Genesis 43:33
Genesis 43:33 in Multiple Translations
They were seated before Joseph in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest, and the men looked at one another in astonishment.
And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another.
And they sat before him, the first-born according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one with another.
And they were all given their seats before him in order of birth, from the oldest to the youngest: so that they were looking at one another in wonder.
The brothers had been seated in front of him in order by age, from the firstborn, the oldest, down to the youngest, and they looked at each other in complete surprise.
So they sate before him: the eldest according vnto his age, and the yongest according vnto his youth. and the men marueiled among themselues.
And they sit before him, the first-born according to his birthright, and the young one according to his youth, and the men wonder one at another;
They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth, and the men marveled with one another.
And they sat before him, the first-born according to his birth-right, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men wondered one at another.
They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his age. And they wondered very much:
His brothers were astonished to see that their seats were arranged according to their ages, from the oldest to the youngest!
And Joseph got his brothers to sit together. He got his oldest brother to sit down first, and he got his 2nd oldest brother to sit down next, and then he kept on doing that with all his brothers, and he got his youngest brother to sit down last. So all his brothers were sitting down in order of their age, from the oldest to the youngest. Joseph’s brothers were shocked. They thought, “That man knows how old we all are. How does he know that?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 43:33
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 43:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּשְׁב֣וּ
לְ/פָנָ֔י/ו
הַ/בְּכֹר֙
כִּ/בְכֹ֣רָת֔/וֹ
וְ/הַ/צָּעִ֖יר
כִּ/צְעִרָת֑/וֹ
וַ/יִּתְמְה֥וּ
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
אִ֥ישׁ
אֶל
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
וַ/יֵּשְׁב֣וּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/פָנָ֔י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
הַ/בְּכֹר֙
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
Art | N-ms
כִּ/בְכֹ֣רָת֔/וֹ
bᵉkôwrâh
H1062
birthright
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וְ/הַ/צָּעִ֖יר
tsâʻîyr
H6810
little
Conj | Art | Adj
כִּ/צְעִרָת֑/וֹ
tsᵉʻîyrâh
H6812
youth
Prep | N-fs | Suff
וַ/יִּתְמְה֥וּ
tâmahh
H8539
to astounded
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-mp
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 43:33
וַ/יֵּשְׁב֣וּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
לְ/פָנָ֔י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/בְּכֹר֙
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
כִּ/בְכֹ֣רָת֔/וֹ
bᵉkôwrâh
H1062
"birthright"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for birthright, referring to the rights and privileges of the firstborn child. It's a key concept in biblical stories like Esau and Jacob, where the birthright holds significant value. The KJV translates it as 'birthright' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: birthright, primogeniture, right of the first-born
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: birthright, firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 4:4; Genesis 43:33; 1 Chronicles 5:2.
וְ/הַ/צָּעִ֖יר
tsâʻîyr
H6810
"little"
Conj | Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is little, young, or insignificant. It appears in the Bible to describe something small in number or size. In the KJV, it is translated as least, little, or small.
Definition: 1) little, insignificant, young 1a) little, insignificant 1b) insignificant, mean 1c) young, younger, youngest
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: least, little (one), small (one), [phrase] young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 19:31; 1 Kings 16:34; Psalms 68:28.
כִּ/צְעִרָת֑/וֹ
tsᵉʻîyrâh
H6812
"youth"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word refers to the time of life when someone is young. It describes the state of being a youth or being in the early stages of life. The KJV translates it as youth.
Definition: youth
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: youth. See also: Genesis 43:33.
וַ/יִּתְמְה֥וּ
tâmahh
H8539
"to astounded"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to be amazed or stunned, like when God parts the Red Sea in Exodus. It describes a strong emotional response to something incredible. It's used in Psalm 48:5 to describe how kings are amazed by God's power.
Definition: 1) to be astounded, be stunned, be amazed, be dumbfounded 1a) (Qal) to be astounded 1b)(Hithpael) to astonish yourself, be astounded, be astonished at one another
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be amazed, be astonished, marvel(-lously), wonder. See also: Genesis 43:33; Isaiah 13:8; Psalms 48:6.
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 43:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Genesis 43:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 43:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 43:33
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 43:33
Context — Joseph’s Hospitality to His Brothers
31Then he washed his face and came back out. Regaining his composure, he said, “Serve the meal.”
32They separately served Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians. They ate separately because the Egyptians would not eat with the Hebrews, since that was detestable to them.
