King James Version

What Does Genesis 43:32 Mean?

Genesis 43:32 in the King James Version says “And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themse...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 43:32 · KJV

Context

30

And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

31

And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.

32

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.

33

And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another.

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. were: Heb. drank largely

Read Genesis 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ1 of 21

“And they set on”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

ל֛וֹ2 of 21
H0
לְבַדּ֖וֹ3 of 21
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

וְלָהֶ֣ם4 of 21
H0
לְבַדָּ֑ם5 of 21
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

הַמִּצְרִ֗ים6 of 21

“for him by himself and for them by themselves and for the Egyptians”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

לֶֽאֱכֹ֤ל7 of 21

“not eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אִתּוֹ֙8 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לְבַדָּ֔ם9 of 21
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

כִּי֩10 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֨א11 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֽוּכְל֜וּן12 of 21

“might”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

הַמִּצְרִ֗ים13 of 21

“for him by himself and for them by themselves and for the Egyptians”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

לֶֽאֱכֹ֤ל14 of 21

“not eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת15 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽעִבְרִים֙16 of 21

“with the Hebrews”

H5680

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

לֶ֔חֶם17 of 21

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

כִּֽי18 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תוֹעֵבָ֥ה19 of 21

“for that is an abomination”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

הִ֖וא20 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְמִצְרָֽיִם׃21 of 21

“unto the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 43:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 43:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 46:34Exodus 8:26Genesis 43:16Genesis 31:54

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