Genesis 43:34

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Context

Genesis 43:34 takes place during the second journey of Jacob's sons to Egypt, desperate for food during a severe famine in Canaan. Unbeknownst to them, the powerful governor of Egypt, who is controlling the grain supply, is their own brother, Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery many years prior. Joseph, now in a position of immense authority, has orchestrated events to bring his youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt. This verse describes a pivotal meal Joseph shares with his brothers, where his hidden intentions and deep affections begin to subtly manifest through an act of deliberate favoritism.

Key Themes

  • Testing of Character: Joseph's act of giving Benjamin a portion five times larger than his brothers' was a calculated and profound test. He was keenly observing their reactions, looking for any lingering signs of the jealousy and resentment that had led them to sell him into slavery (see Genesis 37:4). This was crucial for Joseph to determine if their hearts had changed and if they would now protect Benjamin, their father's new favorite.
  • Favoritism and Affection: The exaggerated portion for Benjamin also served as a public display of Joseph's deep personal affection for his full brother, Benjamin, the only other son of Rachel. This act mirrors, and perhaps tests the brothers' reaction to, the favoritism their father Jacob had shown Joseph (Genesis 37:3). The brothers' seemingly calm acceptance, as they "drank, and were merry," suggests a significant shift in their collective character or a prudent recognition of Joseph's power and their reliance on him.
  • Divine Providence: Beyond the human drama, this scene underscores the theme of divine providence. Joseph's intricate plans, though appearing manipulative, were part of God's larger design to preserve his family and ultimately the lineage through which the Messiah would come. This aligns with Joseph's later understanding that God intended all for good (Genesis 50:20).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "messes" in this context refers to 'portions' of food. The underlying Hebrew word is mas'et (מַשְׂאֵת), which literally means 'a lifted portion' or 'a gift.' It signifies a special, honored portion, often given as a mark of respect or favor. The phrase "five times so much" emphasizes the extraordinary nature of this preferential treatment, making it impossible for the brothers to ignore and thus heightening the tension of Joseph's test.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound insights into the process of reconciliation, testing, and the importance of genuine change of heart. For us today, it encourages us to:

  • Exercise Patience in Relationships: Healing and reconciliation often require careful observation and the giving of opportunities for others to demonstrate growth and change.
  • Recognize God's Hand: Even in complex, challenging, or seemingly unfair situations, God can be working behind the scenes to bring about His good and redemptive purposes.
  • Reflect on Personal Growth: Like Joseph testing his brothers, life often presents us with situations that reveal our true character and whether we have learned from past mistakes or overcome our personal shortcomings.
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 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.
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