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 43:16 · King James Version
Meaning
When Joseph saw his brother Benjamin among the group that had come to Egypt to buy food during the famine, he was overwhelmed with emotion. Benjamin was the full brother of Joseph, both being sons of Rachel, and Joseph had not seen him since they were separated many years before. The sight of Benjamin brought back memories of his childhood and his longing to be reunited with his family. Joseph's immediate reaction was to show kindness and hospitality to his brothers. He instructed the ruler of his house to prepare a feast for his brothers at noon. This act of generosity and love towards his brothers foreshadows the reconciliation that will later take place between Joseph and his family. It is a reminder of the power of forgiveness and the importance of family bonds. Joseph's desire to share a meal with his brothers also symbolizes the restoration of unity and peace within the family, a theme that runs throughout the Bible.
Theological Overview
After Joseph saw his brother Benjamin with his other brothers, he instructed the ruler of his house to bring the men home to him for a meal at noon. This act of Joseph inviting his brothers to dine with him carries theological significance. In this context, the act of dining together symbolizes reconciliation and restoration of relationships. Joseph's gesture of welcoming his brothers, despite their past betrayal and mistreatment of him, reflects God's grace and forgiveness towards His people. The symbolism of dining together also foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation that God offers to humanity through Jesus Christ. The act of dining together not only signifies fellowship and unity but also highlights the importance of forgiveness and restoration in relationships. This verse serves as a reminder of God's redemptive plan and His desire for His people to be reconciled with one another, mirroring the reconciliation that Joseph sought with his brothers.
Genesis 43:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, Bring the men into the house, and slay, and make ready; for the men shall dine with me at noon.
World English Bible
When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and butcher an animal, and prepare; for the men will dine with me at noon.”
Douay-Rheims
And when he had seen them, and Benjamin with them, he commanded the steward of his house, saying: Bring in the men into the house, and kill victims, and prepare a feast: because they shall eat with me at noon.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And whe Ioseph saw Beniamin with them, he sayde to his stewarde, Bring these men home and kill meate, and make ready: for the men shall eate with me at noone.