Genesis 43
Commentary from 3 fathers
BAnd it came to pass, when they had finished eating the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, that their father said to them, Go again; buy us a little food.
ΕΓΕΝΕΤΟ δὲ ἡνίκα συνετέλεσαν καταφαγεῖν τὸν σῖτον, ὃν ἤνεγκαν ἐξ Αἰγύπτου, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ πατὴρ αὐτῶν· πάλιν πορευθέντες πρίασθε ἡμῖν μικρὰ βρώματα.
Гла́дъ же ѡ҆долѣ̀ на землѝ.
And Judas spoke to him, saying, The man, the lord of the country, positively testified to us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, unless your younger brother be with you.
εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ ᾿Ιούδας λέγων· διαμαρτυρίᾳ μεμαρτύρηται ἡμῖν ὁ ἄνθρωπος ὁ κύριος τῆς γῆς λέγων· οὐκ ὄψεσθε τὸ πρόσωπόν μου, ἐὰν μὴ ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν ὁ νεώτερος μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν ᾖ·
Бы́сть же є҆гда̀ сконча́ша пшени́цꙋ ꙗ҆дꙋ́ще, ю҆́же принесо́ша и҆з̾ є҆гѵ́пта: и҆ речѐ и҆̀мъ ѻ҆те́цъ и҆́хъ: па́ки ше́дше кꙋпи́те на́мъ ма́лѡ пи́щи.
If, then, thou send our brother with us, we will go down, and buy thee food;
εἰ μὲν οὖν ἀποστέλλῃς τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν μεθ᾿ ἡμῶν, καταβησόμεθα, καὶ ἀγοράσομέν σοι βρώματα.
Рече́ же є҆мꙋ̀ і҆ꙋ́да, глаго́лѧ: клѧ́твою засвидѣ́тельствова на́мъ мꙋ́жъ господи́нъ землѝ (тоѧ̀) глаго́лѧ: не ᲂу҆́зрите лица̀ моегѡ̀, а҆́ще бра́тъ ва́шъ ме́ньшїй не прїи́детъ съ ва́ми:
but if thou send not our brother with us, we will not go: for the man spoke to us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, unless your younger brother be with you.
εἰ δὲ μὴ ἀποστέλλῃς τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν μεθ᾿ ἡμῶν, οὐ πορευσόμεθα. ὁ γὰρ ἄνθρωπος εἶπεν ἡμῖν, λέγων· οὐκ ὄψεσθέ μου τὸ πρόσωπον, ἐὰν μὴ ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν ὁ νεώτερος μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν ᾖ.
а҆́ще ᲂу҆́бѡ по́слеши бра́та на́шего съ на́ми, по́йдемъ и҆ кꙋ́пимъ тебѣ̀ пи́щи:
And Israel said, Why did ye harm me, inasmuch as ye told the man that ye had a brother?
εἶπε δὲ ᾿Ισραήλ· τί ἐκακοποιήσατέ με, ἀναγγείλαντες τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ ὅτι ἐστὶν ὑμῖν ἀδελφός;
а҆́ще же не по́слеши бра́та на́шего съ на́ми, не по́йдемъ: мꙋ́жъ бо речѐ на́мъ, глаго́лѧ: не ᲂу҆́зрите лица̀ моегѡ̀, а҆́ще бра́тъ ва́шъ ме́ньшїй не прїи́детъ съ ва́ми.
And they said, The man closely questioned us about our family also, saying, Does your father yet live, and have ye a brother? and we answered him according to this question: did we know that he would say to us, Bring your brother?
οἱ δὲ εἶπαν· ἐρωτῶν ἐπηρώτησεν ἡμᾶς ὁ ἄνθρωπος καὶ τὴν γενεὰν ἡμῶν λέγων· εἰ ἔτι ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ζῇ καὶ εἰ ἔστιν ὑμῖν ἀδελφός; καὶ ἀπηγγείλαμεν αὐτῷ κατὰ τὴν ἐπερώτησιν ταύτην. μὴ ᾔδειμεν ὅτι ἐρεῖ ἡμῖν· ἀγάγετε τὸν ἀδελφὸν ὑμῶν;
Рече́ же і҆и҃ль: почто̀ ѕло̀ сотвори́сте мѝ, повѣ́давше мꙋ́жꙋ, ꙗ҆́кѡ є҆́сть ва́мъ бра́тъ;
And Judas said to his father Israel, Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and thou, and our store.
