Verse

Genesis 43:24

ESV And when the man had brought the men into Joseph 's house and given them water, and they had washed their feet, and when he had given their donkeys fodder,
NIV The steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet and provided fodder for their donkeys.
NASB Then the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed.
CSB The steward brought the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and got feed for their donkeys.
NLT The manager then led the men into Joseph’s palace. He gave them water to wash their feet and provided food for their donkeys.
KJV 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.
NKJV So the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed.

What does Genesis 43:24 mean?

Joseph's steward has fully assured Jacob's sons—now eleven with the return of Simeon (Genesis 43:23)—that they are guests and not prisoners of the Egyptian ruler (Genesis 43:16–22). As guests, they are provided the customary hospitality of water for washing and food for their animals.

Perhaps the brothers begin to relax, though are likely still confused as to why this Egyptian ruler is treating them with such honor. They don't realize the ruler is Joseph, their own brother (Genesis 42:8). Though they'd sold him into slavery twenty years ago (Genesis 37:24–28), Joseph's intentions for them are good. He has a few more tests in mind, as shown in the rest of this passage. In the end, he will rescue his entire family from starvation (Genesis 47:11–12).
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