33They were seated before Joseph in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest, and the men looked at one another in astonishment.
34When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with Joseph.Genesis 43:33 Summary
This verse, Genesis 43:33, shows us that Joseph was a very wise and thoughtful person who wanted to test his brothers and see how they would react to being seated in order of their age. The brothers were amazed and looked at each other in astonishment because they did not expect this, and it showed them that Joseph was a man of great insight and understanding, as seen in Genesis 37:5-11 and Genesis 41:1-57. This teaches us to trust in God's plan and provision, even when we do not fully understand the circumstances, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11. By looking at Joseph's example, we can learn to be more thoughtful and wise in our interactions with others, as seen in Genesis 43:33 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the men astonished when they were seated before Joseph?
The men were astonished because they were seated in order of their age, from the firstborn to the youngest, which was a remarkable display of Joseph's wisdom and insight, as seen in Genesis 43:33. This arrangement may have also hinted at Joseph's knowledge of their family dynamics and relationships, as mentioned in Genesis 29:32-35 and Genesis 30:1-24.
What does this verse reveal about Joseph's character?
This verse reveals that Joseph was a man of great wisdom, organization, and possibly even a sense of humor, as he carefully arranged the seating of his brothers in order of their age, as stated in Genesis 43:33. This attention to detail and desire to test his brothers' reactions also shows his thoughtful and reflective nature, similar to what is seen in Genesis 37:5-11 and Genesis 41:1-57.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Joseph and his brothers?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers, as it sets the stage for the events that will unfold in Genesis 44:1-34 and Genesis 45:1-28. The seating arrangement and the brothers' reaction to it serve as a test of their character and a demonstration of Joseph's power and authority, ultimately leading to the reconciliation of the family, as seen in Genesis 45:1-15 and Genesis 46:1-34.
What can we learn from the men's reaction to being seated in order of their age?
The men's reaction of astonishment and looking at one another in Genesis 43:33 teaches us about the importance of humility and recognizing God's sovereignty in our lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 11:33-36. Their amazement at Joseph's wisdom and insight should remind us to trust in God's plan and provision, even when we do not fully understand the circumstances, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have been astonished by God's wisdom and provision, similar to the brothers' reaction in Genesis 43:33?
- How can I apply the lesson of humility and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in the brothers' response to being seated in order of their age?
- In what ways can I demonstrate wisdom and thoughtfulness in my interactions with others, as Joseph did in Genesis 43:33?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's plan and provision, even when I do not fully understand the circumstances, as encouraged in Genesis 43:33 and Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:33
And they sat before him,.... At a table, so placed that they were in his sight, and he had a full view of them: the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:33
And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 43:33
The youngest according to his youth; being so placed either by Joseph’ s appointment; or rather by their own choice, and according to their custom; by which the elder, though the handmaidens’ children, took place of the younger, who by that order were taught what veneration they owe to the aged, and how great a sin it is, though very customary, in young men to despise those whom they should reverence. The men, not the Egyptians, but the Hebrews, the men last spoken of, marvelled; either at the matter and manner of the feasts and entertainments of the Egyptians; or rather, at the singular honour which Joseph did to them above all others, the reason whereof they could not conceive, and therefore marvelled at it.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:33
Genesis 43:33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another. Ver 33. And they sat before him, &c.] He marshalled them in their right rank and degree; and this amazed them. He made them an absolute feast, such as Varro describes with these conditions; Si belli conveniant homines, si temporis sit habita ratio, si locus sit non ingratus, si non negligens apparatus. This feast is of that sort in use among the Romans, that were called χαριστια, to which were invited none but kinsfolks, to continue love and seek reconciliation where had been any breach. In Veter. Fragm. Val. Max., lib. ii. cap. 1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:33
(33) They sat.—The Egyptians are always represented on the monuments as sitting at their meals. For the Hebrew custom see Note on Genesis 27:19. The brethren, on finding themselves placed according to their age, must have supposed that Joseph possessed powers of divination, especially as the giving of due precedence was and is looked upon in the East as a matter of high importance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 43:33
Verse 33. The first-born according to his birthright] This must greatly astonish these brethren, to find themselves treated with so much ceremony, and at the same time with so much discernment of their respective ages.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:33
33. marvelled] The men were mystified by their arrangement in order of birth. It suggested magic. It was one of the uncanny things that they could not account for.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 43:33
33. According to his birthright — Well might the men marvel at being arranged at the table thus according to their ages.