εἶπε δὲ ᾿Ιούδας πρὸς ᾿Ισραὴλ τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ· ἀπόστειλον τὸ παιδάριον μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ, καὶ ἀναστάντες πορευσόμεθα, ἵνα ζῶμεν καὶ μὴ ἀποθάνωμεν καὶ ἡμεῖς καὶ σὺ καὶ ἡ ἀποσκευὴ ἡμῶν.
Ѻ҆ни́ же рѣ́ша: вопроша́ѧ вопросѝ на́съ мꙋ́жъ и҆ ро́да на́шегѡ, глаго́лѧ: а҆́ще є҆щѐ ѻ҆те́цъ ва́шъ жи́въ є҆́сть, и҆ а҆́ще є҆́сть ва́мъ бра́тъ; и҆ повѣ́дахомъ є҆мꙋ̀ по вопро́сꙋ семꙋ̀: є҆да̀ вѣ́дѣхомъ, ꙗ҆́кѡ рече́тъ на́мъ: приведи́те бра́та ва́шего;
And I engage for him; at my hand do thou require him; if I bring him not to thee, and place him before thee, I shall be guilty toward thee for ever.
ἐγὼ δὲ ἐκδέχομαι αὐτόν, ἐκ χειρός μου ζήτησον αὐτόν· ἐὰν μὴ ἀγάγω αὐτὸν πρὸς σὲ καὶ στήσω αὐτὸν ἐναντίον σου, ἡμαρτηκὼς ἔσομαι εἰς σὲ πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας.
Рече́ же і҆ꙋ́да ко і҆и҃лю, ѻ҆тцꙋ̀ своемꙋ̀: ѿпꙋстѝ ѻ҆́трочища со мно́ю: и҆ воста́вше по́йдемъ, да жи́ви бꙋ́демъ и҆ не ᲂу҆́мремъ, и҆ мы̀ и҆ ты̀ и҆ и҆мѣ́нїе на́ше:
For if we had not tarried, we should now have returned twice.
εἰ μὴ γὰρ ἐβραδύναμεν, ἤδη ἂν ὑπεστρέψαμεν δίς.
а҆́зъ же возмꙋ̀ є҆го̀: ѿ рꙋкꙋ̀ моє́ю взыщѝ є҆го̀: а҆́ще не приведꙋ̀ є҆гѡ̀ къ тебѣ̀, и҆ поста́влю є҆го̀ пред̾ тобо́ю, грѣ́шенъ бꙋ́дꙋ къ тебѣ̀ всѧ̑ дни̑:
And Israel, their father, said to them, If it be so, do this; take of the fruits of the earth in your vessels, and carry down to the man presents of gum and honey, and frankincense, and stacte, and turpentine, and walnuts.
εἶπε δὲ αὐτοῖς ᾿Ισραὴλ ὁ πατὴρ αὐτῶν· εἰ οὕτως ἐστί, τοῦτο ποιήσατε· λάβετε ἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν τῆς γῆς ἐν τοῖς ἀγγείοις ὑμῶν καὶ καταγάγετε τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ δῶρα τῆς ρητίνης καὶ τοῦ μέλιτος, θυμίαμά τε καὶ στακτὴν καὶ τερέβινθον καὶ κάρυα.
а҆́ще бо бы́хомъ не ᲂу҆ме́длили, ᲂу҆жѐ возврати́лисѧ бы два́жды.
And take your brother; and arise, go down to the man.
καὶ τὸν ἀδελφὸν ὑμῶν λάβετε καὶ ἀναστάντες κατάβητε πρὸς τὸν ἄνθρωπον.
и҆ сребро̀ сꙋгꙋ́бо возми́те въ рꙋ́цѣ своѝ, и҆ сребро̀ ѡ҆брѣ́тенное во вре́тищахъ ва́шихъ возврати́те съ собо́ю, да не ка́кѡ невѣ́дѣнїе є҆́сть:
And my God give you favour in the sight of the man, and send away your other brother, and Benjamin, for I accordingly as I have been bereaved, am bereaved.
ὁ δὲ Θεός μου δῴη ὑμῖν χάριν ἐναντίον τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, καὶ ἀποστείλαι τὸν ἀδελφὸν ὑμῶν τὸν ἕνα καὶ τὸν Βενιαμίν· ἐγὼ μὲν γὰρ καθάπερ ἠτέκνωμαι, ἠτέκνωμαι.
