Bible Strands
Genesis 43:29
When Joseph looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Then he declared, “May God be gracious to you, my son.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joseph speaks to his brothers in Egypt upon first seeing Benjamin, asking if he is the youngest brother they previously reported. This exchange follows their answer about their father’s survival and their bowing to honor him.
The words — The narrative records וַיִּשָּׂא עֵינָיו (va-yissa 'einav), literally "and he lifted up his eyes," to mark Joseph’s initial action. His spoken blessing uses אֱלֹהִים יָחְנְךָ בְּנִי (Elohim yach'necha beni), which translates directly to "May God be gracious to you, my son."
The thread — Joseph’s question about the youngest brother links directly to the earlier account of the twelve siblings in Genesis 42:13. His blessing formulation parallels the priestly request in Numbers 6:25 for God to be gracious.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to note the exact sequence of visual recognition, verbal inquiry, and formal blessing before any emotional or narrative resolution. It asks the reader to track how physical sight and spoken words operate independently of the subsequent private weeping in Genesis 43:30.
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 he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.
Cross-references
- Genesis 42:13 But they answered, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more.”
- Numbers 6:25 may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
- Genesis 30:22 Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb,
- Genesis 35:17 During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.”
- Genesis 42:11 We are all sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies.”
- Genesis 45:8 Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
- Joshua 7:19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
- 2 Chronicles 29:11 Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”
- Psalms 67:1 For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm. A song. May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah
- Psalms 111:4 He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.