Genesis Chapter 43 — The Return to Egypt
Jacob's sons return to Egypt with Benjamin to buy more food during the severe famine. Joseph welcomes them into his home for a feast and is deeply moved by the sight of his youngest brother.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Genesis 43:9
“I’ll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. If I don’t bring him to you, and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever”
Judah demonstrates personal sacrifice and leadership by taking responsibility for Benjamin's safety, marking a change in his character.
Genesis 43:30
“Joseph hurried, for his heart yearned over his brother; and he sought a place to weep. He entered into his room, and wept there.”
This verse highlights Joseph's deep emotional connection to his family and the difficulty of maintaining his disguise.
Chapter Summary
As the famine intensifies, Jacob’s family runs out of grain. Jacob instructs his sons to return to Egypt, but they remind him that the Egyptian governor insisted they bring Benjamin. Judah offers himself as collateral for Benjamin’s safety, eventually persuading Jacob to let him go. The brothers travel to Egypt with gifts and double the money they previously found in their sacks. Upon arrival, Joseph instructs his steward to prepare a feast for them. The brothers, fearful of being enslaved because of the returned money, explain the situation to the steward, who reassures them. When Joseph meets them, he is overcome with emotion at the sight of Benjamin and secretly weeps. He then hosts a banquet where the brothers are seated according to their birthright, and Benjamin is given a portion five times larger than the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jacob eventually relented because the famine was severe and the family was out of food. Judah's solemn promise to take personal responsibility for Benjamin's safety helped convince Jacob that the journey was necessary for their survival.
Joseph was deeply moved and his heart yearned for his brother. He had to leave the room to weep in private before composing himself to host a banquet for his brothers.
The brothers feared they were being brought into Joseph's house to be accused of theft because of the money that had mysteriously appeared in their sacks after their first trip. They were afraid they would be seized as slaves along with their donkeys.
Study Note
The Egyptian custom of not eating with Hebrews, mentioned in verse 32, reflects the historical cultural and religious boundaries between the two groups during this era.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.