и҆ бра́та своего̀ поими́те, и҆ воста́вше и҆ди́те къ мꙋ́жꙋ:
Then Jacob was constrained by the famine, whether he was willing or not, to send Benjamin with them. So he gave them supplies and sent them off with blessings and said, “Just as I was bereaved of Rachel, so am I now bereaved of Rachel’s children.” Judah comforted his father and said, “If I do not bring back Benjamin and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.” Then they took some of the choice fruits of the land: gum, pistachio nuts, which are berries, and so forth. They then went down and stood before Joseph. Joseph commanded his steward to give them lodging in his house.
Commentary on Genesis 37:3
And the men having taken these presents, and the double money, took in their hands also Benjamin; and they rose up and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.
Λαβόντες δὲ οἱ ἄνδρες τὰ δῶρα ταῦτα καὶ τὸ ἀργύριον διπλοῦν ἔλαβον ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτῶν καὶ τὸν Βενιαμὶν καὶ ἀναστάντες κατέβησαν εἰς Αἴγυπτον καὶ ἔστησαν ἐναντίον ᾿Ιωσήφ.
бг҃ъ же мо́й да да́стъ ва́мъ блгⷣть пред̾ мꙋ́жемъ и҆ ѿпꙋ́ститъ бра́та ва́шего є҆ди́наго, и҆ венїамі́на: а҆́зъ бо ꙗ҆́коже ѡ҆безча́дѣхъ, ѡ҆безча́дѣхъ.
And Joseph saw them and his brother Benjamin, born of the same mother; and he said to the steward of his household, Bring the men into the house, and slay beasts and make ready, for the men are to eat bread with me at noon.
εἶδε δὲ ᾿Ιωσὴφ αὐτοὺς καὶ τὸν Βενιαμὶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν ὁμομήτριον καὶ εἶπε τῷ ἐπὶ τῆς οἰκίας αὐτοῦ· εἰσάγαγε τοὺς ἀνθρώπους εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν καὶ σφάξον θύματα καὶ ἑτοίμασον· μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ γὰρ φάγονται οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἄρτους τὴν μεσημβρίαν.
Взе́мше же мꙋ́жїе да́ры сїѧ̑, и҆ сребро̀ сꙋгꙋ́бое взѧ́ша въ рꙋ́цѣ своѝ, и҆ венїамі́на: и҆ воста́вше прїидо́ша во є҆гѵ́петъ, и҆ ста́ша пред̾ і҆ѡ́сифомъ.
And the man did as Joseph said; and he brought the men into the house of Joseph.
ἐποίησε δὲ ὁ ἄνθρωπος, καθὰ εἶπεν ᾿Ιωσήφ, καὶ εἰσήγαγε τοὺς ἀνθρώπους εἰς τὸν οἶκον ᾿Ιωσήφ.
Ви́дѣ же и҆̀хъ і҆ѡ́сифъ, и҆ венїамі́на бра́та своего̀ є҆динома́тернѧ, и҆ речѐ строи́телю до́мꙋ своегѡ̀: введѝ мꙋ́жы (сїѧ̑) въ до́мъ, и҆ заколѝ ѿ скота̀, и҆ ᲂу҆гото́вай: со мно́ю бо ꙗ҆́сти и҆́мꙋтъ мꙋ́жїе (сі́и) хлѣ́бъ въ полꙋ́дне.
And the men, when they perceived that they were brought into the house of Joseph, said, We are brought in because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first; even in order to inform against us, and lay it to our charge; to take us for servants, and our asses.
ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ ἄνδρες ὅτι εἰσήχθησαν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ ᾿Ιωσήφ, εἶπαν· διὰ τὸ ἀργύριον τὸ ἀποστραφὲν ἐν τοῖς μαρσίπποις ἡμῶν τὴν ἀρχὴν ἡμεῖς εἰσαγόμεθα τοῦ συκοφαντῆσαι ἡμᾶς καὶ ἐπιθέσθαι ἡμῖν τοῦ λαβεῖν ἡμᾶς εἰς παῖδας καὶ τοὺς ὄνους ἡμῶν.
Сотвори́ же человѣ́къ, ꙗ҆́коже речѐ і҆ѡ́сифъ, и҆ введѐ мꙋ́жы въ до́мъ і҆ѡ́сифовъ.
