Bible Strands
Genesis 43:34
When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with Joseph.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joseph serves food to his brothers at his table, granting Benjamin a portion five times larger than theirs. This occurs during a banquet where the brothers are seated by age and marvel at the arrangement.
The words — The Hebrew מַשְׂאֹת (mas'ot) means "portions" or "allotments," and מַשְׂאַת בִּנְיָמִן (mas'at Binyamin) specifies "Benjamin’s portion." The verb וַתֵּרֶב (vatterev) states this allotment was made "great" or "excessive."
The thread — Disproportionate favor appears when Isaac grants Esau a special meal (Genesis 27:4), when Elkanah gives Hannah a double portion (1 Samuel 1:5), and when a ruler bestows extra garments and silver (Genesis 45:22).
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that visible favoritism can provoke suspicion or reveal hidden agendas. A reader must assess whether such generosity signals reconciliation or strategic manipulation.
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 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.
Cross-references
- Genesis 45:22 He gave new garments to each of them, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes.
- 1 Samuel 1:5 But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.
- 2 Samuel 11:8 Then he said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king followed him.
- 1 Samuel 9:22 Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all.
- Proverbs 31:6 Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul.
- Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
- Ecclesiastes 10:19 A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
- Song of Solomon 5:1 I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved.
- Habakkuk 1:6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans—that ruthless and impetuous nation which marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own.
- Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”