Genesis 43:34

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

And he lifted up portions from before him to them, and the portion of Benjamin was greater than the portions of all of them—five hands. And they drank and became drunk with him.

Latin

…sumptis partibus quas ab eo acceperant: majorque pars venit Benjamin, ita ut quinque partibus excederet. Biberuntque et inebriati sunt cum eo.

Original

Hebrew

English

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.

Notes

Genesis 43:34

The brothers experienced generous and gracious treatment from God through Joseph.

Joseph tested them. He showed special favor to Benjamin, who was also Rachel’s son. In the past, their father’s favoritism toward Joseph had caused jealousy and hatred.

By treating Benjamin with favor, Joseph tested whether they would respond with the same anger as before. This situation revealed whether their attitudes and behavior had changed.

Genesis 42:1–44:34

Joseph did several unusual things to his brothers when they came looking for grain. The last time Joseph had been with them, they were filled with jealousy, hatred, and anger; they attempted to destroy their brother, and they deceived their father. Joseph put them through various tests, similar to the trying situations they had put him through, to see if they had changed.

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Joseph Famine Symbolic Numbers

Events

Related verses

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.
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.
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.
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.”
John 2:10
…and said, “Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now!”
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.
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.
Proverbs 31:6
Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul.
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. Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
Ecclesiastes 10:19
A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.

People

Benjamin: Youngest son of Jacob and Rachel

Glossary

Benjamin (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Famine Food and Food Preparation Genesis, Book of Jacob Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Brother: Joseph's, for his Brethren Dissembling: Joseph Eating: Favored Guests Served a Double Portion Egypt: Mode of Entertaining In Entertainments: A Choice Portion Reserved In, for Principal Guests Entertainments: Guests At: Often had Separate Dishes Favoritism: Joseph, for Benjamin Feasts: Ancient Customs At: Men Alone Present At Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers

Genesis 43:34

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