Genesis 43:34 - He sent portions to them from before him, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. They drank, and were merry with him.
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What does "Genesis 43:34" mean?
This verse describes a scene during a meal Joseph (in disguise as a powerful Egyptian official) hosts for his brothers in Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"He sent portions to them from before him...": Joseph is giving each of his brothers a portion of food from his own table, a sign of honor and favor. This act is a gesture of hospitality and could be interpreted as Joseph testing his brothers' behavior.
"...but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs.": Joseph singles out his youngest brother, Benjamin (his only full brother, both sons of Rachel), for special treatment. Giving Benjamin a significantly larger portion highlights him and could be a deliberate act to gauge the reactions of the other brothers. This is important because in the past, they had sold Joseph into slavery out of jealousy.
"They drank, and were merry with him.": This indicates a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. They are eating, drinking, and enjoying the company of this powerful Egyptian official. However, the reader knows the brothers are unaware that the person they are celebrating with is their long-lost brother. Their merriment could be seen as somewhat ironic, given the guilt they carry and the potential for things to go wrong.
Possible Interpretations and Significance:
Testing Loyalty: Joseph may be testing if the brothers still harbor the same resentment and jealousy that led them to sell him into slavery. How they react to Benjamin's favored treatment will reveal their true character.
Showing Favoritism: Joseph's action may be intended to evoke memories of the past. Joseph knew his father, Jacob, favored him and that favoritism partially fueled his brothers' hatred. He might be seeing if the brothers have changed.
Setting the Stage for Revelation: This scene creates suspense and drama. The special treatment for Benjamin is a key piece in the unfolding drama that will lead to Joseph revealing his true identity to his brothers. It sets the stage for the climax of the story.
Divine Providence: Some interpretations suggest that God is orchestrating these events. The fact that Joseph has risen to such a high position, that his brothers have come to him for food, and that Benjamin is now in the picture, can be seen as part of a larger divine plan.
In essence, this verse is a pivotal moment in the Joseph narrative, showcasing his power and testing the integrity of his brothers, all while building suspense towards the revelation of his true identity.
Genesis 43:34 - He sent portions to them from before him, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. They drank, and were merry with him.
What does "Genesis 43:34" mean?
This verse describes a scene during a meal Joseph (in disguise as a powerful Egyptian official) hosts for his brothers in Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"He sent portions to them from before him...": Joseph is giving each of his brothers a portion of food from his own table, a sign of honor and favor. This act is a gesture of hospitality and could be interpreted as Joseph testing his brothers' behavior.
"...but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs.": Joseph singles out his youngest brother, Benjamin (his only full brother, both sons of Rachel), for special treatment. Giving Benjamin a significantly larger portion highlights him and could be a deliberate act to gauge the reactions of the other brothers. This is important because in the past, they had sold Joseph into slavery out of jealousy.
"They drank, and were merry with him.": This indicates a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. They are eating, drinking, and enjoying the company of this powerful Egyptian official. However, the reader knows the brothers are unaware that the person they are celebrating with is their long-lost brother. Their merriment could be seen as somewhat ironic, given the guilt they carry and the potential for things to go wrong.
Possible Interpretations and Significance:
Testing Loyalty: Joseph may be testing if the brothers still harbor the same resentment and jealousy that led them to sell him into slavery. How they react to Benjamin's favored treatment will reveal their true character.
Showing Favoritism: Joseph's action may be intended to evoke memories of the past. Joseph knew his father, Jacob, favored him and that favoritism partially fueled his brothers' hatred. He might be seeing if the brothers have changed.
Setting the Stage for Revelation: This scene creates suspense and drama. The special treatment for Benjamin is a key piece in the unfolding drama that will lead to Joseph revealing his true identity to his brothers. It sets the stage for the climax of the story.
Divine Providence: Some interpretations suggest that God is orchestrating these events. The fact that Joseph has risen to such a high position, that his brothers have come to him for food, and that Benjamin is now in the picture, can be seen as part of a larger divine plan.
In essence, this verse is a pivotal moment in the Joseph narrative, showcasing his power and testing the integrity of his brothers, all while building suspense towards the revelation of his true identity.