And having approached the man who was over the house of Joseph, they spoke to him in the porch of the house,
προσελθόντες δὲ πρὸς τὸν ἄνθρωπον τὸν ἐπὶ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ ᾿Ιωσὴφ ἐλάλησαν αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ πυλῶνι τοῦ οἴκου
Ви́дѣвше же мꙋ́жїе, ꙗ҆́кѡ введо́ша и҆̀хъ въ до́мъ і҆ѡ́сифовъ, рѣ́ша: сребра̀ ра́ди возвраще́ннагѡ во вре́тищахъ на́шихъ пе́рвѣе, вво́дѧтъ ны̀, є҆́же бы ѡ҆клевета́ти на́съ и҆ нанестѝ на ны̀, да по́ймꙋтъ на́съ въ рабы̑, и҆ ѻ҆слы̀ на́шѧ.
But when the [brothers] saw Joseph’s servants hurrying to unburden their beasts and to bring in their baggage, they said to themselves, grieving, “We have bereaved our father of Benjamin, and we shall never again see the face of our father. It was with treachery that our money was put into the openings of our packs, so that if we escape [the charge of] spying they might seize us and make us slaves [on the charge] of theft. Let us confess to the steward about the money before he begins to accuse us so that our brother Benjamin might free us from [the charge of] spying and the confession of our lips from [the charge of] theft.”
Commentary on Genesis 37:4
saying, We pray [thee], Sir; we came down at first to buy food.
λέγοντες· δεόμεθα, κύριε, κατέβημεν τὴν ἀρχὴν πρίασθαι βρώματα·
Пристꙋпи́вше же къ человѣ́кꙋ сꙋ́щемꙋ над̾ до́момъ і҆ѡ́сифовымъ, реко́ша є҆мꙋ̀ при вратѣ́хъ до́мꙋ,
Then the [brothers] approached Joseph’s steward and said to him, “When we returned the first time we opened our sacks, and behold, there was each one’s money in the opening of his sack. We are now returning it to you because it is not right that we take the money for the grain together with the grain.” But when the steward saw how terrified they were, he consoled them and said, “Rest assured, do not be afraid. It is not because of the money, which I received, that we are bringing you into this house. We have eagerly awaited you because of the truth that is found among you. You are not going to be condemned for something that you did not take. You have been summoned to recline and be seated before our master, for he is just, and by the honor that he has reserved for you this second time, he wishes to make you forget the disgrace that you endured the first time.”
Commentary on Genesis 37:5
And they began to desire to plead their case to the man who was steward of the house at the door of the house. They still hesitate to enter in and prefer to be justified from their works, for they desire to prove a case rather than to receive grace, and so they are refuted at the gates. But the one who awaits the fruit of the Virgin’s womb and the inheritance of the Lord is dealing in the goods of the Son and is not ashamed at the gate. Rather, at the end of this life he drives back the enemy so that the latter, who is aware of his quite serious guilt, may not hinder him as he hastens to higher things. On this account, the steward answered them in a mystical sense. And know who this is, when you read that Moses was faithful in all his house. For Moses and Peter and Paul and the other saints are the stewards, but Christ alone is the master. It is written, “Moses was faithful in all his house as a servant for a testimony of those things which had been said, but Christ as the Son in his own house, which house we are, if we hold fast liberty and the glory of the hope.”
On Joseph the Patriarch
And it came to pass, when we came to unlade, and opened our sacks, [there was] also this money of each in his sack; we have now brought back our money by weight in our hands.
ἐγένετο δὲ ἡνίκα ἤλθομεν εἰς τὸ καταλῦσαι καὶ ἠνοίξαμεν τοὺς μαρσίππους ἡμῶν, καὶ τόδε τὸ ἀργύριον ἑκάστου ἐν τῷ μαρσίππῳ αὐτοῦ· τὸ ἀργύριον ἡμῶν ἐν σταθμῷ ἀπεστρέψαμεν νῦν ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν ἡμῶν
глаго́люще: мо́лимъ тѧ̀, господи́не: прїидо́хомъ пе́рвѣе кꙋпи́ти пи́щи:
And we have brought other money with us to buy food; we know not who put the money into our sacks.
καὶ ἀργύριον ἕτερον ἠνέγκαμεν μεθ᾿ ἑαυτῶν ἀγοράσαι βρώματα· οὐκ οἴδαμεν, τίς ἐνέβαλε τὸ ἀργύριον εἰς τοὺς μαρσίππους ἡμῶν.
бы́сть же є҆гда̀ прїидо́хомъ на ста́нъ и҆ ѿрѣши́хомъ врє́тища своѧ̑, и҆ сѐ, сребро̀ коегѡ́ждо во вре́тищи є҆гѡ̀: то́е сребро̀ на́ше вѣ́сомъ возврати́хомъ нн҃ѣ рꙋка́ми на́шими:
And he said to them, [God deal] mercifully with you; be not afraid; your God, and the God of your fathers, has given you treasures in your sacks, and I have enough of your good money. And he brought Symeon out to them.
