) involved them. This created a strong social and religious barrier that prevented table fellowship with those deemed "unclean" like the Hebrews, particularly pastoralists.
Genesis 43 32 Word analysis
- And they set on for him by himself: This signifies Joseph's distinguished and separate seating. As the host and highest-ranking official, he naturally had his own table.
- and for them by themselves: Refers to Joseph's brothers. Their separate seating highlights their distinct identity as Hebrews, not part of Joseph's immediate Egyptian household, nor fully integrated into Egyptian society. It also might be part of Joseph's plan to keep them isolated for a later reveal.
- and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: This refers to the Egyptian officials dining with Joseph. Their separate table underscores their distinct cultural and religious practices from the Hebrews.
- because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews: "Eat bread" is a common idiom meaning to share a meal or dine together. The reason given is explicit: a strong cultural prohibition. This illustrates the significant divide between the two peoples.
- for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians: The Hebrew word for "abomination" is to'evah (תּוֹעֵבָה). This term denotes something utterly detestable, ritually unclean, or morally repugnant. It goes beyond mere distaste, indicating a profound religious or cultural taboo. For the Egyptians, consuming meals with people who engaged in practices they considered polluting (such as slaughtering animals they held sacred or simply being foreign pastoralists) was considered an defiling act, demonstrating their rigid social and religious customs.
Words-Group Analysis:
- "set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians... by themselves": This triplicate separation emphasizes the extreme segregation. It shows Joseph's careful attention to custom and protocol, maintaining peace and order in his house by respecting local sensibilities. It also strategically isolated his brothers, allowing him to observe them more closely.
- "because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians": This phrase encapsulates the core cultural conflict. It underlines the fundamental incompatibility, from an Egyptian perspective, between their customs and those of the Hebrews, portraying a deep-seated revulsion. It prepares the reader for later passages confirming this general abhorrence towards Hebrew shepherds (Gen 46:34) and their sacrifices (Exod 8:26).
Genesis 43 32 Bonus section
- Anticipation of Law: While Mosaic Law regarding clean and unclean animals had not yet been given, this passage reveals that the distinction between God's chosen people and the nations was already present culturally. It subtly hints at a foundational principle that would later be codified through divine command.
- Divine Wisdom in Joseph: Joseph's actions demonstrate his remarkable wisdom and insight, given to him by God. He seamlessly manages complex cultural protocols, even as he executes his divine plan for his brothers. This level of detail in managing a feast speaks to his thoroughness and God's guiding hand over every aspect of his life.
- Cultural Chauvinism: The verse indirectly illustrates the cultural chauvinism prevalent in ancient Egypt, viewing foreign customs, particularly those of pastoral peoples, with disdain and even religious offense. This highlights the socio-religious hierarchy that Israelites had to contend with, shaping their understanding of their own distinct identity.
Genesis 43 32 Commentary
Gen 43:32 provides a critical glimpse into the profound cultural and religious distinctions between the Egyptians and the Hebrews during Joseph's time. Joseph, ruling as Vizier, demonstrates exceptional administrative wisdom by meticulously arranging the seating to prevent cultural offense, a testament to his understanding and navigation of both worlds. This specific avoidance of shared table fellowship highlights the distinct identity of the Hebrew people, foreshadowing God's later call for His covenant people, Israel, to remain separate from the nations to preserve their unique spiritual purity and witness. The strong word to'evah emphasizes the fundamental nature of this cultural barrier. For believers today, this passage subtly speaks to the need for discernment when interacting with the world, acknowledging where biblical values necessitate distinction and where adaptation is possible without compromise. Joseph's wisdom here is not about prejudice, but about managing complex social realities to achieve a divine purpose.