Bible Strands
Genesis 43:24
And the steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and provided food for their donkeys.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The steward speaks to the brothers immediately after returning Simeon and confirming their silver was found in their sacks. He then leads them into Joseph’s residence to prepare for their midday meal.
The words — The text highlights וַ/יָּבֵ֥א (va/i.ya.Ve'), meaning "and he brought," and מַ֙יִם֙ (ma.yim), meaning "water." These terms anchor the steward’s immediate actions of escorting the men and providing refreshment.
The thread — This hospitality sequence parallels Genesis 18:4, Genesis 19:2, and Genesis 24:32, where hosts offer water for foot-washing and provisions for travelers. Each instance establishes a cultural baseline for welcoming guests before formal interaction.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to recognize the steward’s practical care as a necessary precursor to the brothers’ impending encounter with Joseph. It demands attention to how routine provisions set the stage for revelation and reconciliation.
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 the man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.
Cross-references
- Genesis 18:4 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.
- Genesis 24:32 So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions.
- Genesis 19:2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
- Luke 7:44 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
- John 13:4 So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.