Genesis 43:34

Authorized King James Version

PDF

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.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּשָּׂ֨א And he took H5375
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א And he took
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 1 of 15
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת and sent messes H4864
מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת and sent messes
Strong's: H4864
Word #: 2 of 15
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
מֵאֵ֣ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פָּנָיו֮ unto them from before him H6440
פָּנָיו֮ unto them from before him
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 4 of 15
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
אֲלֵהֶם֒
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 15
near, with or among; often in general, to
וַתֵּ֜רֶב so much as H7235
וַתֵּ֜רֶב so much as
Strong's: H7235
Word #: 6 of 15
to increase (in whatever respect)
מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת and sent messes H4864
מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת and sent messes
Strong's: H4864
Word #: 7 of 15
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 but Benjamin's H1144
בִּנְיָמִ֛ן but Benjamin's
Strong's: H1144
Word #: 8 of 15
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת and sent messes H4864
מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת and sent messes
Strong's: H4864
Word #: 9 of 15
properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr
כֻּלָּ֖ם H3605
כֻּלָּ֖ם
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 10 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חָמֵ֣שׁ was five H2568
חָמֵ֣שׁ was five
Strong's: H2568
Word #: 11 of 15
five
יָד֑וֹת times H3027
יָד֑וֹת times
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 12 of 15
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
וַיִּשְׁתּ֥וּ any of theirs And they drank H8354
וַיִּשְׁתּ֥וּ any of theirs And they drank
Strong's: H8354
Word #: 13 of 15
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
וַֽיִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ and were merry H7937
וַֽיִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ and were merry
Strong's: H7937
Word #: 14 of 15
to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, to satiate with a stimulating drink or (figuratively) influence
עִמּֽוֹ׃ H5973
עִמּֽוֹ׃
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 15 of 15
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis & Commentary

And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal:

  1. God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions
  2. suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment
  3. forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation
  4. God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people
  5. how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes.

Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

Historical Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources