Genesis 43:34
Genesis 43:34 in Multiple Translations
When 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.
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.
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.
And Joseph sent food to them from his table, but he sent five times as much to Benjamin as to any of the others. And they took wine freely with him.
The food was served to them from Joseph's table, and Benjamin received five times as much as anyone else. So they ate and drank plenty with him.
And they tooke meases from before him, and sent to them: but Beniamins mease was fiue times so much as any of theirs: and they drunke, and had of the best drinke with him.
and he lifteth up gifts from before him unto them, and the gift of Benjamin is five hands more than the gifts of all of them; and they drink, yea, they drink abundantly with him.
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.
And he took and sent messes to 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.
Taking the messes which they received of him: and the greater mess came to Benjamin, so that it exceeded by five parts. And they drank, and were merry with him.
And when their portions of food were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s portion! So they ate food and drank wine with Joseph and became very cheerful.
Then Joseph’s workers got food from Joseph’s table, and they gave that food to Joseph’s brothers. But they gave Benjamin more food than all the others. They gave Benjamin 5 lunches just for him. And all of Joseph’s brothers, they drank a lot of wine with Joseph, and they felt very happy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 43:34
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 43:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֨א
מַשְׂאֹ֜ת
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
פָּנָי/ו֮
אֲלֵ/הֶם֒
וַ/תֵּ֜רֶב
מַשְׂאַ֧ת
בִּנְיָמִ֛ן
מִ/מַּשְׂאֹ֥ת
כֻּלָּ֖/ם
חָמֵ֣שׁ
יָד֑וֹת
וַ/יִּשְׁתּ֥וּ
וַֽ/יִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ
עִמּֽ/וֹ
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֨א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מַשְׂאֹ֜ת
masʼêth
H4864
tribute
N-fp
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
פָּנָי/ו֮
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
אֲלֵ/הֶם֒
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וַ/תֵּ֜רֶב
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מַשְׂאַ֧ת
masʼêth
H4864
tribute
N-fs
בִּנְיָמִ֛ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
מִ/מַּשְׂאֹ֥ת
masʼêth
H4864
tribute
Prep | N-fp
כֻּלָּ֖/ם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
חָמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
יָד֑וֹת
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cp
וַ/יִּשְׁתּ֥וּ
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַֽ/יִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ
shâkar
H7937
be drunk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 43:34
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֨א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
מַשְׂאֹ֜ת
masʼêth
H4864
"tribute"
N-fp
This word signifies a tribute or offering, often given as a gift or contribution. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or utterance. The KJV translates it as burden, collection, or gift.
Definition: 1) uprising, utterance, burden, portion, uplifting 1a) that which rises, uprising, uplifting, signal, rising 1b) utterance, oracle 1c) burden 1d) portion, present, largesse, gift, contribution, offering, tribute
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: burden, collection, sign of fire, (great) flame, gift, lifting up, mess, oblation, reward. See also: Genesis 43:34; Psalms 141:2; Jeremiah 6:1.
מֵ/אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
פָּנָי/ו֮
pânîym
H6440
"face"
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.
אֲלֵ/הֶם֒
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
וַ/תֵּ֜רֶב
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
מַשְׂאַ֧ת
masʼêth
H4864
"tribute"
N-fs
This word signifies a tribute or offering, often given as a gift or contribution. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or utterance. The KJV translates it as burden, collection, or gift.
Definition: 1) uprising, utterance, burden, portion, uplifting 1a) that which rises, uprising, uplifting, signal, rising 1b) utterance, oracle 1c) burden 1d) portion, present, largesse, gift, contribution, offering, tribute
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: burden, collection, sign of fire, (great) flame, gift, lifting up, mess, oblation, reward. See also: Genesis 43:34; Psalms 141:2; Jeremiah 6:1.
בִּנְיָמִ֛ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
מִ/מַּשְׂאֹ֥ת
masʼêth
H4864
"tribute"
Prep | N-fp
This word signifies a tribute or offering, often given as a gift or contribution. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or utterance. The KJV translates it as burden, collection, or gift.
Definition: 1) uprising, utterance, burden, portion, uplifting 1a) that which rises, uprising, uplifting, signal, rising 1b) utterance, oracle 1c) burden 1d) portion, present, largesse, gift, contribution, offering, tribute
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: burden, collection, sign of fire, (great) flame, gift, lifting up, mess, oblation, reward. See also: Genesis 43:34; Psalms 141:2; Jeremiah 6:1.
