Genesis 43:16

Authorized King James Version

And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֨רְא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יוֹסֵ֣ף

H3130

And when Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אִתִּ֛י

H854

with

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בִּנְיָמִין֒

H1144

Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙

H559

them he said

to say (used with great latitude)

לַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבָּ֑יְתָה

H1004

home

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#10

הָבֵ֥א

H935

Bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים

H582

for these men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#13

הַבָּ֑יְתָה

H1004

home

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#14

וּטְבֹ֤חַ

H2873

and slay

to slaughter (animals or men)

#15

טֶ֙בַח֙

H2874

properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered); abstractly butchery (or concretely, a place of slaughter)

#16

וְהָכֵ֔ן

H3559

and make ready

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

#17

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#18

אִתִּ֛י

H854

with

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#19

יֹֽאכְל֥וּ

H398

shall dine

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#20

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים

H582

for these men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#21

בַּֽצָּהֳרָֽיִם׃

H6672

with me at noon

a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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