Genesis 43:24

And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave [them] water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.

And the man {H376} brought {H935} the men {H582} into Joseph's {H3130} house {H1004}, and gave {H5414} them water {H4325}, and they washed {H7364} their feet {H7272}; and he gave {H5414} their asses {H2543} provender {H4554}.

The man brought the men into Yosef's house and gave them water, and they washed their feet, and he provided fodder for their donkeys.

And the steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and provided food for their donkeys.

And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.

Commentary

Genesis 43:24 describes a scene of ancient Near Eastern hospitality as Joseph's brothers, now accompanied by Benjamin, are brought into Joseph's personal residence in Egypt. This seemingly simple verse is rich with cultural insights and sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of Joseph's plan.

Context

This verse occurs during the second journey of Joseph's brothers to Egypt, where they have returned to buy grain and, crucially, have brought their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them as commanded by the powerful Egyptian governor (who is secretly Joseph). Joseph had instructed his steward to bring the men to his house to dine with him at noon (Genesis 43:16). The steward's actions here are a direct fulfillment of Joseph's orders, signaling a level of honor and welcome far beyond what the brothers might have expected, especially given their previous harsh treatment and suspicion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ancient Hospitality: The actions described—providing water for foot washing and provender for animals—were standard and essential components of hospitality in the ancient world. Travelers on dusty roads would arrive with dirty feet, and providing water for cleansing was a fundamental act of welcome and refreshment. Similarly, caring for their beasts of burden was a mark of thorough and considerate hosting.
  • Preparation for an Encounter: This act of cleansing and refreshment prepared the brothers not only physically but also symbolically for the significant meal and interaction they were about to have with Joseph. It underscores the formality and importance of the upcoming event, which would ultimately lead to Joseph revealing his identity.
  • Joseph's Intent: Though still concealed, Joseph's instructions to his steward reveal his underlying care and perhaps his desire to reconcile with his family. The provision of such meticulous hospitality suggests a deeper motive than mere commerce or suspicion, hinting at the providential hand of God at work in Joseph's life and his family's story.

Linguistic Insights

The term "provender" (Hebrew: mispo) simply refers to fodder or feed for animals. It's a straightforward term, but its inclusion highlights the completeness of the hospitality offered: not just the guests, but also their means of transport, were cared for. The act of "washing their feet" (Hebrew: rachats raglayim) was a common courtesy, often performed by servants, signifying humility and service, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Jesus washing His disciples' feet.

Practical Application

This verse, though historical, offers timeless lessons on the importance of hospitality and service. It reminds us of the value of:

  • Welcoming Others: Extending genuine welcome, even to those we might initially distrust or who have wronged us, can open doors for reconciliation and deeper relationships.
  • Mindful Service: Attending to the practical needs of guests or those in our care, even seemingly small details like providing refreshment or caring for their belongings, demonstrates true consideration and love.
  • Preparation: Just as the brothers were prepared for their encounter with Joseph, we too should prepare ourselves, both physically and spiritually, for significant moments and interactions in life, recognizing that God often works through such details.

The scene in Genesis 43:24 sets a tone of unexpected grace before a pivotal family reunion, emphasizing that true hospitality involves making others feel comfortable and valued, even when the full story is yet to be revealed.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 18:4

    Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

  • Genesis 24:32

    And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that [were] with him.

  • Genesis 19:2

    And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

  • Luke 7:44

    And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head.

  • John 13:4

    He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

  • John 13:17

    If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
← Back