כֻּלָּ֖/ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חָמֵ֣שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
יָד֑וֹת
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cp
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וַ/יִּשְׁתּ֥וּ
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
וַֽ/יִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ
shâkar
H7937
"be drunk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To become drunk or intoxicated, as warned against in Proverbs 23:20. This word describes the state of being under the influence. It is used in various forms, including making someone drunk or being merry.
Definition: 1) to be or become drunk or drunken, be intoxicated 1a) (Qal) to become drunken 1b)(Piel) to make drunken, cause to be drunk 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be drunk 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself drunk
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (be filled with) drink (abundantly), (be, make) drunk(-en), be merry. (Superlative of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; Isaiah 63:6; Isaiah 29:9.
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 43:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 43:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:34
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 43:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:34
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 43:34
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:34
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 43:34
- Sermons on Genesis 43:34
Context — Joseph’s Hospitality to His Brothers
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.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 45:22 | He gave new garments to each of them, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 11:8 | Then he said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king followed him. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 1:5 | But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 10:19 | A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. |
| 5 | Proverbs 31:6 | Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 9:22–24 | Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all. And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.” So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul dined with Samuel that day. |
| 7 | Matthew 11:19 | The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.” |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 9:7 | Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: |
| 9 | Song of Solomon 5:1 | I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. The Friends Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved. |
| 10 | Habakkuk 1:6 | For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans — that ruthless and impetuous nation which marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own. |
Genesis 43:34 Summary
In Genesis 43:34, we see Joseph showing special favor to his younger brother Benjamin, giving him a portion of food five times larger than the others. This act of kindness and generosity is a beautiful picture of God's love and provision in our lives, as seen in Psalm 23:5. Just as Joseph's brothers were able to feast and drink freely with him, we can experience joy and celebration when we come to God in humility and gratitude, as described in Luke 15:23-24. This verse reminds us of the importance of showing kindness and generosity to others, just as God has shown us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Benjamin receive a portion five times larger than the others?
Benjamin's larger portion was a sign of Joseph's favor and love for his younger brother, as seen in Genesis 43:34. This act of kindness and generosity is reminiscent of God's gracious provision in our lives, as described in Psalm 23:5.
What does it mean to 'feast and drink freely' in this context?
Feasting and drinking freely with Joseph signifies a time of joy, celebration, and reconciliation, as the brothers were finally able to put aside their past differences and enjoy each other's company, much like the fellowship described in Acts 2:46.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Joseph and his brothers?
This verse marks a turning point in the story, as Joseph's brothers begin to experience his kindness and generosity, paving the way for their eventual reconciliation and forgiveness, as seen in Genesis 45:1-15.
What can we learn from Joseph's actions in this verse?
Joseph's actions demonstrate the importance of showing kindness, generosity, and hospitality to others, even to those who may have wronged us in the past, as taught in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28.
Reflection Questions
- How has God shown you kindness and generosity in your life, and how can you reflect that to others?
- What are some ways you can 'feast and drink freely' with others, putting aside differences and enjoying each other's company?
- How can you, like Joseph, use your position or resources to bless and show favor to others?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness in relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:34
And he took [and sent] messes unto there from before him,.... The several dishes were brought before him, who cut them up, and sent to everyone their part and portion, as was usual in those times and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:34
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 43:34
It was the ancient custom of Egypt and other countries in their feasts, that either all the meat, or at least some eminent parts and parcels of it, were not promiscuously set before all the guests, but peculiarly distributed by the master of the feast to the several guests, and that differently, according to his respect and affection to them, or to their several qualities. See 9:22-24. Five times so much as any of theirs; partly, because of his nearer relation and dearer affection to him; and partly, to observe whether this would raise that envy in them towards him, which was the occasion of their malicious enterprise against himself, that he might accordingly provide for his security. Were merry: the Hebrew word oft signifies to be drunk, but ofttimes it is only to drink liberally, though not to drunkenness, as may appear from .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:34
