Genesis 43:34

Authorized King James Version

And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of their's. And they drank, and were merry with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשָּׂ֨א

H5375

And he took

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת

H4864

and sent messes

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

מֵאֵ֣ת

H853

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

פָּנָיו֮

H6440

unto them from before him

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲלֵהֶם֒

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַתֵּ֜רֶב

H7235

so much as

to increase (in whatever respect)

מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת

H4864

and sent messes

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

בִּנְיָמִ֛ן

H1144

but Benjamin's

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

מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת

H4864

and sent messes

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

#10

כֻּלָּ֖ם

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

חָמֵ֣שׁ

H2568

was five

five

#12

יָד֑וֹת

H3027

times

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#13

וַיִּשְׁתּ֥וּ

H8354

any of theirs And they drank

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#14

וַֽיִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ

H7937

and were merry

to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, to satiate with a stimulating drink or (figuratively) influence

#15

עִמּֽוֹ׃

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. 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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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