Genesis 43:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took {H5375} and sent messes {H4864} unto them from before him {H6440}: but Benjamin's {H1144} mess {H4864} was five {H2568} times {H3027} so much as {H7235} any of theirs. And they drank {H8354}, and were merry {H7937} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each was given his serving there in front of him, but Binyamin's portion was five times as large as any of theirs. So they drank and enjoyed themselves with him.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 43:34 vividly portrays Joseph's calculated act of bestowing a remarkably generous portion of food upon his youngest brother, Benjamin, during a meal with his siblings in Egypt. This strategic display of favoritism served as a profound test of his brothers' character, designed to reveal whether the destructive jealousy that had previously torn their family apart still festered within their hearts. Simultaneously, it underscored Joseph's deep, personal affection for Benjamin. The brothers' seemingly peaceful and even joyful acceptance of this disparity hints at a significant transformation in their attitudes or, at the very least, a pragmatic submission to Joseph's immense authority, all unfolding under the sovereign hand of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 43:34 is strategically placed within the narrative of Jacob's sons' second journey to Egypt, a journey necessitated by a severe famine and Joseph's prior demand for Benjamin's presence. Following the initial encounter where Joseph, unrecognized, accused them of being spies and held Simeon captive, the brothers returned to Canaan. Jacob's reluctance to send Benjamin, his last remaining son from Rachel, is overcome only by the dire famine and Judah's solemn pledge to guarantee Benjamin's safety ([Genesis 43:8-9](/genesis/43-8-9 "Judah's Pledge for Benjamin")). Upon their return to Egypt, Joseph engineers a private meal with his brothers, setting the stage for this pivotal moment. The verse immediately precedes the even more dramatic test of the divining cup, which will further expose their character and commitment to Benjamin ([Genesis 44](/genesis/44 "Genesis 44 - The Test of the Cup")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene reflects ancient Near Eastern dining customs, where the host would personally distribute portions, often using such acts to signify honor or status. The practice of giving a larger portion to a favored guest or a person of higher standing was common, making Joseph's act culturally intelligible, albeit exaggerated. Egyptian dining etiquette would have also involved specific seating arrangements, likely placing Benjamin in a position of honor near Joseph. The famine itself was a widespread and devastating event, underscoring the brothers' desperate reliance on Joseph, the Egyptian vizier, for their very survival. This context highlights the immense power Joseph wielded and the brothers' vulnerability, which would have influenced their reactions to his actions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis. It is central to the theme of **divine providence**, illustrating how God orchestrates human actions and circumstances—even Joseph's intricate tests—to fulfill His redemptive purposes, ultimately preserving the covenant family and lineage ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Understanding of God's Purpose")). The scene also deeply explores the theme of **testing and reconciliation**, as Joseph probes his brothers' hearts to discern genuine repentance and a transformation from the jealousy that led to his own enslavement ([Genesis 37:4](/genesis/37-4 "The Brothers' Envy of Joseph")). Furthermore, it revisits the destructive theme of **favoritism**, echoing Jacob's previous partiality towards Joseph ([Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Jacob's Special Coat for Joseph")), but here, it serves as a tool for healing rather than division. Finally, it highlights God's unwavering commitment to the **preservation of His covenant people**, as Joseph's actions ensure the survival of Jacob's family during the famine.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mess (Hebrew, _masʼêth'_ - H4864):** Derived from the root *nasa* (H5375), meaning "to lift" or "to bear," *masʼêth* literally refers to "that which is lifted up." In this context, it signifies a "portion" or "present," specifically a portion of food lifted from the host's table and given to a guest. This word carries connotations of honor, distinction, or a special gift, indicating that Joseph's distribution was not merely practical but symbolic of favor and status.
* **Five (Hebrew, _châmêsh'_ - H2568):** A primitive numeral, "five" here emphasizes the extraordinary and deliberate disproportion of Benjamin's portion. The number five often appears in biblical contexts related to divine grace, responsibility, or a significant, complete measure (e.g., the five books of the Torah, the five smooth stones of David). Here, it highlights the extreme nature of Joseph's test and his exceptional favor toward Benjamin.
* **Times (Hebrew, _yâd'_ - H3027):** While *yâd* primarily means "hand," it is used here idiomatically to denote "times" or "multiplication," often implying power, means, or measure. In the phrase "five times so much," *yâd* functions to quantify the magnitude of Benjamin's portion, underscoring that it was multiplied by a factor of five compared to his brothers' shares. This usage of "hand" signifies the direct action and deliberate intent behind Joseph's distribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took and sent messes unto them from before him:"** This clause sets the scene for the meal, emphasizing Joseph's active role as host. The phrase "from before him" indicates that the portions were taken directly from Joseph's own table, a gesture of high honor and intimacy. It highlights Joseph's control over the situation and his personal involvement in the distribution, making the subsequent favoritism all the more deliberate.
* **"but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs."** This is the pivotal detail of the verse. The stark contrast in portion sizes immediately draws attention to Benjamin's special status. The "five times" multiplication is not merely generous but conspicuously excessive, designed to provoke a reaction. This act serves as a calculated test, mirroring the past favoritism shown to Joseph by Jacob and probing whether the brothers' old jealousies would resurface, particularly towards Rachel's other son.
* **"And they drank, and were merry with him."** This concluding phrase describes the brothers' reaction. Their ability to "drink" and be "merry" (Hebrew, *shakar*, meaning to become tipsy or satiated with stimulating drink, implying enjoyment and good spirits) in Joseph's presence, despite the obvious favoritism shown to Benjamin, is highly significant. It suggests either a genuine transformation of heart, where past resentments have been overcome, or a pragmatic submission to the powerful Egyptian governor, understanding their precarious position and choosing not to react negatively. This apparent lack of resentment is crucial for Joseph's ongoing plan of reconciliation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, as the "messes" represent not just food but also honor, favor, and a deliberate test. Benjamin's disproportionately large portion **symbolizes** Joseph's deep affection for his full brother, while simultaneously serving as a **symbol** of the test of the other brothers' hearts, probing for lingering jealousy. The narrative also uses **Contrast**, juxtaposing the past favoritism shown to Joseph (which led to his enslavement) with the present favoritism shown to Benjamin, and highlighting the difference in the brothers' reactions. The scene is imbued with **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience knows Joseph's true identity, but his brothers remain oblivious, making their interactions and Joseph's calculated actions all the more poignant and suspenseful. This irony heightens the tension and the anticipation of Joseph's ultimate revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 43:34 is a powerful illustration of God's intricate and often unseen hand guiding human affairs towards His redemptive purposes. Joseph's strategic testing of his brothers, though seemingly manipulative from a human perspective, was part of a divine process designed to expose and heal deep-seated family brokenness. It demonstrates that genuine reconciliation often requires a period of discerning the heart, ensuring that repentance is authentic and that past patterns of sin have truly been overcome. This passage underscores the truth that God can use even difficult or ambiguous circumstances to bring about His perfect will, transforming human weakness and sin into opportunities for growth and restoration.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")
* [Psalm 105:16-19](/psalms/105-16-19 "Psalm 105:16-19 - Joseph's Imprisonment and God's Plan")
* [Proverbs 17:3](/proverbs/17-3 "Proverbs 17:3 - The Lord Tests Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 43:34 provides a profound lens through which to examine themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the often-complex journey of healing within relationships. For believers, this passage encourages a patient and discerning approach when navigating relational brokenness, reminding us that true restoration often involves a process of testing and observation to ensure genuine heart change, rather than merely superficial apologies or outward compliance. It challenges us to reflect on our own capacity for jealousy and resentment, urging us to confront these destructive emotions and allow God to transform our hearts. Furthermore, it invites us to trust in God's sovereign hand, recognizing that He can orchestrate even the most challenging or ambiguous situations for His ultimate good and our spiritual growth. We are called to look beyond immediate appearances and discern God's deeper purposes at work, fostering humility, empathy, and a commitment to authentic reconciliation in our own lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I react when others receive preferential treatment or blessings that I do not?**
* **What past hurts or resentments might I still be holding onto, and how might God be testing my heart for genuine change?**
* **In what ways can I, like Joseph, thoughtfully and strategically work towards reconciliation in broken relationships, trusting God's timing and process?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem confusing or unfair?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph give Benjamin five times as much food?**

