Bible Strands
Genesis 43:11
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Israel addresses his sons at the moment they prepare to return to Egypt with Benjamin, following their initial journey and the renewed demand for his youngest brother.
The words — יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל (Yis.ra.'El) = Israel and אֲבִי/הֶ֗ם ('a.vi./Hem) = their father identify the speaker and his familial relationship to the recipients.
The thread — The listed gifts mirror the caravan from Gilead in Genesis 37:25, echo the gift dilemma in 1 Samuel 9:7, and recall the metaphor of balm in Jeremiah 8:22.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that diplomatic survival requires tangible provision, framing hospitality as a transactional necessity rather than a spiritual promise.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
Cross-references
- Genesis 37:25 And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt.
- Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?
- 1 Samuel 9:7 “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”
- Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
- Ezekiel 27:17 Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, cakes and honey, oil and balm for your merchandise.
- Genesis 32:13 Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau:
- Genesis 33:10 But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably.
- Genesis 43:14 May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”
- Deuteronomy 33:14 with the bountiful harvest from the sun and the abundant yield of the seasons,
- 1 Samuel 25:27 Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you.