Genesis 43:34 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.Ver. 34. And he took and sent messes.] So did Cyrus in Xenophon, to such as he favoured. But Benjamin’ s mess, &c.] Love will creep where it cannot go; and good blood will never belie itself. Ambrose makes it a type and token of St Paul’ s excellent parts and gifts above the rest of the apostles, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:34
(34) Messes.—A portion of food from that prepared for the chief is regarded in the East as a mark both of honour and friendship, and the largeness of Benjamin’s mess marked him out as the especial object of Joseph’s regard. The words literally are, “And the portion of Benjamin was great above the portions of all of them five hands,” that is, five times. It has been supposed that Joseph intended to try his brethren by this preference, and see if they were still envious. More probably it was dictated simply by his love. They drank and were merry with him.—Heb., They drank and were drunken with him. The verb is that used of Noah in Genesis 9:21, but probably the rendering in Haggai 1:6, “and were filled with drink,” would give the right meaning. They lost all fear and suspicion, and gave themselves up to enjoyment.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 43:34
Verse 34. Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs.] Sir John Chardin observes that "in Persia, Arabia, and the Indies, there are several houses where they place several plates in large salvers, and set one of these before each person, or before two or three, according to the magnificence of each house. This is the method among the Hindoos; the dishes are not placed on the table, but messes are sent to each individual by the master of the feast or by his substitute. The great men of the state are always served by themselves, in the feasts that are made for them; and with greater profusion, their part of each kind of provision being always DOUBLE, TREBLE, or a LARGER proportion of each kind of meat." The circumstance of Benjamin's having a mess FIVE times as large as any of his brethren, shows the peculiar honour which Joseph designed to confer upon him. See several useful observations on this subject in Harmer's Observ., vol. ii., p. 101, c., Edit. 1808. 1. THE scarcity in Canaan was not absolute though they had no corn, they had honey, nuts, almonds, c. In the midst of judgment, God remembers mercy. If there was scarcity in Canaan, there was plenty in Egypt and though his providence had denied one country corn, and accumulated it in the other, his bounty had placed in the former money enough to procure it from the latter. How true is the saying, "It is never ill with any but it might be worse!" Let us be deeply thankful to God that we have any thing, seeing we deserve no good at his hands. 2. If we examine our circumstances closely, and call to remembrance the dealings of God's providence towards us, we shall find that we can sing much both of mercy and of judgment.
For one day of absolute unavoidable want, we shall find we had three hundred and sixty-four, if not of fulness, yet of a competency. Famines, though rarely happening, are everywhere recorded; innumerable years of abundance are scarcely ever registered! Such is the perverseness and ingratitude of man!
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:34
34. he took and sent messes] R.V. marg. messes were taken. The word “mess” is used here in the sense of “portion” of food. Cf. 2 Samuel 11:8, “and there followed him a mess of meat from [marg. present from] the king.” The word “messmate” preserves the Old English use. Mess, food, Old Fr. mes (mets), Lat. missum, e.g.: “At their savoury dinner set Of herbs and other country messes.” Milton, L’Allegro, 85. five times] Lit. “five hands”; cf. Genesis 47:24. Attention has been called to the frequent use of the number “five” in Egyptian matters recorded in the O.T. Cf. Genesis 41:34, Genesis 45:22, Genesis 47:2; Genesis 47:24; Isaiah 19:18. Some have connected it with the five Egyptian planets. If an explanation is at all required, counting on one’s fingers is presumably the origin of a natural preference for the use of the numbers “five” and “ten.” were merry] Heb. drank largely.
This expression need not be interpreted too literally. The men were “festive,” not necessarily “intoxicated,” as LXX ἐμεθύσθησαν; Lat. inebriati sunt. Compare Son 5:1, “drink abundantly”; Haggai 1:6, “ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink.” For a special dish for the most honoured guest, cf. 1 Samuel 9:23-24.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 43:34
34. Five times so much — This was a special mark of honour, and furnished opportunity for Joseph to observe if his brethren envied Benjamin as they once did himself.
Sermons on Genesis 43:34
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Prepared Instrument by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of being a prepared soul and instrument for God's message. He emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the Word of God |
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Money by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the dual nature of money in the Christian life, highlighting its potential for both blessing and danger. He explains that while money represents hard work |
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Homily 19 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of walking wisely in a world filled with evil, emphasizing the need to understand the will of the Lord and to redeem the time. He highlig |
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The Damnation Army, Its Victims and Its Sponsors by George Kulp | George Kulp passionately preaches about the irreconcilable hostility between the Church and the saloon, emphasizing the need for Christians to take a stand against the liquor traff |
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A Faithful Ministry by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne reflects on his five years of ministry, emphasizing that faithful ministers preach Christ Jesus the Lord rather than themselves. He stresses the importance o |
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All of Grace by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon on being justified, the preacher delves into the Greek word 'dikaioo,' which primarily means to deem someone right. Justification is described as the act by which a |
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John 1:21-27 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of envy, highlighting how it harms the envious first before causing any harm to others, emphasizing the importance of enduring wrong rath |