This verse is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"He lifted up his eyes, and saw Benjamin, his brother, his mother’s son..." Joseph, who had been separated from his brothers for many years and was now a high-ranking official in Egypt, finally sees his youngest brother, Benjamin. The phrase "his mother's son" is significant. It emphasizes the special connection between Joseph and Benjamin, as they shared the same mother, Rachel, who was Joseph's beloved mother. This shared maternal bond made Benjamin particularly dear to Joseph.
"...and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?”" Joseph is testing his brothers. He's reminding them that they had previously told him about having a younger brother. He wants to see if they will act differently towards Benjamin than they had acted towards him years ago, when they sold him into slavery. He's also likely trying to gauge the truthfulness of their earlier account.
"He said, “God be gracious to you, my son.”" This is Joseph's blessing upon Benjamin. It's an expression of his affection and good wishes. The word "gracious" implies undeserved favor and kindness. He's expressing his love and care for Benjamin, although he hasn't revealed his true identity yet. Calling him "my son" could be interpreted as a term of endearment, as he is much older than Benjamin.
In summary:
The verse shows Joseph's emotional reaction upon seeing his younger brother Benjamin for the first time in many years. It highlights their special connection through their shared mother. Joseph is testing his brothers, gauging their loyalty and behavior towards Benjamin. And finally, Joseph expresses his affection and best wishes for Benjamin with a blessing.
This scene is emotionally charged and sets the stage for the next part of the narrative, where Joseph's emotions will continue to build as he struggles to maintain his composure and eventually reveals his true identity to his brothers.
This verse is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"He lifted up his eyes, and saw Benjamin, his brother, his mother’s son..." Joseph, who had been separated from his brothers for many years and was now a high-ranking official in Egypt, finally sees his youngest brother, Benjamin. The phrase "his mother's son" is significant. It emphasizes the special connection between Joseph and Benjamin, as they shared the same mother, Rachel, who was Joseph's beloved mother. This shared maternal bond made Benjamin particularly dear to Joseph.
"...and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?”" Joseph is testing his brothers. He's reminding them that they had previously told him about having a younger brother. He wants to see if they will act differently towards Benjamin than they had acted towards him years ago, when they sold him into slavery. He's also likely trying to gauge the truthfulness of their earlier account.
"He said, “God be gracious to you, my son.”" This is Joseph's blessing upon Benjamin. It's an expression of his affection and good wishes. The word "gracious" implies undeserved favor and kindness. He's expressing his love and care for Benjamin, although he hasn't revealed his true identity yet. Calling him "my son" could be interpreted as a term of endearment, as he is much older than Benjamin.
In summary:
The verse shows Joseph's emotional reaction upon seeing his younger brother Benjamin for the first time in many years. It highlights their special connection through their shared mother. Joseph is testing his brothers, gauging their loyalty and behavior towards Benjamin. And finally, Joseph expresses his affection and best wishes for Benjamin with a blessing.
This scene is emotionally charged and sets the stage for the next part of the narrative, where Joseph's emotions will continue to build as he struggles to maintain his composure and eventually reveals his true identity to his brothers.