Genesis 43:16 - When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and butcher an animal, and prepare; for the men will dine with me at noon.”
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What does "Genesis 43:16" mean?
This verse describes Joseph's reaction upon seeing his youngest brother, Benjamin, arrive with his other brothers in Egypt. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"When Joseph saw Benjamin with them..." This is the crucial part. Joseph had orchestrated the brothers' return to Egypt to see if they would protect their youngest brother, Benjamin, the only full brother he had. Seeing Benjamin confirmed that the brothers had indeed brought him as requested, demonstrating a change in their character and a willingness to protect one of their own. This was a test of their remorse for how they treated Joseph.
"...he said to the steward of his house..." Joseph, though a powerful figure in Egypt, still had a household and servants he managed. He gives instructions to his steward, who would oversee the preparations.
"...“Bring the men into the house, and butcher an animal, and prepare; for the men will dine with me at noon.”" This reveals several key points:
"Bring the men into the house..." This is a sign of honor and hospitality. It meant they were being treated as guests, not prisoners or just regular merchants.
"...and butcher an animal, and prepare..." This indicates a special meal and celebration. Butchering an animal, rather than just serving something readily available, signifies importance and generosity. The preparation would take time and effort, further emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
"...for the men will dine with me at noon.”" This sets a timeframe and reinforces the personal nature of the invitation. Joseph wants to share a meal with his brothers.
In summary:
The verse shows Joseph's relief and joy at seeing Benjamin. It also highlights Joseph's position of power and his willingness to extend hospitality to his brothers, setting the stage for a reconciliation. However, Joseph is still testing them and observing their reactions, and keeping his true identity a secret. The meal is not simply a friendly gathering, but a carefully staged event in Joseph's plan. The midday meal also hints at a formal or at least a significant occasion.
Genesis 43:16 - When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and butcher an animal, and prepare; for the men will dine with me at noon.”
What does "Genesis 43:16" mean?
This verse describes Joseph's reaction upon seeing his youngest brother, Benjamin, arrive with his other brothers in Egypt. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"When Joseph saw Benjamin with them..." This is the crucial part. Joseph had orchestrated the brothers' return to Egypt to see if they would protect their youngest brother, Benjamin, the only full brother he had. Seeing Benjamin confirmed that the brothers had indeed brought him as requested, demonstrating a change in their character and a willingness to protect one of their own. This was a test of their remorse for how they treated Joseph.
"...he said to the steward of his house..." Joseph, though a powerful figure in Egypt, still had a household and servants he managed. He gives instructions to his steward, who would oversee the preparations.
"...“Bring the men into the house, and butcher an animal, and prepare; for the men will dine with me at noon.”" This reveals several key points:
"Bring the men into the house..." This is a sign of honor and hospitality. It meant they were being treated as guests, not prisoners or just regular merchants.
"...and butcher an animal, and prepare..." This indicates a special meal and celebration. Butchering an animal, rather than just serving something readily available, signifies importance and generosity. The preparation would take time and effort, further emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
"...for the men will dine with me at noon.”" This sets a timeframe and reinforces the personal nature of the invitation. Joseph wants to share a meal with his brothers.
In summary:
The verse shows Joseph's relief and joy at seeing Benjamin. It also highlights Joseph's position of power and his willingness to extend hospitality to his brothers, setting the stage for a reconciliation. However, Joseph is still testing them and observing their reactions, and keeping his true identity a secret. The meal is not simply a friendly gathering, but a carefully staged event in Joseph's plan. The midday meal also hints at a formal or at least a significant occasion.