King James Version

What Does Genesis 43:34 Mean?

Genesis 43:34 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 43:34 · KJV

Context

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 he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as... 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 this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א1 of 15

“And he took”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת2 of 15

“and sent messes”

H4864

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

מֵאֵ֣ת3 of 15
H853

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

פָּנָיו֮4 of 15

“unto them from before him”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲלֵהֶם֒5 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַתֵּ֜רֶב6 of 15

“so much as”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת7 of 15

“and sent messes”

H4864

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

בִּנְיָמִ֛ן8 of 15

“but Benjamin's”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת9 of 15

“and sent messes”

H4864

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

כֻּלָּ֖ם10 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חָמֵ֣שׁ11 of 15

“was five”

H2568

five

יָד֑וֹת12 of 15

“times”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיִּשְׁתּ֥וּ13 of 15

“any of theirs And they drank”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַֽיִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ14 of 15

“and were merry”

H7937

to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, to satiate with a stimulating drink or (figuratively) influence

עִמּֽוֹ׃15 of 15
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

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 43:34 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 43:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 45:221 Samuel 1:52 Samuel 11:8John 2:10Song of Solomon 5:1Habakkuk 1:6

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