εἶπε δὲ αὐτοῖς· ἵλεως ὑμῖν, μὴ φοβεῖσθε· ὁ Θεὸς ὑμῶν καὶ ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν ἔδωκεν ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐν τοῖς μαρσίπποις ὑμῶν, καὶ τὸ ἀργύριον ὑμῶν εὐδοκιμοῦν ἀπέχω. καὶ ἐξήγαγε πρὸς αὐτοὺς τὸν Συμεὼν
и҆ сребро̀ дрꙋго́е принесо́хомъ съ собо́ю кꙋпи́ти пи́щи: не вѣ́мы, кто̀ вложѝ сребро̀ во врє́тища на̑ша.
And he brought water to wash their feet; and gave provender to their asses.
καὶ ἤνεγκεν ὕδωρ νίψαι τοὺς πόδας αὐτῶν καὶ ἔδωκε χορτάσματα τοῖς ὄνοις αὐτῶν.
Рече́ же и҆̀мъ: ми́ръ ва́мъ, не бо́йтесѧ: бг҃ъ ва́шъ и҆ бг҃ъ ѻ҆тє́цъ ва́шихъ дадѐ ва́мъ сокрѡ́вища во вре́тищахъ ва́шихъ: а҆ сребро̀ ва́ше за прїѧ́тое и҆мѣ́ю. И҆ и҆зведѐ къ ни̑мъ сѷмеѡ́на:
They indeed had said to him, “We found the money of each one of us in our sacks. We have brought back our money in full weight.” O mighty mysteries, and mysteries clearly portrayed! This is to say: Why are you puffed up? Do you assume too often that the money you have in your sacks is your own? What indeed do you have which you have not received? But if you have received it, why do you boast as if you have not received it? Now you have been satisfied, you have become rich; you believe that you possess the money, but the God of your fathers has given the money to you. He is your God, he is the God of your ancestors, and you have denied him. But he grants pardon and forgiveness and receives you back if you should return. He is the one who does not ask your money but gives his own. He has given you money in your sacks. Now your sacks hold money that used to hold mire; and therefore he is your companion who says, “You have cut off my sackcloth and have clothed me with gladness.” The gift of gladness is Christ. He is your money; he is your price. The Lord Jesus does not demand from you the price of his grain, does not ask the weight of your money. Your money is unsound; the money in your purse is not good. “I have received your good money"; that is, it is not your material money but your spiritual money that is good. You have brought it down out of faith and devotion like the sons of Jacob; it is expended without loss and is counted out without any deficit, seeing that for such a price the loss that is death is avoided and the profit that is life is gained.
On Joseph the Patriarch
And they prepared their gifts, until Joseph came at noon, for they heard that he was going to dine there.
ἡτοίμασαν δὲ τὰ δῶρα ἕως τοῦ ἐλθεῖν τὸν ᾿Ιωσὴφ μεσημβρίας· ἤκουσαν γὰρ ὅτι ἐκεῖ μέλλει ἀριστᾶν.
и҆ принесѐ во́дꙋ ѡ҆мы́ти но́зѣ и҆̀мъ, и҆ дадѐ па̑жити ѻ҆слѡ́мъ и҆́хъ.
And Joseph entered into the house, and they brought him the gifts which they had in their hands, into the house; and they did him reverence with their face to the ground.
Εἰσῆλθε δὲ ᾿Ιωσὴφ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν, καὶ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ τὰ δῶρα, ἃ εἶχον ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτῶν, εἰς τὸν οἶκον καὶ προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ ἐπὶ πρόσωπον ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν.
Оу҆гото́ваша же да́ры, до́ндеже прїи́детъ і҆ѡ́сифъ въ полꙋ́дне: слы́шаша бо, ꙗ҆́кѡ та́мѡ и҆́мать ѡ҆бѣ́дати.
“And they made ready the presents, until Joseph came at noon.” Paul’s faith hastened the coming of noon. Before, Paul was blind; afterward he began to see the light of justice, because if anyone opens his way to the Lord and hopes in him, the Lord will also bring forth his justice as the light and his judgment as the noon. And when God appeared to Abraham by the oak of Mamre, it was noon, and the everlasting light from the Lord’s presence shone on him. It is noon when the real Joseph enters into his house to dine. The day shines more at that time, when we celebrate the sacred mysteries.
