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.
Joseph had portions of food sent to his brothers from his own table, but Benjamin's portion was five times larger than any of the others. They drank and celebrated together with him.
This verse shows Joseph secretly showing special favor to his youngest brother Benjamin during their meal together, while his other brothers remained unaware of his true identity.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of Genesis, Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and later rose to become a powerful official in Egypt, is secretly hosting his brothers during a severe famine that has driven them to seek food. During the meal, Joseph sends portions of food to his brothers as a gesture of hospitality, but he gives his full brother Benjamin five times as much as the others, possibly as a test of their reactions or to subtly reveal his identity. This event occurs amid ongoing themes of family reconciliation and divine providence in the story.
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