Definition: And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his motherâs son, and said, [Is] this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 43:29. It’s a really significant moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Joseph was sold into slavery. In ancient times, Joseph was a talented man who was taken to Egypt and put to work as a baker's boy. His brothers plotted against him. They were jealous of his gifts and abilities, and they decided to trick him into betraying Pharaoh. They sent a spy. They sent a young man named Benjamin (who was Joseph’s half-brother) to tell Joseph that he was his older brother, Benjamin. What happened next? Joseph sees his brother. After waiting for a long time, Joseph hears from his master, who tells him about Benjamin. He looks at Benjamin and says, "Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me?" He expresses gratitude. Then, he replies, “God be gracious unto thee, my son.” What does it mean? This verse is a powerful expression of love and forgiveness. Here’s the key: “Is” – A Question of Recognition: The word "is" here isn't asking if Benjamin is his brother. It’s more like, “Are you sure this is your brother?” Joseph was deeply worried about being tricked. “God be gracious unto thee…” - A Plea for Mercy. This part is incredibly important. It shows that Joseph recognizes the pain he caused Benjamin and feels remorse. He's acknowledging that his actions were wrong and that he wants to make things right. It’s a moment of profound humility. In short, this verse is a story about: Forgiveness: Joseph acknowledges his mistake and expresses regret. Love: He wants to be reconciled with his brother. Gratitude: He recognizes the good intentions of his brothers. It’s a classic example of how even in difficult situations, people can show compassion and seek reconciliation. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: What Joseph was doing before he saw Benjamin? The significance of the word "spake" (his brother)?