On Joseph the Patriarch
And he asked them, How are ye? and he said to them, Is your father, the old man of whom ye spoke, well? Does he yet live?
ἠρώτησε δὲ αὐτούς, πῶς ἔχετε; καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· εἰ ὑγιαίνει ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ πρεσβύτης, ὃν εἴπατε; ἔτι ζῇ;
Прїи́де же і҆ѡ́сифъ въ до́мъ: и҆ принесо́ша є҆мꙋ̀ да́ры, ꙗ҆̀же и҆мѧ́хꙋ въ рꙋка́хъ свои́хъ, въ до́мъ: и҆ поклони́шасѧ є҆мꙋ̀ лице́мъ до землѝ.
“And they brought him the presents.” We bring the presents; he renews the banquet. He says, “Serve the bread,” which the Hebrews take by themselves, but the Egyptians cannot eat it. But how generous was his kindness before the banquet! What a moral lesson in his practice of consideration and courtesy! The brothers were still suspicious concerning the false accusation that they thought was being prepared against them by Joseph. He invited them to dinner. Their inclination wavered; his kindness persevered. He is the first to speak, the first to ask, “How are you?” And again he says, “Is the old man your father well?” It is the part of a superior to invite the inferior to conversation, to inspire confidence in his discourse, to ask not only after them but also after their parents. They answer him, “Your servant, our father, is well.” Joseph said “the old man” so as to do him honor; they called him “servant” so as to offer the service of their humility. “Old age” suggests honor and dignity, whereas “servitude” appears submissive and more closely related to modesty than to pride.
On Joseph the Patriarch
And they said, Thy servant our father is well; he is yet alive. And he said, Blessed be that man by God;-- and they bowed, and did him reverence.
οἱ δὲ εἶπαν· ὑγιαίνει ὁ παῖς σου ὁ πατὴρ ἡμῶν, ἔτι ζῇ· καὶ εἶπεν· εὐλογημένος ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐκεῖνος τῷ Θεῷ. καὶ κύψαντες προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ.
И҆ вопросѝ и҆̀хъ: здра́ви ли є҆стѐ; И҆ речѐ и҆̀мъ: здра́въ ли є҆́сть ѻ҆те́цъ ва́шъ, ста́рецъ, є҆го́же реко́сте, є҆ще́ ли жи́въ є҆́сть;
When Joseph entered the house, his brothers brought him an offering and bowed down to him trembling. He inquired about their welfare, and they took heart. He asked if their father was alive, and they were put at ease. He asked whether that one was their brother, and he blessed him and said, “God be gracious to you my son,” and all fear was taken from their mind. It was in the Egyptian language that Joseph blessed Benjamin, and it was through an interpreter that they heard these initial [exchanges].
Commentary on Genesis 37:6
And Joseph lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, born of the same mother; and he said, Is this your younger brother, whom ye spoke of bringing to me? and he said, God have mercy on thee, my son.
ἀναβλέψας δὲ τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς αὐτοῦ ᾿Ιωσὴφ εἶδε Βενιαμὶν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν ὁμομήτριον καὶ εἶπεν· οὗτος ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν ὁ νεώτερος, ὃν εἴπατε πρός με ἀγαγεῖν; καὶ εἶπεν· ὁ Θεὸς ἐλεήσαι σε τέκνον.
Ѻ҆ни́ же реко́ша: здра́въ є҆́сть ра́бъ тво́й, ѻ҆те́цъ на́шъ, є҆щѐ жи́въ є҆́сть. И҆ речѐ: блгⷭ҇ве́нъ человѣ́къ ѻ҆́ный бг҃ꙋ. И҆ прини́кше поклони́шасѧ є҆мꙋ̀.
And Joseph was troubled, for his bowels yearned over his brother, and he sought to weep; and he went into his chamber, and wept there.
ἐταράχθη δὲ ᾿Ιωσήφ, συνεστρέφετο γὰρ τὰ ἔγκατα αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐζήτει κλαῦσαι· εἰσελθὼν δὲ εἰς τὸ ταμεῖον ἔκλαυσεν ἐκεῖ.
Воззрѣ́въ же ѻ҆чи́ма свои́ма і҆ѡ́сифъ, ви́дѣ венїамі́на бра́та своего̀ є҆динома́тернѧ и҆ речѐ: се́й ли є҆́сть бра́тъ ва́шъ ю҆нѣ́йшїй, є҆го́же реко́сте ко мнѣ̀ привестѝ; И҆ речѐ: бг҃ъ да поми́лꙋетъ тѧ̀, ча́до.
