Genesis 43:32

KJV

And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they set on {H7760} for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians {H4713}, which did eat {H398} with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians {H4713} might {H3201} not eat {H398} bread {H3899} with the Hebrews {H5680}; for that is an abomination {H8441} unto the Egyptians {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They served him by himself, the brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians included at the meal by themselves - Egyptians don't eat with Hebrews, because that is abhorrent to them.

Berean Standard Bible

They separately served Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians. They ate separately because the Egyptians would not eat with the Hebrews, since that was detestable to them.

American Standard Version

And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, that did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 43:32 meticulously details the dining arrangements at Joseph's table in Egypt, highlighting the strict segregation between Joseph, his Hebrew brothers, and the Egyptian guests. This separation was mandated by a deeply ingrained cultural and religious aversion, as Egyptians considered eating bread with Hebrews an "abomination." The verse underscores the profound social and cultural barriers of the ancient world and subtly reveals Joseph's unique, isolated status as a high-ranking Egyptian official navigating these complex dynamics.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Joseph's second encounter with his brothers in Egypt. Following their initial visit and Joseph's command to bring Benjamin, the brothers have returned, and Joseph, now the powerful governor, invites them to a meal. The immediate preceding verses describe Joseph's emotional reunion with Benjamin, where he is deeply moved but maintains his disguise. The meticulous seating arrangement in [Genesis 43:32](/genesis/43-32 "Genesis 43:32 - The Seating Arrangement") serves as a deliberate act by Joseph, both to observe his brothers' reactions and to adhere to Egyptian protocol, setting the stage for the subsequent test involving the silver cup. This scene vividly illustrates the cultural chasm between the Egyptians and the Hebrews, even as Joseph secretly navigates this divide to fulfill God's redemptive plan for his family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly stratified society with elaborate concepts of ritual purity and social hierarchy. Foreigners, particularly those engaged in occupations like shepherding, were often viewed with disdain and considered ritually unclean. [Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "Genesis 46:34 - Shepherds as an Abomination") explicitly states that "every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians," a sentiment rooted in their reverence for cattle (sacred to certain deities like Hathor and Apis) and their settled agricultural lifestyle contrasting with nomadic pastoralism. Shared meals were significant social and religious acts, symbolizing fellowship and shared values. The refusal to eat with Hebrews was not merely a social preference but a profound cultural and religious taboo, reflecting deep-seated prejudices and the Egyptians' desire to maintain their perceived purity and social order.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 43:32 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It highlights the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates events, even human prejudices, to bring about His purposes, as Joseph's position allows him to bridge these cultural divides. It also emphasizes the **Cultural and Social Barriers** prevalent in the ancient world, showcasing the deep-seated distinctions between peoples and the challenges of intergroup relations. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Joseph's Mediation and Isolation**, as he navigates his role as a powerful Egyptian official while secretly working to reconcile with his Hebrew family, a precarious position that sets him apart from both groups. The concept of **Separation and Distinction** is also prominent, foreshadowing God's later establishment of Israel as a distinct nation, set apart for a holy purpose, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse meticulously describes the dining protocol at Joseph's table: "And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians." This arrangement reveals critical insights into the cultural, social, and religious dynamics of ancient Egypt and the unique position of Joseph.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Egyptian (Hebrew, _Mitsrîy'_):** (H4713) This term refers to an inhabitant of Mitsrayim (Egypt). In this context, it highlights the native population whose cultural and religious norms dictate the dining separation. Their identity is central to understanding the "abomination" they perceive in the Hebrews.
* **Eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** (H398) A primitive root meaning "to eat" literally or figuratively. Here, it signifies the act of sharing a meal, which universally symbolizes fellowship, communion, and shared life. The inability of Egyptians and Hebrews to "eat bread" together underscores a fundamental lack of fellowship and a deep chasm between the two groups.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** (H8441) Properly, something disgusting (morally), an abhorrence. While often used in the Bible for practices detestable to God (e.g., idolatry), here it reflects a profound cultural and religious taboo from the Egyptian perspective. It signifies a deep-seated revulsion, not merely a preference, rooted in their concepts of purity, social hierarchy, and possibly dietary customs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they set on for him by himself":** This refers to Joseph. Despite being Hebrew, his seating apart from both his brothers and the other Egyptians signifies his complete integration into Egyptian high society and his adherence to their court customs as a high-ranking official. His position demanded a distinct status, separating him from even his own family in a public setting. This also serves to maintain his disguise and control over the situation.
* **"and for them by themselves":** This refers to Joseph's brothers, the Hebrews. They were seated in their own distinct group, a separation not merely for order but mandated by Egyptian custom. This highlights their foreign status and the social distance maintained by the Egyptians, emphasizing the cultural divide.
* **"and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves":** The Egyptian guests also had their own designated section, further emphasizing the rigid social stratification and the unacceptability of intermingling with Hebrews at the table. This three-tiered seating arrangement underscores the profound social and cultural barriers of the time.
* **"because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians":** This clause provides the explicit reason for the strict segregation. The act of sharing "bread" (a metonym for a meal) symbolized fellowship and shared values, which was considered impossible or defiling across such a perceived divide. The term "abomination" signifies a deep-seated cultural and religious taboo, likely stemming from Egyptian concepts of ritual purity (especially regarding shepherds), differing dietary laws, and a general disdain for foreign, nomadic peoples.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Contrast**, vividly displayed through the strict segregation of the three dining parties: Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians. This stark visual contrast underscores the deep cultural chasm and the social hierarchy prevalent in ancient Egypt. There is also a subtle **Irony** in Joseph, a Hebrew, being the one enforcing these Egyptian customs, even as he secretly plans to reconcile with his Hebrew family. The explicit declaration of the Egyptians' view of Hebrews as an "abomination" serves as a form of **Exposition**, directly explaining the cultural barrier. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as **Symbolism**, where the shared meal, universally a sign of fellowship, becomes a powerful symbol of division and alienation, highlighting the brokenness that God's redemptive plan in Joseph's life is working to overcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 43:32 offers profound theological and thematic insights into the nature of human division and God's sovereign plan. The strict cultural barriers and the "abomination" highlight the deep-seated prejudices and social stratification that can exist between peoples. Yet, within this context of human separation, God's divine providence is clearly at work, positioning Joseph in a unique role to bridge these divides and ultimately save his family. This scene foreshadows God's later establishment of Israel as a distinct, holy nation, set apart not out of prejudice, but for a unique covenant relationship and a holy purpose, demonstrating that while human distinctions can be rooted in sin, God also ordains distinction for holiness and truth.

* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel as a Holy People")
* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Acts 10:28](/acts/10-28 "Acts 10:28 - Peter's Vision and Gentile Inclusion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 43:32 offers valuable insights into navigating cultural differences and understanding the roots of social barriers. It reminds us that societies often possess deeply ingrained customs and beliefs that can lead to significant distinctions and even aversion between groups. What is acceptable or normal in one culture may be considered offensive or "abominable" in another, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and humility when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. While the Egyptians' "abomination" was based on their own prejudices, the narrative also implicitly sets the stage for God's later establishment of His chosen people, Israel, as distinct for a holy purpose, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel as a Holy People"). Joseph's ability to operate within the Egyptian system while maintaining his core identity provides an example of how individuals might adapt to different social contexts without compromising their fundamental beliefs or purpose, even when those contexts are marked by significant cultural divides. This verse calls us to examine our own biases and to consider how we might be bridges, rather than walls, in a world still marked by division.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do cultural differences and historical prejudices impact social interactions in our world today?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, be called to navigate cultural norms that differ from our own, without compromising our faith?**
* **How does the concept of "abomination" in this verse, rooted in cultural taboo, compare to biblical concepts of abomination (e.g., idolatry, injustice) and what can we learn from the distinction?**

### FAQ

**Why couldn't the Egyptians eat with the Hebrews?**

Answer: The Egyptians considered eating with Hebrews an "abomination" (`tôwʻêbah`), primarily due to deeply ingrained cultural and religious beliefs. This included their concepts of ritual purity, which likely deemed foreigners, particularly shepherds (a common profession among Hebrews, as noted in [Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "Genesis 46:34 - Egyptians' aversion to shepherds")), as ritually unclean. Differences in dietary practices and a strong sense of social hierarchy also contributed to this profound aversion. For Egyptians, sharing a meal symbolized fellowship and shared values, which they were unwilling to extend to the Hebrews.

**What does "abomination" mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word `tôwʻêbah` (תּוֹעֵבָה), translated as "abomination," signifies something detestable, abhorrent, or repugnant. In [Genesis 43:32](/genesis/43-32 "Genesis 43:32 - The Seating Arrangement"), it describes a strong cultural and religious taboo from the Egyptian perspective, not necessarily a divine judgment. It reflects a deep-seated revulsion based on their belief system concerning what was clean or unclean, pure or impure, particularly regarding the handling of animals and the social status of various professions. It was a deeply ingrained cultural prejudice.

**Why did Joseph eat separately from both his brothers and the Egyptians?**

Answer: Joseph ate separately because he had fully integrated into Egyptian society and held a high office as governor. His separate seating from both his Hebrew brothers and the Egyptian guests reinforced his unique, elevated status and his adherence to Egyptian court protocol. It symbolized his position as a bridge between two worlds, yet bound by the customs of the land he governed. This also served to maintain his disguise and control over the unfolding events with his brothers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The deep cultural chasm and the "abomination" that separated Egyptians and Hebrews at the table in [Genesis 43:32](/genesis/43-32 "Genesis 43:32 - The Seating Arrangement") powerfully foreshadow the profound spiritual separation between humanity and God due to sin. Just as Joseph, though distinct and separated by his high office and the cultural divide, was providentially positioned to bring reconciliation and sustenance to his estranged brothers, so Christ, though perfectly holy and distinct from sinful humanity, entered a fallen world. He came to break down the "middle wall of partition" that separated Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ, Our Peace")), and by extension, all humanity from God, through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. In Christ, the ultimate "abomination" of sin is atoned for, and all who believe are invited to a new table of fellowship, not by cultural custom or social status, but by grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). The Lord's Supper, in particular, represents this new covenant of unity and communion ([1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16-17 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")), where all believers, regardless of their earthly distinctions, partake together in the body and blood of Christ, fulfilling the longing for true, unhindered fellowship that the scene in Genesis 43:32 could only hint at. Through Christ, those who were once far off have been brought near ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")), and the dividing wall of hostility has been abolished, making one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Man in Christ")).

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

Exodus 8:26

And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?

Genesis 46:34

That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, [and] also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Genesis 43:16

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.

Genesis 31:54

Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.