Answer: Joseph's act of giving Benjamin a portion five times larger than his brothers' served a profound dual purpose. Primarily, it was a calculated test to discern if the destructive jealousy and resentment that had led them to sell him into slavery years earlier still lingered, particularly concerning their father's favoritism towards Rachel's sons. Joseph needed to know if they would now protect Benjamin, their father's new favorite, or if their old patterns of envy would resurface. Secondly, it was a public and undeniable display of Joseph's deep personal affection for Benjamin, his only full brother and the other son of Rachel. This extravagant gesture was meant to highlight Benjamin's special status in Joseph's eyes, further intensifying the test for the other brothers.

**Did Joseph's brothers resent Benjamin's preferential treatment?**

Answer: The biblical text explicitly states that Joseph's brothers "drank, and were merry with him," indicating that they did not outwardly express resentment, anger, or jealousy at Benjamin's disproportionate portion. This reaction is highly significant. It suggests a profound change in their character and a newfound maturity compared to their past behavior towards Joseph ([Genesis 37:11](/genesis/37-11 "Joseph's brothers were jealous of him")). Their acceptance could signify genuine repentance and a transformation of heart, where they had learned from their past mistakes. Alternatively, it might reflect a pragmatic acceptance of their powerful host's actions, given their desperate situation, their reliance on him for survival, and Judah's solemn pledge to protect Benjamin ([Genesis 43:9](/genesis/43-9 "Judah's Pledge for Benjamin")). Regardless of their precise internal state, their outward response was one of peace and apparent enjoyment, which was crucial for Joseph's ongoing plan of reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 43:34, while detailing a complex human interaction, profoundly foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Joseph, as a type of Christ, orchestrates a test of the heart, not out of malice, but to bring about genuine repentance and reconciliation within his family, ultimately leading to their salvation from famine. Similarly, Christ, the ultimate reconciler, tests the hearts of humanity, not to condemn, but to expose sin and bring about true transformation and restoration. He is the one who, through His sacrificial love, provides an "abundant life" that far surpasses any earthly "mess" or portion ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Just as Joseph's brothers, once alienated by sin, were brought into a place of provision and fellowship, so too does Christ bring those who were once enemies of God into His family, granting them an overflowing measure of grace and forgiveness ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners"); [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")). His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross ensures that all who come to Him receive not merely a "five times" blessing, but an eternal inheritance and an unending feast of fellowship with God, a reconciliation secured by His perfect love and sacrifice ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Ministry of Reconciliation")).

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 45:22

To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred [pieces] of silver, and five changes of raiment.

1 Samuel 1:5

But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.

2 Samuel 11:8

And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess [of meat] from the king.

Song Of Solomon 5:1

¶ I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: 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; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

Ecclesiastes 10:19

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all [things].

Matthew 11:19

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Proverbs 31:6

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.