Genesis 43:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Joseph {H3130} saw {H7200} Benjamin {H1144} with {H854} them, he said {H559} to the ruler of his house {H1004}, Bring {H935} these men {H582} home {H1004}, and slay {H2873}{H2874}, and make ready {H3559}; for these men {H582} shall dine {H398} with me at noon {H6672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yosef saw Binyamin with them, he said to his household manager, "Take the men inside the house, kill the animals and prepare the meat. These men will dine with me at noon."

Berean Standard Bible

When Joseph saw Benjamin with his brothers, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house. Slaughter an animal and prepare it, for they shall dine with me at noon.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 43:16 marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's ongoing narrative, capturing his immediate and profound reaction upon seeing his full brother, Benjamin, for the first time in over two decades. Overwhelmed by emotion and driven by a strategic intent, Joseph issues a direct command to his household steward to prepare an elaborate feast, signaling a dramatic shift from his previous stern demeanor to an act of lavish hospitality. This command serves as a crucial step in God's intricate providential plan, setting the stage for the testing, reconciliation, and ultimate reunion of Jacob's family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 43:16 is situated within the broader narrative of Jacob's family enduring a severe famine and their repeated interactions with Joseph, the powerful Egyptian governor whom they do not recognize. Following their initial grain purchase and Joseph's secret return of their money, he had sternly demanded they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty and secure Simeon's release. This verse immediately follows the brothers' arrival in Egypt with Benjamin, after Jacob's reluctant consent due to the intensifying famine. Joseph's command for a feast sets the stage for the significant meal that follows, where he observes his brothers' interactions and tests their character, particularly their care for Benjamin, before the dramatic revelation of his identity in [Genesis 45](/genesis/45 "Genesis 45 - Joseph Reveals Himself").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East placed immense importance on hospitality, particularly for traveling guests or those seeking assistance. Offering a shared meal, especially a substantial one, was a profound gesture of honor, acceptance, and the establishment of a bond. Joseph's command to "slay, and make ready" implies the preparation of a significant animal sacrifice for a feast, far beyond a simple meal, indicating the extraordinary honor he intended to bestow. Dining "at noon" (midday) was common for the main meal of the day among the elite, signifying a formal and important occasion. This act of hospitality, even from an unknown dignitary, would have been deeply significant to the brothers, who were accustomed to the customs of their nomadic, tribal society where such gestures were foundational to social relations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It powerfully underscores **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's unseen hand orchestrating events through Joseph's actions to preserve the chosen lineage of Israel, as seen in the larger narrative of [Genesis 37-50](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37-50 - The Story of Joseph"). The theme of **Reconciliation and Forgiveness** is initiated here, as Joseph's actions, though still veiled in testing, move towards restoring his fractured family, a stark contrast to the betrayal he experienced in [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold into slavery"). Furthermore, Joseph's continued observation and testing of his brothers, particularly concerning their treatment of Benjamin, highlights the theme of **Transformation of Character**, revealing how God uses challenging circumstances to refine and prepare individuals for His purposes, echoing the transformation seen in Judah's willingness to stand surety for Benjamin in [Genesis 43:9](/genesis/43-9 "Judah's Pledge for Benjamin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Upon seeing Benjamin, Joseph's immediate and decisive command to the ruler of his house reveals the profound personal significance of this reunion and his strategic intent. This was not a casual invitation but a directive for an elaborate, honorable feast, a stark contrast to the initial, more formal and intimidating interactions. Joseph's actions here are multifaceted, serving both his deep emotional connection to Benjamin and his ongoing, strategic testing of his brothers.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyâmîyn'_):** From H1144, meaning "son of (the) right hand." This name holds deep significance as Benjamin was Joseph's only full brother, born of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, and the youngest of all Jacob's sons. His presence was the emotional trigger for Joseph, representing a tangible link to his cherished mother and a symbol of his lost past. Joseph's intense reaction upon seeing Benjamin underscores the unique bond and the profound emotional weight of this reunion.
* **Slay (Hebrew, _ṭâbach'_); Slaughter (Hebrew, _ṭebach'_):** From H2873, "to slaughter (animals or men)," and H2874, "something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered)." The KJV's "slay, and make ready" translates the Hebrew phrase "וּטְבֹחַ טֶבַח" (_uṭĕḇōaḥ ṭevaḥ_), which literally means "to slaughter a slaughter." This emphatic construction indicates the preparation of a substantial amount of meat, typically involving the killing of an animal for a special occasion or honored guests. It signifies a lavish feast, not a simple meal, highlighting the extraordinary importance Joseph placed on this gathering and the honor he intended to bestow.
* **Make ready (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** From H3559, meaning "to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications... (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set." This verb emphasizes the diligent and thorough preparation required for such a significant meal. It implies not just the cooking of food, but the entire arrangement of the dining space, the setting of the table, and all the logistics necessary to host honored guests. Joseph's command for immediate and thorough preparation underscores the urgency and importance of the occasion from his perspective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them,"**: This clause marks the climax of Joseph's long-held anticipation. For years, Benjamin's absence was a critical piece of the puzzle Joseph needed to complete his family's story and test his brothers. The sight of his full brother, the child of his beloved mother Rachel, evokes a profound emotional response within him, setting the entire subsequent action in motion.
* **"he said to the ruler of his house,"**: Joseph's immediate directive to his chief steward demonstrates his authority and control. The "ruler of his house" (often translated as "steward" or "master of the house") was a high-ranking official responsible for Joseph's entire household, including its provisions and administration. This direct command bypasses any intermediaries, highlighting the urgency and personal nature of Joseph's instruction.
* **"Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready;"**: This is a three-part command reflecting Joseph's immediate plan. "Bring these men home" signifies an invitation to his personal residence, a level of intimacy and honor far beyond a typical official meeting. "Slay, and make ready" is the instruction for preparing a lavish feast, indicating the magnitude of the occasion. It implies the slaughter of an animal and the extensive preparations for a celebratory meal, signifying the highest form of hospitality.
* **"for these men shall dine with me at noon."**: This final clause provides the reason and timing for the elaborate preparations. Dining "at noon" (midday) was customary for the main, most significant meal of the day in ancient Egypt, especially for important gatherings. Joseph's intention to dine with them personally elevates their status from mere supplicants seeking grain to honored guests, even as he maintains his disguise and continues his strategic testing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. There is significant **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience is fully aware of Joseph's identity and his relationship to Benjamin, while his brothers remain oblivious. This creates tension and anticipation for the eventual revelation. The act of inviting them to a feast, especially after the sternness of their previous encounters, serves as **Foreshadowing** of the deeper reconciliation and restoration that is to come. The **Symbolism** of the shared meal is also potent; in ancient cultures, eating together signified peace, acceptance, and the establishment or renewal of covenantal relationships. Joseph's command for a lavish meal, therefore, symbolically initiates the process of healing and reunification, even before his true identity is revealed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 43:16 serves as a powerful illustration of God's meticulous **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**. Joseph's emotional response and subsequent actions are not merely human impulses but are divinely orchestrated steps in God's larger plan to preserve the nascent nation of Israel. This moment underscores that even through human emotions, strategic decisions, and seemingly ordinary acts of hospitality, God is actively working behind the scenes to fulfill His covenant promises and bring about His perfect will. It highlights how God can use difficult circumstances and human brokenness to ultimately achieve His redemptive purposes, preparing the way for the preservation of His chosen people and the eventual coming of the Messiah.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God Meant It for Good")
* [Psalm 105:16-17](/psalm/105-16-17 "Psalm 105:16-17 - God Sent Joseph Ahead")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 43:16 invites us to reflect on the profound truth of God's active involvement in our lives, even in moments of deep personal emotion and strategic planning. Joseph's story encourages us to cultivate a steadfast trust in divine providence, recognizing that God is at work even when circumstances appear complex, confusing, or painful. Just as Joseph, despite his immense power, was moved by the sight of his brother, we are reminded of the importance of genuine human connection and the potential for reconciliation. This passage challenges us to consider our own capacity for extending grace and hospitality, even to those who may have wronged us or whom we are still discerning. It prompts us to ask: How might God be using seemingly ordinary interactions or emotional responses in our lives to further His greater purposes? And how can we, like Joseph, be instruments of reconciliation and provision, even when the full picture of God's plan is not yet clear?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's immediate emotional response to Benjamin challenge or affirm your understanding of God's use of human emotions in His divine plan?**
* **In what ways can acts of hospitality, like Joseph's invitation to dine, serve as a catalyst for deeper reconciliation and healing in relationships today?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's providence, even when you cannot see the full scope of His plan, as illustrated by Joseph's unfolding story?**
* **What steps might God be calling you to take toward reconciliation or extending grace in a difficult relationship, even if the outcome is uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Why was Joseph so eager to see Benjamin specifically?**

