Verse

Genesis 43:16

ESV When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.”
NIV When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, 'Take these men to my house, slaughter an animal and prepare a meal; they are to eat with me at noon.'
NASB When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to his house steward, 'Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make preparations; for the men are to dine with me at noon.'
CSB When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to his steward, "Take the men to my house. Slaughter an animal and prepare it, for they will eat with me at noon."
NLT When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the manager of his household, 'These men will eat with me this noon. Take them inside the palace. Then go slaughter an animal, and prepare a big feast.'
KJV 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.

What does Genesis 43:16 mean?

Ten of Joseph's eleven brothers arrive from Canaan and stand before him. They have come to buy grain, bringing their youngest brother Benjamin with them at Joseph's command (Genesis 42:19–20; 24). They still don't know who this Egyptian ruler is (Genesis 42:8) or why he is treating them this way.

Joseph has received what he asked for. He sees his younger brother Benjamin, the only other son born to their mother Rachel (Genesis 35:18–19; 42:38). Benjamin would have been quite young when Joseph was taken. He must be in his 20s by this point. Seeing him does something to Joseph. Instead of addressing his brothers, he tells his house steward to bring the men to his home. The steward is to slaughter an animal and prepare a noon meal for all of them. This is certainly not what any of the brothers were expecting.
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