Moreover, “Joseph saw them and Benjamin his brother by the same mother.” The Hebrews are seen now, and they are seen by Christ, who is the true Joseph, when they come with the figure who symbolizes Paul. And Joseph speaks to them gently and mildly, inviting them to take food together. Earlier, however, when they came without Benjamin, he did not even recognize them but turned away from them, as it is written, “and he spoke harshly to them.” For they did not recognize him by whom they were recognized. They advance, then, by the merit of Paul, whom the Lord Jesus loved more than the other brothers, as being a younger brother begotten from the same mother. Let the Jews turn to him whom they have denied to be their Lord. Even though he was crucified from their synagogue, yet he loves them more as born of the same parent, if only they come to know, even late, the Author of their salvation. But being aware of their own offenses, they do not believe that Christ is so very merciful as to forgive their sin and pardon their wrongdoing. And thus their future line of conduct was prefigured in the patriarchs. They were invited to grace, were summoned to the banquet of the table of salvation and suspected that a false accusation was being readied against them and an ambush was being laid.
On Joseph the Patriarch
Now “raising his eyes he saw Benjamin, his brother by the same mother.” The moral sense is that we see those we love before others, and the gaze of our eyes lights first on those whom we consider first in our mind’s eye. And for the most part, when we are busy all around with another mental employment, we do not see those whom we find before our eyes. Thus our sight is directed by the guidance of our mind. And so, holy Joseph saw Benjamin his brother; he remembered him, he looked for him, he almost had not seen his brothers in Benjamin’s absence because the sight of them was of no help whatsoever. Neither was he satisfied only to have seen him; as if not knowing him, Joseph asked, “Is this your youngest brother?” It is the way and the favor of love that we should possess those we love not only with our eyes but also by our conversation. Joseph had recognized his beloved brother, but he asked for this reason, that he might speak the name of him that he had in his heart. Indeed, Joseph did not wait for a reply but at once blessed him and was troubled at the attainment of his wish. Now “his heart was tormented,” because his freedom to embrace the brother he longed for was postponed. Thereupon, “entering into his chamber he wept and washed his face and restrained himself.” The stings of a great love swiftly prick the heart, unless the reins of desire are relaxed. Joseph was being overcome by feeling but put off by deliberation; reason was in contest with love. He wept, so that he could moderate the surges of his holy love.
On Joseph the Patriarch
The foregoing is in the moral sense. In the mystical sense, however, the Lord Jesus saw Paul—for “the eyes of the Lord are upon the just”—and said, “Is this your youngest brother?” He is still called the youngest, for he did not yet exhibit a venerable faith of mature age, and he had not yet grown into mature manhood, “into that measure of the age of the fullness of Christ,” as Paul himself says. Indeed, he is called a young man only in that passage where he kept the garments of those who were stoning Stephen. And on that account he desired that Philemon imitate not his youth but his old age, as he wrote, “I rather beseech, since you are such a one as Paul, an old man.” On that account he preaches that younger widows are to be refused, not by reason of their age but on account of a kind of wantonness in offenses that are reaching full growth and an immaturity in virtue. But chastity merits greater praise in a young man than in one who is old. Moreover, I think it is not far from the truth if we adopt the following interpretation. Although Paul was struck and taken up and was terrified because blindness had befallen him, still he began to come near when he said, “Lord, what will you have me do?” For that reason he is called the youngest by Christ, so that he who was called to grace could be excused from the guilt of his hazardous years. Yes, Christ saw him when the light shone round him; because young men are recalled from sin more by fear than by reason, Christ applied the goad and mercifully admonished him not to kick against it.
On Joseph the Patriarch
And he washed his face and came out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.
καὶ νιψάμενος τὸ πρόσωπον ἐξελθὼν ἐνεκρατεύσατο καὶ εἶπε· παράθετε ἄρτους.
Возмꙋти́сѧ же і҆ѡ́сифъ: подви́жесѧ бо ᲂу҆тро́ба є҆гѡ̀ ѡ҆ бра́тѣ свое́мъ, и҆ и҆ска́ше пла́кати: вше́дъ же въ ло́жницꙋ, пла́касѧ та́мѡ.
And they set on [bread] for him alone, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians feasting with him by themselves, for the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for it is an abomination to the Egyptians.