Answer: Benjamin was Joseph's only full brother, as they shared the same mother, Rachel, who was Jacob's beloved wife. This shared maternal lineage created a unique and deeply personal bond, making Benjamin's presence a profoundly significant and emotional moment for Joseph. His desire to see Benjamin was not just about testing his brothers, but about reconnecting with the last remaining direct link to his cherished past and his mother.

**What was the significance of dining "at noon" in ancient Egypt?**

Answer: Dining "at noon" (midday) for the main meal of the day was a common practice for important occasions and honored guests among the elite in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Egypt. It signified a formal, pre-arranged, and significant event, elevating the status of the guests and underscoring the importance and honor Joseph bestowed upon his brothers. It was not a casual invitation but a gesture of profound hospitality and a public display of favor, despite Joseph's continued disguise.

**Did Joseph's command to "slay, and make ready" imply anything unusual?**

Answer: Yes, the phrase "slay, and make ready" (literally "slaughter a slaughter" in Hebrew) implies the preparation of a substantial, elaborate feast, typically involving the killing of an animal for a special occasion. This was not a command for a simple meal but for a significant, celebratory event, indicating the high honor and importance Joseph placed on this reunion. It demonstrated his wealth, authority, and the extraordinary nature of the welcome he was extending to his brothers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, in his position of power and provision, stands as a profound type of Christ in this pivotal moment. Just as Joseph, who was rejected and betrayed by his own brothers ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold into slavery")), rose to a position of ultimate authority in Egypt to save his family from famine, so too was Christ rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He came to his own")) yet exalted to the highest position of power and authority ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")) to offer spiritual salvation and provision to all who come to Him. Joseph's act of inviting his brothers to a lavish feast, even while he was still testing their hearts and before fully revealing his identity, powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate invitation to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). It beautifully illustrates how the Lord, in His sovereign plan, draws His people to Himself, tests and transforms their hearts, provides abundantly for their deepest needs, and ultimately reveals His saving grace, leading to profound reconciliation and eternal fellowship with Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 44:1

¶ And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks [with] food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth.

Genesis 43:19

And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,

1 Samuel 25:11

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give [it] unto men, whom I know not whence they [be]?

Genesis 24:2

And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

Genesis 24:10

¶ And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master [were] in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

Genesis 44:4

[And] when they were gone out of the city, [and] not [yet] far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?

Genesis 26:30

And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.