Genesis 43:34 kjv

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 43:34 nkjv

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 43:34 niv

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 43:34 esv

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 43:34 nlt

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.

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 34 Meaning

Joseph, as the host, graciously distributed portions of food to his brothers. Notably, he gave Benjamin a significantly larger portion, five times that of any of his other brothers, displaying clear favoritism. Following this distribution, all the brothers, including those who received less, drank together with Joseph and enjoyed the celebratory meal in his presence, indicating a spirit of ease and contentment rather than renewed envy or resentment.

Genesis 43 34 Context

Genesis 43 occurs during a severe famine in the land, forcing Jacob's sons to return to Egypt for a second time to buy grain. Joseph, who they sold into slavery years earlier, is now the powerful vizier of Egypt, though he remains unrecognized by them. Their first visit resulted in Simeon being held captive and Joseph demanding Benjamin accompany them on their return, a request Jacob initially refused due to his profound attachment to his youngest son. Driven by necessity, Jacob finally allowed Benjamin to go, entrusting him to Judah's pledged protection. Upon their arrival, Joseph orchestrated a special feast for his brothers. This verse describes the moment of serving the meal, which becomes another subtle yet crucial test for his brothers, particularly after Joseph astounded them by arranging them in perfect birth order. Joseph is deliberately recreating a situation of perceived favoritism, mirroring the very catalyst for their earlier betrayal of him, to observe their hearts and see if genuine change and unity had finally taken root.

Genesis 43 34 Word analysis

• he: Refers to Joseph, the powerful ruler of Egypt, yet also their brother, whose identity remains concealed. His actions are deliberate and calculated, aimed at testing his brothers' transformation.
• took portions: The Hebrew word mis'ot (מִשְׂאֹת) can mean 'portions,' 'presents,' or 'elevated gifts.' This signifies that Joseph's distribution was an act of hospitality and honor, implying generosity and control over the resources.
• unto them from before him: This phrase denotes a gesture of direct honor and close fellowship. The food was personally distributed from Joseph's own table or direct oversight, elevating the status of his guests.
• but Benjamin's mess: 'Mess' refers to his specific portion or helping. Benjamin (Hebrew: Binyamin, meaning "son of the right hand"), Jacob's youngest son and Joseph's only full brother, is intentionally singled out for this special treatment. This harks back to Jacob's overt favoritism towards Joseph in Gen 37, which incited his brothers' envy.
• five times so much: The Hebrew is ḥameš rov (חֲמֵשׁ רֹב). While "five" can be a literal number, in ancient literature, it often signifies a notably large or abundant quantity, conveying emphasis or superiority rather than precise mathematical proportion. In Egyptian culture, a large portion was a customary sign of high honor for a distinguished guest. Here, it is primarily a critical part of Joseph's psychological test, pushing his brothers' limits regarding their reaction to apparent favoritism towards another beloved son of Rachel.
• as any of theirs: This explicit comparison underscores the disproportionate favor shown to Benjamin, making it impossible for the other brothers to overlook.
• And they drank, and were merry with him: The Hebrew verb vayyishk'ru (וַיִּשְׁכְּרוּ) for "were merry" can sometimes imply intoxication, but in this context, it primarily suggests they were thoroughly satisfied, had drunk deeply, or became relaxed and convivial. It signals a joyful and unburdened atmosphere, a crucial detail showing that despite the overt favoritism shown to Benjamin, their spirits were not soured by envy as before. They accepted the situation, reflecting a changed heart and demonstrating trust in Joseph.

Genesis 43 34 Bonus section

• The meal at Joseph's table serves as a foreshadowing of future covenant meals and fellowship, symbolizing peace and restoration, particularly the Messianic banquet where all are welcomed and provisioned.
• Joseph's actions highlight a profound application of Proverbs 25:21-22 (KJV): "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee." Joseph, not treating them as enemies but testing them, is offering them profound generosity, which helps to reveal their changed hearts and humble them.
• The "five times" emphasis might subtly point to the fulfillment of a "complete" test, a significant and full demonstration of their transformed character. It suggests a thorough examination, not just a casual one.
• Joseph's continued concealment of his identity, even during such intimate fellowship, indicates the depth of his strategic testing and his desire to see a truly self-generated repentance and display of loyalty from his brothers before revealing himself and embracing them.

Genesis 43 34 Commentary

Genesis 43:34 is a pivotal moment in Joseph's ongoing test of his brothers, specifically designed to gauge their character transformation since they sold him into slavery. Joseph intentionally recreates the very scenario that led to his own suffering: overt favoritism shown to a son of Rachel. By giving Benjamin a portion five times larger than theirs, Joseph provocatively observes their reactions. Will their past envy and resentment re-emerge, leading them to abandon or conspire against Benjamin as they once did against Joseph? The verse reveals a profound change: "And they drank, and were merry with him." This implies not only contentment and relaxation but crucially, an absence of the bitter jealousy that had once consumed them. Their willingness to celebrate alongside Benjamin, despite his preferred status, signifies that they have grown past their former sin. This acceptance sets the stage for Joseph's final, more intense test involving the silver cup and their eventual self-sacrificial defense of Benjamin, ultimately paving the way for full reconciliation and the remarkable fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for Jacob's family.