καὶ παρέθηκαν αὐτῷ μόνῳ καὶ αὐτοῖς καθ᾿ ἑαυτοὺς καὶ τοῖς Αἰγυπτίοις τοῖς συνδειπνοῦσι μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ καθ᾿ ἑαυτούς· οὐ γὰρ ἐδύναντο οἱ Αἰγύπτιοι συνεσθίειν μετὰ τῶν ῾Εβραίων ἄρτους, βδέλυγμα γάρ ἐστι τοῖς Αἰγυπτίοις.
И҆ ᲂу҆мы́въ лицѐ, и҆зше́дъ ᲂу҆держа́сѧ и҆ речѐ: предложи́те хлѣ́бы.
And they sat before him, the first-born according to his seniority, and the younger according to his youth; and the men looked with amazement every one at his brother.
ἐκάθισαν δὲ ἐναντίον αὐτοῦ, ὁ πρωτότοκος κατὰ τὰ πρεσβεῖα αὐτοῦ καὶ ὁ νεώτερος κατὰ τὴν νεότητα αὐτοῦ· ἐξίσταντο δὲ οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἕκαστος πρὸς τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ.
И҆ предложи́ша є҆мꙋ̀ є҆ди́номꙋ, и҆ ѡ҆́нымъ ѡ҆со́бнѡ, и҆ є҆гѵ́птѧнѡмъ, и҆̀же съ ни́мъ ꙗ҆дѧ́хꙋ, ѡ҆со́бнѡ: не можа́хꙋ бо є҆гѵ́птѧне ꙗ҆́сти хлѣ́ба со є҆врє́и: ме́рзость бо є҆́сть є҆гѵ́птѧнѡмъ (꙳всѧ́къ пастꙋ́хъ ѻ҆́вчїй).
(Verse 32) And they drank, and were intoxicated with it. The idiom of the Hebrew language is to equate drunkenness with satiety, as it says there: 'He shall be satisfied with the abundance of rain, with the produce of his land he shall be intoxicated.' (Psalm 65:11) Undoubtedly, this refers to a land irrigated by rain.
Hebrew Questions on Genesis
And they took their portions from him to themselves; but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as the portions of [the others]. And they drank and were filled with drink with him.
ᾖραν δὲ μερίδας παρ᾿ αὐτοῦ πρὸς αὐτούς· ἐμεγαλύνθη δὲ ἡ μερὶς Βενιαμὶν παρὰ τὰς μερίδας πάντων πενταπλασίως πρὸς τὰς ἐκείνων, ἔπιον δὲ καὶ ἐμεθύσθησαν μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ.
Сѣдо́ша же прѧ́мѡ є҆мꙋ̀ пе́рвенецъ по старѣ́йшинствꙋ своемꙋ̀ и҆ ме́ньшїй по ме́ньшествꙋ своемꙋ̀, и҆ дивлѧ́хꙋсѧ мꙋ́жїе кі́йждо ко бра́тꙋ своемꙋ̀:
Joseph began to make his brothers sit down as if around his [divining] cup; the elder according to his status as elder and the youngest according to his youth. It is amazing that his brothers did not recognize him: not by the money in their provisions when they went home the first time, not when Joseph had Simeon bound, not when he asked about his old father when they brought Benjamin back, not when they were accused of cheating, not from the fact that he made them stay in his house and blessed Benjamin, not even from the fact that he knew the names of all of them. This was all the more [amazing] since even his appearance was so similar. Even if his majesty had deluded them, his dreams should have jarred their memory. Although they did not recognize Joseph because of his majesty, his rank and his angry tongue, it was nevertheless because of the Lord that he remained hidden from them until his dreams should be fulfilled in them who had sold him in order to render them false.
Commentary on Genesis 37:7
And take double money in your hands, and the money that was returned in your sacks, carry back with you, lest peradventure it is a mistake.
καὶ τὸ ἀργύριον δισσὸν λάβετε ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν ὑμῶν· καὶ τὸ ἀργύριον τὸ ἀποστραφὲν ἐν τοῖς μαρσίπποις ὑμῶν ἀποστρέψατε μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν· μή ποτε ἀγνόημά ἐστι.
Рече́ же и҆̀мъ і҆и҃ль ѻ҆те́цъ и҆́хъ: а҆́ще та́кѡ є҆́сть, сїѐ сотвори́те: возми́те ѿ плодѡ́въ земны́хъ въ сосꙋ́ды своѧ̑ и҆ донеси́те человѣ́кꙋ да́ры, риті́нꙋ {тꙋ́къ масти́тый и҆з̾ дре́ва текꙋ́щїй}, ме́дъ, ѳѷмїа́ма же и҆ ста́кти, и҆ тереві́нѳъ и҆ ѻ҆рѣ́хи: